Heretics and Heroes: How Renaissance Artists and Reformation Priests Created our World by Thomas Cahill (nonfiction)

Part of a series with a massive scope, this book deals with the end of the medieval period.  Sometimes nonfiction historical work with such a wide range can be dry and boring, as well as difficult to follow.  Cahill brings it all together with wit, and I'm just amazed at the breadth of his learning.

Niccolo Machiavelli - an Intellectual Biography by Corrado Vivanti (nonfiction)

Part of a veritable storm of books recently, this one focuses on Mach's thought.  The author transforms what might be a drier topic into an narrative full of interesting insight.

The Fourth Crusade and the Sack of Constantinople by Jonathan Phillips (nonfiction)

Wonderful book, ranging over a number of topics having to do with the crusade from logistics to religious motivations to war machines.  As the author points out, it isn't often that we have firsthand accounts from the losers in a conflict, and even from poor people.  Phillips makes great use of these. 

Fellini's Roma (DVD)

It's a wonderful movie for Rome lovers, sort of an autobiography for Fellini.  It doesn't have much of a plot or story but I enjoyed it.

Marbeck and the Double-Dealer and Marbeck and the King-in-Waiting by John Pilkington (historical mystery)

The first two books in a new series, plenty of fun twists and turns and an interesting hero. These books have lots of action.  In The Double-Dealer, I thought I knew the guilty party but was way off.  Pilkington doesn't let wordiness get in his way, so the action moves quickly while giving a real sense of the place and time.  Recommended for mystery and history lovers.

The Blood of Gods by Conn Iggulden (historical fiction)

Having read exhaustively on the subject of this novel for years, in fiction, nonfiction, and from the primary sources in Latin, I was surprised and gratified at how good it is.  It was so much fun that I actually stopped myself from finishing it too fast so that I could enjoy it more.  Many people know the history and myths about the assassination of Julius Caesar through Octavian's defeat of his killers Cassius and Brutus at Philippi, but this author weaves the story together skillfully, carefully choosing a narrative, and the result is explosive.  Five stars.

Machiavelli: A Renaissance Life by Joseph Markulin (historical fiction biography)

Many times the author seems to be wishing he was writing a political and military analysis of Italy at the time.  It isn't a bad thing, and it would help any reader who wasn't familiar with the circumstances to understand Machiavelli's motives.  Overall, this long book is enjoyable, especially in depictions of day to day Florentine life and the love story, but it does have some slow sections.  There must have been some recent renewal of interest in Machiavelli, as I recently reviewed an analysis of his writings, and I just saw a new nonfiction biography on the shelves.

Death and the Courtesan by Pamela Christie (historical fiction)

This mystery set in Regency London (when King George was mad) led me away from the murderer by putting in obvious clues that tricked me.  That was pleasant fun, but I found some of the language the author used to be anachronistic.  The titular courtesan seemed to good to be true, with a perfect life and all kinds of wonderful people ready to help her.  There was much too much description of her fabulous house.  At the same time, however, she had some hateful characteristics like hogging the conversation and intellectual snobbery.  The didactic author herself didn't miss many chances to make her own worldview completely clear.  I'm not sure I would pick up another book in this series.

Queens and Mistresses of Renaissance France by Kathleen Wellman (nonfiction)

Interesting and fun review of how these women have been depicted and not depicted by their contemporaries and subsequent historians.  This type of nonfiction can get kind of dry, but Ms. Wellman keeps it snappy with lots of examples and new analysis.

Sons of Zeus by Noble Smith (historical fiction)

This is the first book in a series about the wars between Sparta and Athens and how they got started.  This book has several scenes of extreme violence.  The twists were a little predictable and the characterizations a little clunky with cliche, but it was fast-paced and interesting.

Why We Get Fat and What to do About It by Gary Taubes (nonfiction)

A truly readable version of Good Calories, Bad Calories, this book takes down the "calories in/calories out" myth scientifically.  It also follows the extensive history of the low-carb diet, and explains how and why we've veered away from what works.

I think the book needs an update/caveat.  The crux of Taubes' argument is that insulin response controls fat storage, but he goes on to say that artificial sweeteners are OK if a dieter needs something sweet.  Recently it has been shown that artificial sweeteners precipitate an insulin response.

Sacred Games by Gary Corby (historical fiction mystery)

Part of a pretty good series, this is a fun and zippy mystery set during the Olympic games.  It has several silly jokes, but not so many to ruin it.  I did not catch the big tell that revealed the true murderer until it was revealed again at the end.

Life and Death in Pompeii and Herculaneum by Paul Roberts (nonfiction)

A giant and wonderful book full of beautiful pictures and interesting analysis. 

To Serve a King by Donna Russo Morin ("historical" fiction)

There are quotation marks around the word historical because the main character did not exist, though many of those in the story did.  This is pure tripe, silly, heaving, with too many adjectives.  So many authors of historical fiction make their female characters "unconventional."  Enjoyed it nonetheless.

Working IX to V by Vicki Leon (nonfiction)

A very-well researched book about ancient jobs and duties, this book is ruined by stupid jokes in every.single.paragraph.  It could have been good.  It includes general job descriptions and short biographies of specific people, a remarkably effective format. 

Helen of Troy by Margaret George (fiction)

Yes, some people are surprised to learn there was no Helen of Troy, just like there was no King Arthur.  This book is from her perspective, and surprisingly agile though it weighs a ton.  I've read other books by Ms. George, and she is a master of weaving her research into a work of fiction.

As the Romans Do (nonfiction) by Alan Epstein

An interesting and fun romp through Rome written by an American who moved there.  This is set about 15 years ago, and has a few slow spots, but it worth it for those who love the city.

Conspirata by Robert Harris (historical fiction)

Good stuff about Cicero's life and adventures, part of a series.  I've enjoyed all of it.

Julian by Gore Vidal (historical fiction)

I was told I'd love this, and it was a national bestseller, but I didn't think it was that great.  It was interesting and competent, but not wonderful.

Death in the Ashes: A Fourth Case from the Notebooks of Pliny the Younger by Albert A. Bell, Jr. (historical mystery)

This is a great series for those who love mysteries and those who love Roman history.  I'm both, and I'm impressed by Bell's ability to comment on Roman life in a non-intrusive way.  I've reviewed others in the series before, and this book is seriously good.  I read the book quickly because it was so much fun.

Defenders of the Faith: Charles V, Suleyman the Magnificent, and the Battle for Europe 1520-1536 by James Reston, Jr. (nonfiction)

With an amazing cast of characters like Henry VIII, Francis I, Charles V, Suleyman, Ibrahim Pasha, Barbarossa, and Martin Luther, you can't go wrong.  This is good stuff, never a boring recitation of facts.  The book has a reach that isn't so broad that it dilutes itself.

Spartacus by Aldo Schiavone (nonfiction)

At first, I wasn't going to check this out at the library because I have four other books going and I've read a lot about Spartacus lately.  Well, I'm glad I did!  There is so little preserved about him in the ancient works, but Schiavone gives a convincing, breezy analysis of the social conditions that led to Spartacus' rise.  Four and a half stars, even in translation.

The Children of Henry VIII by John Guy (nonfiction)

Good but not amazing, some interesting information about the relationships between the children themselves.

The Plantagenets: The Warrior Kings and Queens Who Made England by Dan Jones (nonfiction)

I can see why this was an international bestseller.  The book explains the deeds and characteristics of this dynasty in an accessible manner, without too much silly stuff that would annoy those who know more about the period.

Jane Boleyn - the True Story of the Infamous Lady Rochford by Julia Fox (nonfiction)

This book was a good read, especially because it had a few tidbits I didn't already know.  This period has been my obsession since I was a teenager.  It is certainly appreciated that the author argues against an anti-historical portrayal of Jane as a person who hated Anne and George Boleyn, and took her revenge on them.  There's simply no evidence of that; however, several times throughout the book, she accepts similar judgments about Anne.  Fox takes pains to point out when she is speculating about Jane's motivations, but again does not extend Anne that favor.

The Bull Slayer by Bruce Macbain (historical fiction)

A Plinius Secundus mystery, I liked this book.  It was fast-moving and exciting.

Little Green by Walter Mosley (fiction)

I like Mosley, sometimes I think he's a great.  Here, he's tired and out of it like Easy Rawlins.

The Rise of Rome by Anthony Everitt (nonfiction)

A truly talented historical writer makes connections, identifies conjecture, and judges.  This book is a joy.

Rome, Inc. by Stanley Bing (nonfiction)

Written for business people, I hated it's stupid jokes and flipped forward to find some good analysis.  So I went back and finally put it down for good because of the stupid jokes.

The Roots of Betrayal by James Forrester (historical fiction)

The second book in the Clarenceaux series, I liked the first, reviewed here.  This was even better, a suspenseful pirate yarn within a mystery.  Forrester is especially good at weaving historical detail into a long action scene.  His expertise is evident but doesn't interrupt the flow of the story. I also appreciated his frank author's note.

Scorpions' Nest by M.J. Trow (historical mystery)

Christopher Marlowe and other "real" people who worked for Walsingham as part of Elizabeth's spy network are the main characters here.  It was a fairly decent mystery, a little stupid with the jokes here and there.  I knew who the murderer was about 3/4 through the book.

The Last Sacrifice, Disciple, and Temple by Hans Hanegraaf and Sigmund Brouwer

The Last Temple was suspenseful.  I had to close it during my dinner so that I wouldn't have a heart attack.  Just so you know, it's written from a Christian perspective.  A lot of fun if you don't mind that stuff.

Medea by Kerry Greenwood

First, go get it and read it, then read my review if you like.  Gorgeous, inspiring, terrifying, funny and horribly sad retelling of the ancient legend.  I've always enjoyed mythology, however, it can be difficult to connect to the human aspect of tales of heroes' deeds.  This book was very enjoyable because of the characters.

The Creation of Anne Boleyn by Susan Bordo (nonfiction)

Analysis of Anne's characterization throughout time, including fairly extensive discussion of her portrayals in popular culture.  Beyond the one-dimensional characterizations put forth by Protestant and Catholic propagandists, the discussion of her role as a woman during the death of chivalrous culture is enlightening. 

Spartacus Rebellion by Ben Kane (historical fiction, last in a trilogy)

I saw this book in the NEW section with mixed feelings - excitement and sadness because the excellent trilogy had to come to an end.  It was a fun read, but not as gripping as the first two.  The character of Crassus was a little silly, but the book benefits from including the experiences of those around Spartacus.

Swoon: Great Seducers and Why Women Love Them by Betsy Priouleau (nonfiction)

Fun mix of relationship research, mythical and literary sources, and real-life interviews with ladies' men, then gets bogged down with repetition.

The Norman Conquest: The Battle of Hastings and the Fall of Anglo-Saxon England by Marc Morris (nonfiction)

Exceptional history book with a fascinating narrative thread.  I like books that are obviously well-researched without being a list of facts.

Roman Disasters by Jerry Toner (nonfiction)

Good book by an intelligent writer.  Mr. Toner has a grasp of modern disaster theory, and it helps him make his fascinating points about how the Roman Empire dealt with them.  This book uses a highly structured style, and it helps make his arguments clear.

Worlds of Arthur: Facts & Fictions of the Dark Ages by Guy Halsall (nonfiction)

Sorry, but there was no Arthur.  The author systematically breaks apart every single tiny little argument that others have tried to use as proof, meanwhile debunking plenty of myths about the Saxon "invasion" of Britain after the breakdown of the Roman Empire.  The book is particularly illuminating about how scholars decide they know what they know.

The Saint who would be Santa Claus by Adam C. English (nonfiction)

Delightful book about St. Nicholas of Myra and gleaning the details of his "real" life from the hagiography.  His involvement in the early spread of Christianity throughout the imperial Roman bureaucracy was something I knew nothing about.

The Boleyn King by Laura Andersen (imaginary historical fiction)

This (hard breathing, shivering) romancemystery/adventure imagines that Anne Boleyn's son lived and became king.  It is pretty interesting, and fun reading.

The Duchess of Drury Lane by Freda Lightfoot (historical fiction)

Mrs. Dora Jordan plus a royal prince unfortunately equals a run-of-the-mill "actress with prince" historical novel.  Nothing too exciting or fun to see here.

Young Henry: The Rise of Henry VIII by Robert Hutchinson (nonfiction)

This book, while obviously well-researched and well-written, didn't teach me anything new about Henry.  I wasn't sure exactly what author's overall hypothesis was.  There didn't seem to be that much in Henry's childhood to explain his later behavior, except that he was spoiled.

Hercules directed by Pietro Francisci starring Steve Reeves (DVD)

 I loved this classic from 1957.  Amazingly hot Hercules, gorgeous Amazons and Golden Fleecers, all very innocent.  This movie is fun.

The Secret History of Vladimir Nabokov by Andrea Pitzer (nonfiction)

This made me love his books more and love him less.  If you are a Nab freak, it is required reading.  Even if you're not, it was pretty good.

Caligula (Bob Guccione and Penthouse Films Production) the Unrated Edition (DVD)

My roomie wanted to know why I was watching a porno in the living room.  I've always been told this movie is amazing, but I didn't think it captured the delicate edge that Caligula and the Senate danced on.  Instead, it was silly, loud and naked.

Agora directed by Alejandro Amenabar (DVD)

I found this movie about female philosopher Hypatia in the very late Roman period in Alexandria, Egypt a bit dumb and slow.  I didn't sit through it.

The Iron King by Maurice Druon (historical fiction)

The King in question is Phillip the Fair, who had a pretty big hand in unifying a bunch of holdings into what is "France."  The book is really good, so good that you don't want it to end.  Top-notch historical fiction.

Crowner's Crusade by Bernard Knight (historical fiction)

This is a prequel to a popular series of novels, and it was fairly good.  I especially liked the plausible re-telling of Richard II's voyage from Palestine to his capture in Europe after his Crusades ended.

Blood Sisters: The Women Behind the Wars of the Roses by Sarah Gristwood (nonfiction)

Lately there has been a really nice crop of re-evaluation of large historical events and trends from the perspective of the important women, and I enjoyed this. Before this, I've only enjoyed their stories through historical fiction.

This is How You Lose Her by Junot Diaz (fiction)

Go and get this book and enjoy yourself.  Raw and real, sad and hilarious.  A book ostensibly about love also touches on death, racism, hope, and all those amazing emotions.

Demetrius and the Gladiators directed by Delmer Davies (DVD)

This is the sequel to The Robe, an excellent Christian epic.  Demetrius is the slave who ends up in possession of said robe, and he goes through a crisis of faith that finds him a gladiator in the arena.  While this movie was not as good as The Robe, the fight scenes are excellent.

Shadow on the Crown by Patricia Bracewell (historical fiction)

Queen Emma is certainly a great subject for historical fiction.  This book has very few stupid moments, making great use of primary sources.  The author is effective even when she suggests a scenario that has no basis in the evidence.  The first in a trilogy.

The Chalice by Nancy Bilyeau (historical fiction)

This book is a sequel to The Crown, and I think the author and the protagonist are getting better.  The very real sense of confusion and upheaval of Tudor times is part of the twists and turns, the mystery, even the love story.

The Marlowe Papers by Ros Barber (historical fiction)

An impressive attempt at a verse novel in Marlowe's style.  I was excited and interested once I realized what was going on.

Semper Fidelis by Ruth Downie (historical fiction)

Pretty tight, fun mystery.  I've read her Medicus about the same doctor investigator, which was excellent.  Semper Fidelis benefits greatly from the addition of more layers to the main female character, the medicus' native British wife, and the antics of Sabina, the wife of Emperor Hadrian.

The Fall of the Roman Empire directed by Anthony Mann (DVD)

Not bad, but not as good as many other Roman epics, although it has some pretty good action scenes.  Sophia Loren is distracting in her amazing beauty.  The ending is really good.

The Sign of the Weeping Virgin by Alana White (fiction)

Pretty good 15th century mystery novel set in Florence.  Most people in it are real characters, and I thought the author was fairly good at making them human.  There are lots of little details that are clearly a product of research, and I enjoyed them. Seems this may be the first book in a new series, and the next one will be set in Rome with the same protagonist.

The Deadly Sisterhood A Story of Women, Power, and Intrigue in the Italian Renaissance, 1427-1527 by Leonie Frieda (nonfiction)

I've read Frieda's biography of Catherine de Medici and this is just as good, telling the story of various women from the generation before her.  These women were often left as regent of their husbands' or sons' city states because of the turmoil of the times.  Turns out the Italian Renaissance was also a renaissance for women, even if it didn't last long.

Graven with Diamonds by Nicola Shulman (nonfiction)

The Many Lives of Thomas Wyatt: Poet, Lover, Statesman, and Spy in the Court of Henry VIII.  This book won a Writer's Guild Award for Best Non-Fiction Book, and I know why.  It was a crazy mixture of learned history with poetry analysis, all combined to reset the idea that Wyatt was not a great poet.  This book was a fast read, even though the topic doesn't seem like it would be zippy, I loved it.  I learned new things about the English language, and about how Henry treated his diplomats.

Merge and Disciple by Walter Mosley [two short novels from Crosstown to Oblivion] (fiction)

Two science fiction novellas, weird, sexy, appalling, fascinating, creepy.  Mosley is thinking about where we've been and where we're going, what's going on in the universe, and we're lucky enough to be reading his musings.  Merge was better than Disciple, but I enjoyed them both well enough to recommend.

The City of Akhenaten and Nefertiti, Amarna and Its People by Barry Kemp (nonfiction)

Written by an archaeologist digging there for 35 years.  Weird wild stuff, lots of guessing.  Pictures and diagrams to help understand the guesses were effective, a quick read.  Typos.

Mankiewicz' Julius Caesar from Shakespeare (DVD)

Tense atmosphere, good actors. 

The Tragedy of Mr. Morn by Vladimir Nabokov

I've read everything I can find by Nabokov, about Nabokov, even his scientific book on butterflies. This, the first English version of Nabokov's only 5-act play, was translated by Thomas Karshan and Anastasia Tolstoy.  WOW.  The play has so many beautiful parts, I can't begin to describe them.  It is a deceptively quick and easy read like much of Nabokov's work, and I find that you benefit from repeated readings.  If you loved his Pale Fire, you will be fascinated by the early exploration of many of the ideas in it.

The Robe (DVD) directed by Henry Koster with Richard Burton

One of the best Christian epics I've ever seen.  Great movie from start to finish.

The Birth of the West by Paul Collins (nonfiction)

Do you like history?  How much do you know about the 10th century?  I knew little to nothing, maybe a bit about Vikings in Britain.  Collins' book is fascinating, covers all of Europe.  Sometimes very detailed histories can run the risk of losing a narrative thread, but not here.  Recommended.

The Malice of Fortune by Michael Ennis (historical fiction)

Any number of historical fiction writers go for the Borgias, Machiavelli, and Leonardo.  This one is high-quality, a mystery that I didn't figure out for quite a ways into the story.  It is obviously well-researched, suspenseful, and includes a pretty good love story.

Iscariot, a Novel of Judas by Tosca Lee (historical fiction)

Intense and interesting, I refused to put this book down to attend to my phone.  It was emotionally satisfying, and you feel that you gain a nuanced view of the character familiar to so many of us.

Every Noble Knight by Maggie Bennett (historical fiction)

A young knight in the service of the Black Prince...dumb.  Avoid.  Repetitive, annoying, useless, waste of time.

The Watchers, a Secret History of the Reign of Elizabeth I by Stephen Alford (nonfiction)

Interesting, illuminating, and the first three chapters were gripping.  They were characterizations of three real spies working for Elizabeth's government.  By the end of the book, I understood more about the real threat to Elizabeth, and more about how her own government contributed to the culture of paranoia concerning that threat.  There was a full explanation of how they caught Mary Queen of Scots breaking specific treason laws.

Alexander I, the Tsar who Defeated Napoleon by Marie-Pierre Rey (nonfiction)

Not suitable for casual readers, but essential for people excited about the history of tsarist Russia.  The author really digs deep in the sources, and in the process I was enlightened about Alexander himself, Russia, and Europe of the time.

Troy: Ancient Myths and Unsolved Mysteries (DVD) by National Geographic

Fairly entertaining, with interesting footage of early archaeological digs.  As with many of these programs, I find the "recreations" to be distracting and somewhat silly.  The story would have profited from more scenes at the dig itself, showing the various pieces of evidence that lead historians to believe we are digging at the real Troy.

Sacred Treason by James Forrester (historical fiction)

So much has been written about this period because of the great upheavals, but I haven't gotten tired of Tudor adventures yet, especially when books as good as this make it real.  This one has a Catholic protagonist and point of view, and quite a bit of bloody action.

The First Empires - The Story of Civilization (Egyptian and Greek) DVD

This Kultur DVD is part of a series, and I've seen some of the other videos.  I'd say they're good for a teen interested in this kind of stuff.  Lots of footage of ancient sites.

A Place Called Armageddon - Constantinople 1453 by C.C. Humphreys (hisfic)

If you like a good novel, pick this one up.  How Constantinople became Istanbul is a twisty, violent, scary, fun and beautiful story told from several different points of view.  The topography of the city and the "real people" are seamlessly woven into the action, not an easy feat in historical fiction.

Joseph K. Mankiewicz' Cleopatra starring Elizabeth Taylor (DVD)

It's always neat to see what artists do with ancient history.  In this case, the costumes and art direction both won Academy Awards, although they're the elements of the movie that are the least "real." They're certainly beautiful, but I didn't really get the major chemistry that was supposed to have developed between Taylor and Burton during filming.  While many of the elements of the story were historically accurate, I thought that including Cleo and Antony's children in the story might have helped explain why they felt eternally connected.  In my opinion, the passion between them isn't convincing in the movie.

The Hunger Fix by Pam Peeke, MD (nonfiction)

Despite malapropisms, repetition and over-capitalization, some valuable nuggets.  I have suffered from binge eating problems, and although I will not follow the program to the letter, several aspects spoke to me, especially advice on how to re-train your brain.  I have implemented them in my daily life.

Roman Passions - A History of Pleasure in Imperial Rome by Ray Laurence (nonfiction)

This book is recent, was great.  Would be a good read even for people who are not Roman-crazy.  I've studied the early Imperial period for 20 years and I was tickled and fascinated by the analysis in this book.  Very good section on the pleasure the Romans took in violence.

Elizabeth (History Channel DVD)

Unfortunately, another program ruined by the narrator.  Much of the narration is set in the actual Privy Council, castles and manor homes, and the Tower Green, which is a great idea that helps draw the viewer into Elizabeth's world, but the narrator himself is over-dramatic and too much in evidence.

In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great (PBS DVD)

Four episodes long, this DVD had hits and misses.  The beauty of the rugged terrain and the local music used in the production were some of the hits, as well as the sense of fun and wonder that the host injected into ancient history.  On the other hand, the host Michael Wood could be too talkative.  Perhaps other historians and experts could have taken the edge off.

Lamb - The Gospel according to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore (fiction)

Kinda fun, funny in parts, stupid in parts, this book is a fictional attempt to fill in the gaps in Christ's life in the Gospel.  It was good enough to keep me reading, but many of the comedic sequences went on just a little too long.

The Pharoah - Life at Court and on Campaign by Garry J. Shaw (nonfiction)

A pretty zippy read for a work of scholarly nonfiction.  I enjoy when an author explains how we "know" what we know, for instance, ancient sources or archaeology.  The beautiful pictures shed light on the conclusions in the text.

Secrets of the Parthenon DVD (PBS Nova)

Short and cool, neat.  I stayed fascinated, and learned a lot.

The Second Empress (A Novel of Napoleon's Court) by Michelle Moran (historical fiction)

Pretty darned good fluff.  Fun, interesting, tragic, and even informative.  The author switches between three narrators, Maria Louisa (the second empress of the title), Pauline Borghese (Napoleon's sister), and her half-Haitian chamberlain Paul Moreau.

A Whispering of Spies by Rosemary Rowe (historical mystery)

Set in the Roman colony of Britain, the endlessly twisting story leaves no one a chance to understand what happened.  I think the language may have been meant to imply a non-native's attempt to sound Roman, but it was stilted and hard to read.

Creole Belle by James Lee Burke (fiction)

All I can say is WOW.  Five stars and then some.  This is a mystery in a series, and too bad I've never run across it before.  Set in contemporary New Orleans, it is scary and suspenseful, funny, really sad, and can even be lyrical, especially when setting the scene in southern Louisiana.  The description of the unreality of the beauty, tragedy and mayhem impressed me.

If I read another book by Mr. Burke and it is just as good, Walter Mosley's crown as my favorite living author may be in danger.

Venice: A New History by Thomas F. Madden (nonfiction)

Who knew all this stuff?  Truly great nonfiction writing here, breathtaking, fun, adventurous, exciting, chock full of cool people, artists, battles.  Warning:  this is going to make you want to visit.

The Lost Battles: Leonardo, Michaelangelo and the Artistic Duel that Defined the Renaissance by Jonathan Jones (nonfiction)

Art history can be dry, but when we're talking about the artists who changed our conception of art, changed our vision of ourselves, Mr. Jones is lyrical and exciting.  Full of insights about the art of Leo and Mike, art as a whole, artists, and history itself.  Five stars.

10 Pounds in 10 Days by Jackie Warner (nonfiction)

Ms. Warner is an expert, highly paid, but we can take issue with several aspects of this program.  Naturally it is one long advertisement for her website and weight-loss products, but that could be positive if a dieter was able to go to the forums and get support, however, anyone with sense knows that losing 10 pounds in 10 days is not good for your heart, and doesn't bode well for long-term success.  Ms. Warner attempts to address this by giving two further phases for the program, each adding a few more calories.
The exercise program contains several important elements, such as progression, variation, and intensity.  It also has four different exercises for the biceps - useless.  The eating plan is very restrictive, as you might expect to be able to lose so much weight quickly.  It also has no substitutions, making this impossible for anyone with food allergies or strong preferences.