Babylon: Mesopotamia and the Birth of Civilization by Paul Kriwaczek (nonfiction)

I know next to nothing about the birth of civilization in Mesopotamia, and this book was an enjoyable way to get started.  Sometimes it can be really hard to get interested in stuff that happened so long ago, especially when evidence is sparse, but I found this book in particular to have a coherent narrative that kept me fascinated and wanting more.

The Other Queen by Phillipa Gregory (historical fiction)

Told from the perspective of Mary Queen of Scots and the Shrewsburys, the married couple who Elizabeth chose to keep her while in England, this book is cleverly organized.  I enjoyed how the author treated the crazy rumors about Mary.  This is one of the best books by Gregory, in my opinion.

The Borgia Mistress by Sara Poole (historical fiction)

I've read The Borgia Betrayal, the second book in this series, but not Poison, the first.  I enjoyed this one more than The Betrayal, even though it suffers a little bit from reminding the reader of stuff that's already happened.  The twist was truly shocking, and I didn't figure it out before the protagonist did.  The ending is tad corny, but not as corny as most of The Betrayal.  The descriptions of the Vatican and the characterization of Rodrigo Borgia, Pope Alexander VI, are very good across both books.

Spartacus: Blood and Sand (DVD, historical fiction, starz)

I gave up after four episodes, surprised that I lasted that long after the overwhelming dumbness of the first episode.  My friend said, "it's the UFC with gladiator costumes," which is accurate, but leaves out the corny soft-core porn. 
I hardly expect television and movies to stick with what we actually know about historical characters, but I do expect them to have better music and a lucid storyline.  The series is kind of like a graphic novel or a cartoon, but just no good.  I didn't care.

Clash of Crowns by Mary McAuliffe (nonfiction)

A Story of Bloodshed, Betrayal and Revenge - The Clash of Crowns:  William the Conqueror, Richard Lionheart, and Eleanor of Aquitaine.  Super long title, pretty zippy read.  I've read about all three of these folks quite a bit, and I found this book interesting because of the geography-based analysis of the battles between Richard of England and Phillip of France, which is what most of the book is about.  The author has obviously spent a lot of time traveling and researching in the area, and that adds to her ability to explain events.

Spartacus the Gladiator by Ben Kane (historical fiction)

Spartacus' story has been thrilling us for thousands of years even though there are only 4,000 words about him in the ancient sources.  I've read books by Ben Kane before, but this was by far the best.  He really fleshes out the character with his vast knowledge of Roman history, especially warfare.  Amazing fight scenes made me wince.  I can't wait for the second novel to come out later this year.

Sexual Intelligence by Marty Klein, PhD (nonfiction)

This book was intelligent.  It's main focus is teaching us how to accept sex the way it is, not the way we think it should be.  There was a lot of "letting go," which I agree is important to sexual fulfillment.  The idea of divorcing sex from physical function is important too.  This book was a quick, enjoyable read with sections about how the doctor has helped some of his own clients.

Nine for the Devil by Mary Reed & Eric Mayer (historical fiction - mystery)

Apparently I'm missing out on something, because this is the ninth mystery in the series written by a husband and wife.  This particular book uses the emperor Justinian's growing paranoia to shed light on the political situation in Constantinople in 548.  I'm not a big fan of mysteries, but I liked this book's fast pace and plot twists, so I won't give any spoilers.

Empress of the Seven Hills by Kate Quinn (historical fiction)

I've also read Ms. Quinn's Mistress of Rome, and both books are fast-paced adventure romances.  Empress of the Seven Hills uses several different first-person perspectives to give a 360-degree view of the story.  In another author's hands it may not be as effective, but in Ms. Quinn's hands, this technique allows even someone who knows the story to be surprised.  This book should not be judged by its cheesy romance cover.

Byzantium - The Lost Empire (DVD) by The Learning Channel

I found this video unwatchable.  The writer, who is also the narrator, is the main character.  He has an overdeveloped sense of drama.  The camera was far too often on him, to the detriment of my experience of the art and architecture.

The Queen and the Courtesan by Freda Lightfoot (historical fiction)

This book about Henri of Navarre's (Henri III) wife Marie de Medici and one of his mistresses, Henriette d'Entragues is well-written, interesting and exciting.  Some of it is told from Henriette's point of view, and I had a hard time relating to her, especially since it seemed like the author did too.  There wasn't much of her character worth caring about.  I've read about her before, but always as a peripheral character.  Everything I've read suggests that she was horribly ambitious, a selfish conniver and liar.  Perhaps someone should write a sympathetic biography.

The Sister Queens by Sophie Perinot (historical fiction)

I liked this book, the author's debut novel.  The author uses fictitious letters between the sisters to keep the story moving along, and they each go through some character development as they grow up.  With that said, I enjoy learning how much an author of historical fiction "makes up" and much of the relationship that drives the book appears to be the author's conclusions.  It doesn't ruin the book for me, though.

The Tigress of Forli, Renaissance Italy's Most Courageous and Notorious Countess, Caterina Riario Sforza De' Medici by Elizabeth Lev (nonfiction)

Learning about this woman was amazing - she wore one of the only cuirasses made for a woman at this time.  It had reinforced plates so her breasts would not be crushed in battle.  The author uses plenty of primary sources, some from the Countess' letters that have never been translated into English before.  She fought against Cesare Borgia - need I say more?

The Maid (a novel of Joan of Arc) by Kimberly Cutter (fiction)

This book made me stay up past my bedtime because it was so good.  The author did a great job of verbalizing Joan's experience of her visions and voices - the urgency of the battles and the ecstasy of her communion with the saints was brutally real.