Books

[lotusbiosm]

OK, so, I just got directions to the local branch of the DC public library, which is like 5 blocks maximum from my house. And it being summer, I have time to read for fun. I read all of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire on Saturday, and I'm speeding along through Order of the Phoenix too. (I'm refreshing for when Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince comes out) I'm certain to get some books for my birthday, but as that isn't until July, I need something to tide me over until then. I got two books at Easter, but they're not really "sit down and read" books, so much as "throw in your bag to have in case you get stuck somewhere with nothing to do" books. Which is fine, but I want something I can sink my teeth into. Which is where you, dear readers, come in. Recommend me some books. Old classics, new favorites, long, short, romantic, comedic, tragic, whatever. Feel free to ask questions before making rec's, and my userinfo should give you some sense of what I like.

Comments

[sleepingtree.livejournal.com]

I'm interviewing (it's a phone interview) for a job I'm barely qualified for in DC this week. Should the miracle occur and I get the job--any suggestions where I can live for cheap?

[lotusbiosm.livejournal.com]

I'm assuming you know about Craig's List (http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/). The City Paper (http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/class/classifieds.html) also has good listings, as does The Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/rentals/index.html?g=1). "Cheap" in DC's going to mean something radically different than cheap in Maine. Within the District proper, some cheaper neighborhoods are Columbia Heights and Petworth. Adams Morgan's considered kind of hip, and I think you might be able to find some decent prices there. I've seen decent rates in Capitol Hill too. Georgetown, Foggy Bottom and Dupont Circle are all likely to be well out of your price range, although I'm sure you have a bit more to spend than I do. There are others too. Also, the suburbs (in Virginia and Maryland) are often cheaper than the city, but then you have a longer commute, and may need a car to go shopping and whatnot (but I think you have a car, so that might not be a problem). If you have a roommate, you can split costs, of course. I pay $615 for one room in a house, which covers rent, all utilities, cable and wireless internet (though the new tenant is paying $650 I think).
Some links:
http://www.livejournal.com/community/washingtondc/755686.html (DC neighborhoods)
http://www.livejournal.com/community/washingtondc/164623.html (Safe Places to live)