Everything is Illuminated- Jonathan Safran Foer's Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close is a fantastic book, I read it over the summer and loved it. I couldn't put it down. It packs a powerful message while remaining a fun, sometimes really funny, read. Part of that is due to his prose. I'll let you see for yourself, but it's one of the most unique and powerful styles I've come across. I'm hoping his first novel (the one I'm reading) shows the same prowess. In any case, I suggest both books. Foer is young (32) and full of promise; a good author to look out for.
Guns, Germs and Steel- An understanding of the world around us is important. What better way to do so then to read a book that takes an analytical look at the last 13,000 years of civilization?
Though I haven't read it yet, I know that Jared Diamond's book takes a look at the underpinnings of European society (maybe guns or steel?) and how it allowed for the subjugation of nearly the rest of the known world (I'm going on a limb, but germs may have played a part).
I always love reading something that doesn't sugar coat history. Time to read up on the society my ancestors were a part of and the horrible things that society did. Oh boy!
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