I’ve been reading a good deal recently, and think it appropriate to pass along my reading list for those who might be looking for a good book to help pass the evenings.

The Regulators by Richard Bachman (S. King)
I found this to be a quick, enjoyable read. Perfect light fiction for a lazy afternoon in the sun.

Iberia by James Michener
This is quite the opposite of a quick read, and not a novel as was expected. Rather a report of Mr. Michener’s travels through the Iberian Peninsula. Much has of course changed since the book was written, but I found it quite interesting for it’s perspective of the time, Spain under Franco.

Jamaica Inn by Daphne Du Maurier
A short little novel, not challenging, but as I read it I kept imagining that it could be re-written as a perfectly splendid bdsm story.

Drowning Ruth by Christina Schwarz
A more emotional novel than the rest, I found the interpersonal dynamics to be very well portrayed.

The Church In Crisis A History of the General Councils 325-1870 by Philip Hughes
A striking project in scope giving an overview of the Christian world surrounding each of the 20 General Councils of the Catholic Church. I found the book a fascinating read, especially regarding some of histories most successful ‘heretical’ movements. Of course since the book was published Vatican II has taken place, the 21st General Council.

The Horse of Darius by Justin Cartwright
I found this to be a most enjoyable adventure novel, portraying the last Shah of Iran as one of the main characters.

California Gold by John Jakes
Not my favorite Jakes novel, but extremely good nevertheless.

Currently I am reading Reconciliation by Benazir Bhutto, the recently assassinated former Prime Minister of Pakistan.
Three things stand out to me in reading this book. First of all, a marked insincerity. Prime Minister Bhutto speaks only of love for the people of Pakistan, never of her own desire for power. Of course American politicians do the same, but they manage to pull it off better. Secondly, the book seems disjointed in a number of ways. Ms. Bhutto was assassinated prior to final editing of the book, one must assume that she would have cleaned it up some had she lived to do so. Lastly, and I think most importantly, the Prime Minister gives her own personal views of Islam, liberally quoting the Quran (Koran) to make her case. Her views are not in any way similar to those of militant Islamists, and from my own rather extensive reading of the Quran, I believe that she paints a much more accurate picture of Islamic belief than those more newsworthy sources.

Next I will be reading the latest two Anita Blake novels, The Harlequin and Blood Noir by Laurell K. Hamilton

Looking over my list here it seems that I’ve been reading a great deal more than I realized these past few weeks. I would recommend any of these books as worthy of your time.