guns, germs and steel

Okay, I read Guns, Germs and Steel a year ago (it's by Jared Diamond), but it is fascinating--looking at how the natural environment shaped developing civilizations and thus had a tremendous impact on geopolitical events in the past centuries.  That may sound completely wonky and boring, but if you like learning more about how the world works, trust me, it's not boring.  I've got his latest book, Collapse, on my "to read" pile.

I also recommend "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver--excellent story and uniquely well-written.