Wonderful: where we came from, who we are, where we are going! I have listened to this twice in the last year. Enough said.

The writing is a little ostentatious at times and parts could have been edited out. But I couldn't help respect and admire the author's use of language and intellect. If you are interested in 1970's NYC, its punk scene and social unrest you will enjoy this read. Plus the villain originates from Buffalo!

100 pages in and I am enjoying one of my summer of 17 big reads!

Coincidentally, or by fate, I listened to Sebastian Junger's "Tribe" while reading this tragic telling of the Spanish conquest of America. Lalami tells a good story while enlightening the reader. Both books force the reader to reflect on the arrogance and emptiness (lack of community) that is inherent in Western Civilization. In the end, the story of the Moor is the universal story of man's simple desire to live, love and die in peace.

Before I enter the electronic world, a little bit of time with paper and some old school folks that knew a thing or two.

I month to read before I go to see Marlon at the wonderful Babel speaker series in Buffalo NY.

25 years ago, as a 25 year old who was 5 years into a marriage to the wrong person, I would read this passage from Burnt Norton over and over again. This is the epigraph that opens Dark Matters, a fun book that asks what would happen if one took the door never opened. If that isn't a bit mind blowing, a bit of exposure to quantum mechanics and Schrödinger's cat will at least bend it.

So true! I have always emphasize this to my kids and anyone who will listen! And, even those who don't listen!

About a quarter into this philosophical story of love, marriage, expectations and realities.

The author uses the fierce rivalry between Da Vinci and Michelangelo to tell the story of the creation of the Mona Lisa and the statue of David. The the tension builds as chapters alternate between the two artists. The reader is rewarded with a deeper understanding of the times, an appreciation of the creative process and the passion of the masters. I spent hours doing follow up reading on the Internet.

Loved this book! The author does a masterful job of balancing a heartbreaking human interest story, world history and the sport of rowing. The outcome is known, but it is the journey that is the reward of this book.

I love historical fiction and the Italian Renaissance! This should be fun!

I love narrative non-fiction and with the Olympics days away, this is exceeding my expectations.

Much more than a book for marketers. This gives incredible insight into human behavior. I am highlighting like crazy. This will be re-read annually.

First Stephen King in a long time. Looks like a great read!

Fight Club taps into the anger that exists in modern economic society. Capitalism has created a standard of living beyond comprehension to humans just 100 years ago. It also has dehumanized work and meaning. Humans want purpose. This novel reflects the struggle for purpose, meaning and belonging.

I have never read this and I haven't seen the movie. I am wondering whether it will resonate with this 50 year old reader.

Part of big summer reading list! This may go into fall, winter ...