I finished Patrick O'Brian's Naval Series Last year--

squeezed in the botany of desire and a bniography of sir joseph banks

then I read Horiatio Alger naval series as a point of comparison

the 2nd Mrs D'arcy etc that are 'sequels' to Pride & Prej

then i read all the "bones" mysteries by Cathy Reichs

then i reread First man of rome series (mainly because i couldn't get into the last 2 books since it had been so long since i had read the first 4 to be able to untangle all the family and story lines)

now i've just plowed thru Joanne Flukes mysteries, updated myself with diane mott-davison and lilian jackson braun as well as Mozart & the Whale and the science and fiction of autism (my sons are autistic)

thats what i've read over the last year.

what i'm looking for is something humorous, well written, believable characters, maybe historical that can draw me in.

any suggestions are welcome
and thanked for in advance

diggerb2 - In the last few years when I have been seeking something humorous, light hearted and well written, I have picked up a book the 'No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' series. The author is Alexander McCall Smith. There are 8 books in the series at present. IMO, it is best to start at the beginning with this series.

I have 4 books to go in O'Brian's 'Master and Commander' series. Love them! I have listened to 'M&C' and the 'No 1 Ladies'' on audio books.

Another author I enjoy reading is Ellis Peters. She has written the 'Brother Cadfael' novels. These are definitely historical, and well written, too. Not necessarily humorous, though. tkh

If memory serves, Sir Joseph Banks was with Capt. Cook, was he not? If you enjoyed the bio and want to learn a bit more about Capt. Cook, I HIGHLY recommend Blue Latitudes by Tony Horwitz. It is non-fiction. He and a buddy decide to follow the path taken by Capt. Cook. The book is set up with alternating chapters...history about Cook's voyage, then what Horwitz is experiencing in the same vicinity. I literally fell off of the couch laughing at some parts, learned a whole lot and became a Horwitz fan and read everything else he's written.

For medieval mysteries, try the Roger the Chapman series by Kate Sedley. The main character is Roger Chapman, a peddler who was near to taking his vows but decided against becoming a monk at the last minute. He claims that God steers his footsteps to towns and villages that have a problem that needs sorting out. Again, I've read every one and would suggest you read them in order. That order is also listed at the STOP! You're Killing Me! website. There are 11 or 12 of them, I believe, which will give you at least a few weeks of reading!

I shall try to think of others and post them at a later time. Let us know which suggestions you try!
PAM

BOTANY OF DESIRE is a documentary which tells the utterly original story of everyday plants and the way they have domesticated humankind. An interpretation of the relationship between plants and people. This two-hour documentary explores plant evolution and takes viewers from the potato fields of Peru and Idaho, the apple forests of Kazakhstan, and the tulip markets of Amsterdam.

View online in it's entirety: here

This is another related program by the same presenter on LINK TV (a cable access channel) which is timely:

Deep Agriculture
Traditional methods of agriculture in most developed nations have long ignored environmental concerns. Factors such as soil erosion, water shortage and the impact of chemicals on bio-systems have been overlooked in favour of massive crop yields and cheaper food. But what impact does this have on our health and our environment?

View online in it's entirety: here

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Sit down with a cup of tea or coffee and witness the evolution of an Organic Kitchen Garden.

"Amy and Louise", "Abide With Me", "Olive Kitteridge".

I read these one after the other, my favourite was the last "Olive Kitteridge".

A wonderful little book, full of mythological magic.
Plus a wonderful little donkey named Beauty.

I did so enjoy the Guernsey book.

Anita also wrote 'The Red Tent'

And if you just want to laugh till you bust, try the Janet Evanovich "Plum" series - starts with One for the Money. They're up to 14 now, which is great if you're just discovering them. They're the only books I've ever read that literally made me cry laughing, in fact in some spots, I had to stop several times to regain my composure before I could continue. Very light and fun.

I have read it twice over time and I will read it again I am sure.