This is purely a social question. Something to get our minds off acquisition.

If you are reading any book this week, what is the name of the book? Whatever book it is -- fiction or nonfiction. Title and author.

I am reading Tristes Tropiques, by Claude Levi-Strauss (1955), translated from the French by John and Doreen Weightman.

Two this week - just completed, a re-read of East of Chosin: Entrapment and Breakout in Korea 1950 by Roy Appleman...... dense, highly detailed recount of army's 31st RCT tragedy on the east side of the reservoir in Nov 27 - Dec. 2 1950 - the definitive work on it.

And started and about finished my first Anthony Trollope novel, The Warden.

Re-reading "Let'er Buck: A Story of the Passing of the Old West" by Charles Wellington Furlong

Re-reading "Scribbling the Cat" and "Don't Let's Go To The Dogs Tonight" by Alexandra Fuller.

I'm in a recreational fiction phase. In the past week or two I've read Wilbur Smith's "Triumph of the Sun," Daniel Silva's "The English Assassin," and the updated edition of Nelson DeMille's "Mayday." Current night-time read is Stephen Coonts' "The Disciple." Good story-tellers, all.

This is a little off topic, but my wife gave me a Kindle last year as a present and my reading has increased so much since then. It's just so convenient to browse books (you can get free previews), buy without going anywhere, and get exceptional discounts (about the most expensive in the best sellers are $9.99). I've read about twice as many books since I got it.

Great. So what book are you reading now?

I am reading "That Old Cape Magic" by Richard Russo. Author won the Pulitzer for his book "Empire Falls." Also read his "The Bridge of Sighs" earlier this month. I'm from Central New York State so he really hits home for me.

Almost finished with "Matterhorn" by Karl Marlantes.

1776 by David McCullough. It's a good read.

Great. So what book are you reading now?

Dark Watch by Clive Cussler and Jack Du Brul - I couldn't remember the co-author and had to chcek

I wish I could read a book, any of a number of books I have waiting for me, but I am in the midst of my dissertation and I dare not take any time away from that else I will most certainly fall behind. I have promised myself that I will read to my hearts content once I turn in my final document and complete my defense, but until then Barnes and Noble are unfortunately off limits.

Just finished The Shack by William P. Young -- Nice!

Currently working on "The Real George Washington," by Parry, Allison and Skosen AND "As Far As You Can Go Without a Passport," by Tom Bodett

"The No A**hole Rule: Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isn't" by Robert Sutton.

State of Fear by the late Michael Crichton

The Stranger by Camus

Right now reading The Time-and-Materials Contract: the Time has come for a long, hard look - Vernon J. Edwards

I've never heard of the guy, but it's a pretty good read.

Just finished "His Excellency George Washington" by Joseph Ellis; I highly recommend it.

Started "Assassination Vacation" by Sarah Vowell, but got bored after 50 pages and laid it aside.

Nearly halfway through my long-term project of finishing "Les Miserables" by Victor Hugo in the original French (yep, all 1800 pages!)

One of the Spenser books by Robert Parker. The title doesn't matter. They're all fun to read.

If you had asked a couple of weeks ago it would have been Milton Cross' "Encyclopedia of the Great Composers." Timing is everything.

Ron,

We're not snobs. Spenser's great. Have you read any of Parker's westerns about the gunmen/lawmen Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch? Terrific.

My wife is a big fan of Parker and is sad because she is reading his last book now.

One of the books he wrote before he died just came out, and his last one is in editing now. The big mystery is whether we finally find out Spenser's first name.

Vern,

Not yet, but they're on my list. I try not to read more than 1 or 2 in a row from the same author. Some author's style gets stale and sounding the same, and it ruins some of the pleasure. Parker can get that way, so I need some variety. Before Parker it was a Carl Hiaison book, and a Nelson DeMille before that.

Most of my pleasure reading is before going to bed, and I only last about 3-4 pages. Then the next night I have to reread the last page, so I'm only advancing at about 2-3 pages per night. That makes it hard to finish a paid-by-the-word book.

Just finished "Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfus and "Dragon" by Stephen Brust. About to start the Emperor trilogy by Conn Iggulden (I read the first two Genghis Khan books but haven't read the third "Empire of Silver").