I enjoy historical fiction (sounds like an oxymoron) books about any Pre-World War II era, including "The Masters of Rome" series by McCullough, all Jean Auel's books, all Sharon Kay Pellman's books, any James Clavell, James Michener. Books I've read lately include "The Queene's Christmas" (not that great, but it's part of a series on Elizabeth I that is supposed to have its moments), "The Last Kaballist in Lisbon," and enjoyed "Perfume" a long time ago, you get my drift (hah!). Just finished re-reading "The Waterworks" by E. L. Doctorow, and finished "The Coffee Trader"--really interesting! Enjoy anything by Caleb Carr. Also Umberto Eco, especially "The Name of the Rose," and "Baudolino." Also "Girl with a Pearl Earring." Actually, I like semiotics, symbology, etc., in stories. Will admit to reading the "Da Vinci Code" when it first came out. Loved "Palace Walk" and am sooooo looking forward to Book II and III in the Cairo Trilogy.