The last book I read was "The Coming Plague", which is about the history of infectious diseases and how humans may have had a role in their spread. Perfect for a nerd like me, but it's definitely not for everyone!

Sarah, that sounds really interesting!

I just finished "The Caged Virgin" by Ayaan Hirsi Ali. I highly recommend her other book, "Infidel", as well!

Both sound really good. Martini what is Caged Virgin about?

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Life is short. Enjoy it while you can.

It is a collection of her essays. It is a very quick read and very interesting!

Oh, and I also read One Thousand White Women, by Jim Fergus which is about a request by a Cheyenne Indian Chief at a peace conference to trade women for horses in 1854. It's semi-fictional, the request was made but never actually granted. The purpose was to marry and have children which would be more able to assimilate into the white man's society. Pretty good, kinda girly novel.

I can tell you what book I DON'T recommend.... Julie and Julia!

I HATEd it. I mean, REALLY hated it, like was reading as fast as I could to get it over with. And I was so upset because I was so looking forward to it, but yuk... terrible book.

both sound good. I'll pass by B&N this weekend and look out for them.

Thanks ladies agains. I'm going to go home now and start practicing for some "beautiful lib babies"

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Life is short. Enjoy it while you can.

I am currently reading The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova, it really sucks you in! But, it is almost 700 pages, so....not so quick!

have a great evening, Myst!

I loved The Historian! But you're right, its very long... The 13th Tale was also good... Did the Historian ever come out in paperback? If not thats a heavy book to lug around!

I believe it is in paperback, Haus, but I have the hardcover. Did you hear that HWood is making it into a movie with a slated release date of 2010?

I'm getting ready to read Marie Antoinette. It's the book the movie was based on. I don't know how "light" it'll be though. I LOVE HISTORICAL FICTION! Especially about queens.

Martini I DID NOT know that! I love when a book I've read gets turned into a movie! yaya!!

HF - When I was in Paris last month I went to the jail where she was held and you can see her cell, the real wallpaper is there! So crazy!

I am usually not so nuts about the books-to-movie thing, just because I think HWood usually butchers the book to make the movie. But I am definitely interested in this one!

Oh yea I agree they butcher but I still like to see them, mostly just for the casting and how that actor protrays the character... so I can sort of compare it to the character in my head.

That is so cool haus! Paris...sigh...I'm drooling. Still have never been which is completely silly since I've been to London 3 times.

Oh I normally HATE books to movies. I don't blame the books though. I would have to say that the only movies made from books that I've liked is Sense and Sensibility, Lord of the Rings Trilogy, and The Hours.

I also feel similarly about movies/tv shows being made into musicals. GRRRRRR They are NEVER good. UGH. Come up with some original ideas playwrights/composers!

They need to come up with original movies! I feel like everyday there is another announcement about some 80s movie being remade or some sequel... gosh is there really no more original thought out there??

I think my fav movie adaptation is About A Boy. It still wasn't as good as the book, but I love that movie!

I completely agree! There are some amazingly talented screenwriters out there. We should use them! Not recycle all the same crap over and over.

If you're into Mount Everest there's an EXCELLENT book called "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer. He's one survivor of the worst disaster on the mountain...which killed 15 people trying to come down from the summit.

Ok, not to hijack's Mysts post but since you said you were drooling about Paris, I have to upload this pic:

This is the pastry shop I would go to every day I was there. And yes, I photograph pastries, its an obsession. The beach used to be my happy place, now this is my happy place.

OH DEAR GOD.

"I LOVE HISTORICAL FICTION! Especially about queens."
Me too Harm

I am currently reading "The Purity Myth" by Jessica Valenti. I have some other books on my "to read" list, but I'm always looking for more books to add to the list. I'll definitely add these to my list. The first one you said sarah sounds really good, I'm definitely going to get that one.

Oh Haus ...

haha I totally forgot to add: I like "The Purity Myth" it's really good.

OMG Haus...that photo is AMAZING!!!

Maybe I will use for my avatar...

All your avis have me drooling. They are all so yummy!

If you're looking for something light, try Charlaine Harris, she has several series. The most popular one being the Southern Vampire series upon which True Blood (the HBO series) is based. She has other series that aren't based in science fiction. Something heavier that I'd recommend is Sarah's Key and The Reader both excellent books.