I second the recommendation of “Sacred Games.” It was a tough read; I made frequent reference to the Glossary but am sure I missed a fair amount also. I’m sad about how the cover was changed in the paperback version. If I were to judge a book by it’s cover, I’d prefer the hardback version.

Currently reading Freakonomics, but check out Thunderstruck by Erik Larson… or any of Larson’s books, actually. Meticulous research and attention to detail, coupled with a thoroughly engrossing writing style, makes for a fantastic non-fiction read. Love all his books, and revisit them often.

I also enthusiastically endorse “We Need to Talk About Kevin.” The book was gripping and extremely well-done. I was skeptical of the premise at first, but it was simply amazing. One of my all-time favorites. (I enjoyed Lionel Shriver’s other works to varying degrees, particularly “Game Control,” but this is her masterpiece.)

Kazuo Ishiguro’s “The Unconsoled” is a long book that makes for good summer reading, if you can bring yourself to put it down. (I couldn’t.) Ishiguro’s writing is positively sumptuous — I heard his “The Remains of the Day” likened to a donut (defined by what’s *not* there) and couldn’t come up with a better analogy if I tried.

Since a few people mentioned Eggars, I have to recommend “What is the What.”

It’s about one of the Lost boys of Sudan. It gives a new understanding of the cause of the conflict, and beyond that it is a heartbreaking work of staggering genius. The life story of a real refugee, told with such empathy. It’s amazing-definitely a must-read.

Oh, and a portion of the proceeds from each sale of the book goes to a foundation for Sudanese refugees- so buy it if you can!

Infidel, by Ayaan Hirsi Ali. Hirsi Ali’s autobiography is told in roughly two halves–her childhood in muslim Africa and Saudi Arabia, and her escape to Holland where she eventually became a member of parliament. It is a fascinating look at a different part of the muslim world, but also carries a profound thesis about how the liberal West perpetuates radical Islam in the name of tolerance. It is a book for conservatives and liberals alike.

“The Good Earth” by Pearl Buck is next on my list. Onward!

My reCAPTCHA: Turkish Marshal. I like the images that conjures up.