Queen of the Desert
By Reymundo Sanchez

Salon.com named this one Best of Non-Fiction for 2007. Gertrude Bell was perhaps the most famous British traveler of her day, a poet, scholar, historian, mountaineer, photographer, archaeologist, gardener, cartographer, linguist and distinguished servant of the state. And, a co-founder of modern Iraq. And, she spoke six languages. An accomplished woman, who makes for a ripping yarn of a book.

The Bad Girl
By Mario Vargas Llosa

Roast Chicken and Other Stories
By Simon Hopkinson

One of the best selling British recipe books of all time, and one of the most useful cookbooks ever. Chef and writer Simon Hopkinson proves the Brits truly can cook with this wonderful, easy to follow book. Hopkinson selects some of his favorite food items, all readily available in most supermarkets, then lists five or so recipes for each item. Beautifully written, and a true pleasure to read.

Duma Key
By Steven King

American Shaolin
By Matthew Polly

A 98-pound weakling from Kansas decides it’s high time to learn how to kick ass the Shaolin way. He journeys to the famous temple in China for hard-core help in the fine art of kung fu, and learns a great deal about modern China in the process. A fascinating and fun non-fiction read.

Suite Francaise
By Irene Nemirovsky

The Anatomist
By Bill Hayes

Clapton
By Eric Clapton

If you’re looking for sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll, this is your book. Clapton gives a full account of his life that spares none of the details about his alcohol and drug problems, among other peccadilloes. Raw and uninhibited, and worth a look if you’re a fan.

My Bloody Life
By Reymundo Sanchez

Born Standing Up
By Steve Martin

One of America’s favorite comedians neatly combines his personal and professional worlds in this book. Martin chronicles his life as a gifted young comedian in this evocative, heartfelt memoir, which proves less wild and crazy than wise and considerate. A must for Martin fans.

The Global Citizen's Handbook
By The World Bank

Swimming in a Sea of Death
By Susan Sontag

Writer Susan Sontag’s son penned this touching and personal look at his late mother’s multiple battles against cancer. It’s much more than just a memoir; it offers special insight into cutting-edge cancer treatment, and explores options available in other countries. It also takes a sensitive look at death, and how one goes about dying with dignity.

The Healing Power of the Drum
By Robert Friedman

In Defense of Food
By Michael Pollan

A razor-sharp analysis of the American diet, with all its inconsistencies and inconveniences. Pollan wonders why, after we’ve cut out carbs and fats and even fruits, we’re still fat. Pollan’s answer to yo-yo dieting? Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants. A terrific follow-up to the best-seller An Omnivore’s Dilemma.

Musicophilia
By Oliver Sacks

The Uncommon Reader
By Alan Bennett

A smart, funny and clever novella that imagines what would happen if Britain’s Queen Elizabeth suddenly (and quite unexpectedly) became an avid reader late in life. A terrific book about the pleasures of reading, with special insight into the mind and character of Britain’s reigning monarch.

The Logic of Life
By Tim Harford

The World Without Us
By Allen Weissman

A grand thought experiment of a book, where the author imagines what Earth would be like if we weren’t here to meddle with it. Here’s a taste of his conclusions; while the environment would improve without us, dogs would be in deep, deep trouble. A fascinating take on the human condition.