Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Finally...had to read this book, as it's my wife's favorite-of-all-time book and DVD series. It was OK. Maybe I need to read it a few more times...


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The Unbearable Lightness of Scones by Alexander McCall Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a totally delightful read, this! I think it might be one of my favorite McCall Smith books so far. This book--Vol. 5 from the 44 Scotland Street series by Alexander McCall Smith--continues developing the intriguing characters connected to the apartment building located on 44 Scotland Street in historic Edinburgh, Scotland. Some great twists and stories as the characters interact and intersect with other unique Edinburgh personalities. McCall Smith has such an amazing way with words--so homespun, yet deeply intelligent and weighted with delightful sensibilities. Delightful, engaging, ruminating, refreshing, and thoughtful & realistic thoughts and conversations by some colorful characters. Grab a good cup of tea--or good coffee, like the kind served up at Big Lou's Cafe--and any of McCall Smith's wonderful novels, and you won't be sorry; no, you'll be delighted and will be smiling most of the way through an enjoyable read.


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The Envoy: From Kabul to the White House, My Journey Through a Turbulent World by Zalmay Khalilzad
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Khalilzad gives a great personal & close-up tour of some very significant times in modern history--especially with regards to America's post-9/11 involvement in Afghanistan and Iraq. Amazing that a man who grew up in Mazar-e-Sharif & Kabul found himself in the inner circle of leaders from the most powerful country of the world at such a critical time. Khalilzad made a difference in these engagements, though his counsel was not always listened to or acted on. Remarkable man with a deep grasp of geopolitics.


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