Two books that I read over the summer that were really great were The Passion and Oranges are not the only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson.

I read the former on the recommendation of a friend and LOVED it so much that I went out to find another by her. The Passion is sort of a magical realism twisty-turning narrative, much of which takes place in Venice. If you've been to Venice and loved it, or if you haven't been there yet (and you will love it!) this book transports you there.

OANTOF is an autobiographical account of coming out in a very smalll, very religious community. Both of these books were fantastic, if not a little short. I was especially sad that The Passion didn't go on for a few hundred pages, as I was really enjoying my stay in the book's world.

Both of these short books are great to read while traveling (on planes, in airports, at cafes...) because they are told in a voice and style that is very accessible and personal, and you are not likely to get confused or off-track if you pick them up and put them down a lot like I do in transit...