Why Do You Read Books from the "Dark Side" of Humanity?

I enjoy reading war stories (I don't know why!), and City of Thieves by David Benoit had a twist: Two unlikely prisoners hunting for an elusive item that will save their lives. Throughout the story, you get to know each of the characters pretty well as they spend their time engaged in a type of scavenger hunt in Leningrad during WWII. In this well-written book, the author writes with wisdom, dark descriptions, and some humor. I appreciated the development of character (one likable, and one not so much!), and I look forward to reading other books by this author. While parts of the story were brutal, the overall reading was worth it. Well, I suppose I just answered the question . . . I read books on a variety of dark topics if I care about the characters, I learn something in the process, and there is some redeeming quality to it!  Why do you read these types of books (if you do!)?

What's in a Flying Buttress Anyway?!

I love all things cathedral, especially if they come with Gregorian chants. Although I'd read Ken Follett's spy novels in the past, he wrote his book, Pillars of the Earth, in an entirely different genre (historical fiction). Actually, I bought this for my mother but she didn't like it and gave it back to me to read. I love cathedrals and have visited many whilst traveling with my hubby and children. I thought the organization of the book was well done, covering the life span of the main character (with other minor ones weaving in and out of the decades), and divided into sections that were illustrated by evolving cathedral structures. Historical and architectural information was very interesting, too! Parts of the storyline are more than a little disturbing, but, overall, I thought the book was excellent! I also bought the DVD series for this book and am looking forward to seeing it (and reflecting back on our travels!).  For sure, I'll use it as a refresher before I go gallavanting across Europe again! 

Cathedrals I've enjoyed? Well, the cathedral at Christ Church College (home of Alice in Wonderland!) in Oxford with its Evensong Service sung by a boys' choir was magificent, I loved Westminster Abbey where some of my favorite authors are laid to rest, and Notre Dame de Paris (where the hunchback hangs out!) surpassed my imagination! What is your favorite cathedral?

What "hot" books are you reading now?

So I'm reading in between the slices of my "real" life . . . sneaking it like delicious little pieces of "mind" candy (chocolate!).  I'll share some of my new (and old) favorites, but I want to know what YOU are squeezing in!