The Other Boleyn Girl
Philippa Gregory
I have read most of Philippa Gregory’s novels, and The Other Boleyn Girl is, by far, her masterpiece. As a British historian, I had a familiarity with the story of Anne Boleyn beforehand; regardless, the detailed court scenes and intelligent dialogue enthralled me.

Gregory uses her historical knowledge and captivating prose to recreate the day-to-day life of the Tudor court. Focusing the attention on the Boleyn and Howard families, it is a story of political intrigue of which Henry VIII is noticeably absent. Henry, obviously, is an important part of the story, but Gregory directs the story to these two sisters caught in the political upheavals of Henrician court. The historical tensions of the period run alongside the familial tensions of an ambitious family using the King’s passions for their own gains. Telling the story from the perspective of an intuitive young woman, Mary Boleyn, it is a superb account of this critical period in English history.

ISBN: 0743227441, $22.00, (Simon & Shuster, Touchstone)

The Constant Princess
Philippa Gregory
Already read The Other Boleyn Girl?

Try The Constant Princess.

The Constant Princess is a prequel of sorts to The Other Boleyn Girl, as it is the story of the early years of Infanta Catalina of Spain — Katherine of Aragon — the strong-willed daughter of Ferdinand and Isabella. She is sent over to England to fulfill her destiny of ruling England alongside her husband Arthur Tudor, the Prince of Wales, Henry’s older brother. As you may assume, things do not work out as planned. This young, beautiful woman must overcome death, betrayal, and poverty to finally ascend to the throne. A quick, but yet, captivating read.

ISBN: 000721278X, $24.95, (HarperCollins Publishers)

The Rebel Sell: why the culture can’t be jammed
Joseph Heath & Andrew Potter
“The idea of counterculture is ultimately based on a mistake.” Hmm? That’s what this book offers, a though-provoking examination of the misguided priorities of the so-called counterculture rebels. The authors of this book take a critical look at the mechanisms of consumption and counterculture, ultimately determining that the radicals are contributing to the consumer culture just as much as anyone else. This book, however, is not a right-wing attack; it is a cry for help from the rational left wing: the authors are young, bright, sensible people who realize that something is missing in this radical agenda, or lack thereof. Plus, it is Canadian.

ISBN: 0006394914, $19.95, (HarperCollins, Harper Perennial)

Tori Amos: Piece by Piece
Tori Amos and Ann Powers
As a Tori fan for over a decade, I can say: you either love her or you hate her.

I fall into the “love her” category, but I will admit that she can sometimes be a little flaky—I love her, but it’s true. Just as with her music, you will either love this book or hate it. That being said, her life and her music are interesting; in the book, she makes no attempt to censor or edit her life, which allows the reader to develop their own relationship with this unique, interesting woman.

Unlike most musicians, Amos, throughout her career, has forged her own niche, and challenged boundaries; this book accentuates her growth as a musician into this exceptional entertainer. A great performer and lyricist, her natural artistic abilities show through in this book. Authored in conversations with Ann Powers, it is one of the best autobiographical looks at a life in music.

ISBN: 0767916778, $21.00, (Random House, Broadway Books)

The Landscape of History: How Historians Map The Past
John Lewis Gaddis
I’m a historian, so I have read several books on the meaning of history and historical research, but only this book has so eloquently expressed the art of the historian; every time I read it, it fills me with a warmth and pride for my field. For those with a passion, or merely an interest, in history, I guarantee you will love this book. A collection of speeches delivered to students at Oxford, it is a beautiful book on the importance of history in the changing academic landscape. Read it.

ISBN: 01951171578, $19.95, (Oxford University Press)

Sex with the Queen
Eleanor Hermann
Since I am the resident historian, Pat gave me a proof copy of this book to read earlier this year. At first, I thought it would be merely a novelty, popular history, but I was completely wrong. Don’t let the subject fool you; Eleanor Hermann is a very talented writer and historian. It is so very rare that historians encounter “sexy history” that it is worth a read. So put down your textbooks, personal correspondences, genealogical records, and take a much-needed rest; sometimes, we all deserve a naughty, colourful, and entertaining history, so pick up this book and you will be impressed.

ISBN: 0060846739, $34.95, (HarperCollins Publishers, William Morrow)

Assassination Vacation
Sarah Vowell
I was first introduced to her through The Daily Show — she is regular guest on the show—and I quickly realized that this woman is hilarious (in addition, many might know her voice: she was the voice of the teenage daughter in The Incredibles). Admittedly, her writing is not for everyone, but once you get into her style, it is a joy. Only Sarah Vowell can turn a travel narrative of presidential assassination locations into an entertaining and informative read. A delight!

ISBN: 074326004X, $19.00, (Simon & Schuster)

The Chronicles of Narnia
C.S. Lewis
With the success of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe movie (which was wonderful, I love the beavers), it is hard to think of anyone who doesn’t know of Narnia. I still, however, feel the need to recommend these books to everyone; I first read them around the age of six, and they stimulated my life-long interest in books, and for that reason, I say that they are an excellent addition to any library. Despite the religious controversy associated with the movie, I find that they are fantastical novels, which are not overtly religious; without a doubt, Christianity is present, but it is never condescending or even overwhelming—it is a fantasyland, so we see what we want to see.

Personally, I find The Magician’s Nephew to be the best book: written last, it is a prequel to the other stories, explaining the creation of the wardrobe and its connection to the Professor. In any case, they are best read all together, so pick up the complete chronicles.
ISBN: 0066238501, $25.99, (HarperCollins)