>>(1) If you had to recommend *one* 'must-read' book for people to read over the summer--on its own merits, independent of its usefulness to QB--what would you recommend (and, if you like, why would you recommend it)? << Sorry Samer, as much as I'd like to follow directions, I don't think I can stick to just one book. These are some of the books that I found really really interesting: Book 1: Cuban Missile Crisis, 1962 : A National Security Archive Documents Reader (National Security Archive Documents Reader) by Laurence Chang (Introduction), Peter Kornbluh (Editor), National Security Archive I think of all the books I had to read for history, that book (which I read for Nuclear history seminar) played the biggest role in making me understand the joys of being a history major. The primary documents are outstanding, and the commentary is quite good as well. If someone likes this period in history, it's a really interesting read. Book 2: Autobiography of Nelson Mandela, "Long Walk to Freedom." The book is inspiring, and while it may have its biases, it is a good book to read in understanding that history of South Africa, and in the many of the revolutionary movements in Africa in the 60s and 70s. I read this book for the South African history class I took (Yes, it's me who's writing those annoying South African History questions for PennBowl and Princeton Tourney), and the book is great to read in context with Modern South African History. For example, the book makes you understand why there are so many ak-47s in KwaZulu-Natal, and why the Inkatha is so pissed off all the time. Since most people recommended other types of read, I thought it might be nice to get good history books. >>(2) If you had to *dis*recommend one book, what would it be (and, if you like, why)? [In other words, what's the worst 'general-audience' book you'll admit to having read? :)]<< For the love of god, Don't read anything by Henry James. I've realized that nothing I read is for general audience, except the companion guide to Frasier and some comic books. >>(3) What was the last book you read because you _wanted_ to read it? [It's OK if it was required reading, so long as you ultimately enjoyed it.]<< Sadly enough, I think the last time I really wanted to read a book and got through it was last summer, when I finished 100 Years of Solitude and For Whom the Bell Tolls. I was very happy about both books, so it worked out nicely. The current book that I'm trying to read is Song of Solomon, of which I'm still on the first chapter. And if people could give more responses, they'd give me more ideas for my summer reading list. :-) -Augustine-
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