i need a vacation.

i want to go on a beach vacation. this would come as a surprise to anyone that knows me, because i generally avoid the beach. or being outside in the sun at all, really. but last year's brief trip to jamaica opened my eyes to the possibility that it's not so bad after all. especially at a fancy resort where they put out a beach chair and umbrella for you, and bring you a frosty drink.

this past may, scott and i went to london and berlin to visit friends. our days were so packed with walking around, seeing things, that in the evenings, all i wanted to do was sit and read. i finished the two books i had brought--wolf at the table and wonder boys, then read the chris farley autobiography that scott had purchased in the airport. (i was desperate, but it was actually really interesting.) with nothing left to read, i sought out a bookstore that carried a small selection of english novels, and chose no one belong here more than you, the miranda july book of short stories. but i couldn't get through it. it bothered me in its attempts to be offbeat, like it was trying too hard. if anyone wants it, it's yours.

anyway, my point really is that i want to go to the beach for a week and bring a dozen books and just read and relax. recommendations for places to go are happily accepted. (we were thinking hawaii, but i'm put off by the long flight. now i'm thinking caribbean.) ideas? book recommendations? hello?