For those who are looking for a beach read, I just finished a book called "Roses" by Leila Meacham. It's no classic work of literature but it was an easy read and kept me entertained. I know a book has captured my attention when I'm still thinking about the characters later that night or the next day after I finish it.
It can be compared to Gone With the Wind or the Thornbirds. I doubt it would be a fair comparison but Roses was decent enough and it entertained me. One thing I liked was that I've never read anything by this author and it wasn't one in a series. This book stands alone and you don't need to know anything about the characters or author before you read it.
Since I just finished grad school, maybe my bar is low since I've been reading industry books and trade journals for two years but I enjoyed the book and thought I'd share for those who are looking for a book to read.

Re: Book Recommendation
Thanks KKP!
I just picked up some more books by Margaret Atwood - and started her 'The Year of the Flood'. I just love her stuff and can't wait to get into this one a little further (it would be helpful to have read 'Oryx & Crake' first - which I loved too).
With all the talk about GTG's, I was in the entertainment of an idea phase of concocting a 'No-Book Book Club Event' where there's no book of the month and everyone just brings whatever they're currently reading to share ideas. I haven't run it past the group yet. Or maybe a book swap kind of like the cookie-swap...except that I get most of my stuff from the library so I'd have to work that out some more in my head.
LOVE this idea!