Books of 2005

I have some favorite books I have read in the past year. No particular order

1. Devil in the White City (Erik Larson) - A delight for me the history major. A highly readable, entertaining look at two men with grand designs in Chicago, 1897. One, the driving force behind Chicago's hosting of the World's Exposition a monumental undertaking. The other, one of America's most successful Serial Killers ever. The story Larson paints really brings the era to life and really invests you with the parallel stories.

2. The Song of Fire and Ice series (George R. R. Martin)- Set in an imaginary world that is much like medieval Europe with a touch of magic thrown in. Martin excels in twists and turns brought on by the schemings of the multitude of noble houses in his books. It can be hard to remember how all of these characters fit together but it is worthwile. I've never read a series that has less concern for eliminating major characters and making secondary characters primary in a heartbeat. Rich in history and background and beaucoup sex and violence. 4 books down (3 more?) to go

3. The Harry Potter books - I finally started to read the series and I love them. The world Rowling has created is lively and clever. A pleasure to read, it's good for the imagination. 5 Books down, 2 to go