BuriedTreasures: BOOKS

J!eneeTomcanin

assistant news editor

''I Married a Communist'' by Philip Roth

Even celebrities take a fall. American author Philip Roth takes his readers to 1950s New Jersey to explore a tale of love, deceit and hero-worship. Iron Rinn, a.k.a. Ira Ringold, is a big radio star ....,....,.,...,..,,,. and a dead ringer for Abraham Lincoln. He is married to the glamorous Eve Frame.On the outside, his life seemsidyllic; however, on the inside, his wife's daughter and his bad temper causea strain on the marriage. Finally, his career is sabotaged by yellowjournalists and his affili-ations with the Communist Party. Nathan Zuckennan, our narratorand friend of IronRinn, recalls the events that lead to Ira's demise with a certainair of respect and pity. Roth's down-to-earth writing style brings the characters to life and draws you into the story. The book is also a time capsule, depicting the McCarthy Era and the effects blacklisting had on families and friends of those who were on the list. If you enjoy excellent writing and a portrait of American life, pick up "I Married a Communist:'

''Midnight in the Garden of Goodand Evil" by John Berendt

Fine cocktails and dinners can be found at Vinny Testa's ing, There are many specific terms and techniques for wagering and picking horses. This is no reason to be intimidated.

No matter how much you think you like or dislike horse racing, once you place a bet and the horses charge out of the gate, you will find yourself engrossed in the excitement.

This is an ideal under $20 venture, and you just might leave with some more money in your pocket.

Is your stomach grumbling? Chances are your wallet is grumbling as well. Take a trip to Vinny Testa's in Ardmore. Make sure you are terribly hungry since the portions are huge. Two diners can order one appetizer and one entree to share and will still have leftovers to bring home. This is a great place if you are willing to spend close to $20, yet are looking for a big meal.

If you are a stickler for authentic Italian food, you might find Testa's disappointing since the menu fringes on Italian/ American cuisine.

Xando's in Bryn Mawr might have you confused on what to order on their large coffee and alcoholic beverage menu. Although the deserts are overpriced, a good and interesting drink will cost you less then $5 and can be enjoyed in a great atmosphere.

A popular favorite at Xando's is the S'mores. A little charcoal fire centered within a large wooden tray is served with marshmallows and Hershey's chocolate at a

Looking for some cheap thrills? In fact, are you looking for some free chills? Then take a visit to Radnor's own Pet Cemetery. During the day, the cemetery gates are open. However, is isn't certain that visitors are welcome to wander around the graves, mostly due to

"'Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil' might be the first true crime book that makes the reader want to book a bed and breakfast for an extended weekend at the scene of the crime," says the New York Tunes Book Review. In this nonfiction story, the pleasant and isolationist society of Savannah, Ga., is interrupted by a murder in which there are no easy answers. Berendt colorfully portrays the idiosyncrasies of many of the real residents of the Georgia town. The characters range from a voodoo priestess to a hilariously blunt drag queen to an ex-lawyer who enjoys taking up residence in other people's houses. "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" blends true crime, real people and excellent storytelling to create a masterpiece that blows the John Cusack movie out of the water.

Come find former "best friends" at the pet cemetery the giant German Shepherd on the premises.

Dare your friends to explore at nighttime. If you are looking to freak yourself out for free, then take a stroll to the cemetery. It is within walking distance of Cabrini.

Despite the reputations of the Main Line, there are cheap and even free things to do in the area. Although not all of them are five minutes away, it is worth the trip to save you a few dollars.

''If . .(Questiom for the G&JDeof Life)" by Evelyn McFarlane

''If you could be anybody's underwear, who would you be?"

"If you could take anyone, living or dead, out to dinner, whose would you choose?"

These are just a few of the questions posed in "If ... (Questions for the Gameof Life)." These questions are great ice breakers for meetings or wonderful tools to find out how bizarre your friends really are. If you want a fun way to find out more about yourself and other people, pick up this book.