I don't know about you, but I'm sick of Dan Brown's latest blockbuster, and it hasn't even been released yet. So if you're heading for the book store, here are a few options that have nothing to do with Freemasons, Robert Langdon or symbology. (Ugh, that word.)

"Homer & Langley," by E.L. Doctorow. The "City of God" author is back with the story of two New York City brothers, the eccentric Collyer brothers. Based on truth -- the hermit brothers were found dead in their apartment in the '40s -- Doctorow explores the limits of sanity. Dave's told me he's reading this one, so I look forward to his thoughts.

"Catching Fire," by Suzanne Collins. I mentioned this book earlier this year, and I can tell you it is fantastic. The second of the Hunger Games trilogy, Catching Fire continues the story of Katniss Everdeen (I know, it's a silly name) in a dystopian United States. Forced to fight other teens to the death, Katniss became a hero, but the world has only gotten more dangerous since she won the bloody tournament. Don't be fooled by the YA designation: This is no children's tale.

"The Last Song," by Nicholas Sparks. Written first as a screenplay, and later adapted into novel form, Sparks' latest is his usual fare: A family torn apart, a new love, a question of faith -- all with that North Carolina backdrop. If you're looking for one more beach read before you give up on summer, pick this one up.

"Rampant," by Diana Peterfreund. Are you growing weary of vampires and zombies? Maybe you should try killer unicorns. Compared favorably to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, this YA title is populated by strong women, including newly mined unicorn hunter Astrid, and some fascinating twists to the well-known myths. Sure, it's another coming-of-age tale. But angst is never quite as annoying when you've got plenty of butt-kicking action.

"True Compass," by Edward Kennedy. While this memoir has had its own marketing blitz, it hasn't been impossible to escape, which puts it on my safe list. While I doubt there will be many revelations, Kennedy's death brought an end to an era of American politics; reading his story will remind you of how far this country has come, how much it has lost, and how much we have yet to accomplish. If that doesn't inspire you, I don't know what will.

So there are my suggestions. Got a few of your own? We'd love to hear it!