Read any good books lately

Well it seems there is interest in a books thread, so here it is!

To start off I would recommend A History of the World in 10 1/2 Chapters by Julian Barnes.

In my opinion it is an excellent book. Each chapter is it's own story yet they are all closely connected through the general theme of the story of Noah and his ark.

It is dramatic yet very witty and humorous in that dry british sort of way. Ultimately it is very insightful. Best of all it is a quick read, only about 250 pages which seems to fly by. The stories range from the "true" account of Noah and his ark to a very poignant and thoughtful story on Jonah and the whale to a an absurd letter dialogue between woodworms and the catholic church.

Give it a chance and I think you won't be disappointed. At the very least it makes great discussion material.