While in Rome, I tried to focus my reading on books of direct relevance. So among others, I read Room With a (Disappointing) View, The Leopard (an Italian classic that is more moody and introspective than I cared for), Heat (great fun in Mario Batali’s kitchen and footsteps), and numerous others. I’m just started reading Rubicon, about the final days of the Roman Republic.
Aside from Italian subject matter, I also picked up a book about the UN, Emergency Sex. It is more substantive than it sounds, covering the heady New World Order days, when the UN/US were prepared to send troops to support democracy and human rights in Somalia, Haiti, and elsewhere. Despite the titular, titling elements that helped it become a best seller, the book depressingly chronicles the deflation of this idealism.
Well, never read Room with a View, though I really like the movie! Rubicon and Emergency Sex both sound pretty interesting to me. Mebbe I'll get my hands on those.
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