The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett (2007, Paperback)

Ken Follett is a historian by training. He put that love for detail to excellent use in his earlier writings such as "Eye of the Needle" or "Hornet Flight," both suspenseful and excitement-full stories.

In "Pillars of the Earth," Follett reaches back to the twelfth century, to what life was like surrounding the origins of the grand cathedrals of Europe. The narrative is paced, awkwardly at first, as if you were actually conversing with the inhabitants of those living the hard life of the day. The descriptions of the food ("horse bread"), bedding (a thin pile of damp straw), and the very names (Tom Builder, a stone mason hired to help "build") evoke a feeling of what life was like. You feel you are right there beside the characters. Life was hard back then, risky, and you grind your teeth sharing the experiences as you read.

Although this beek came out years ago, Oprah had just recently selected it as a favorite, and that sent sales through the roof---for the second time. There is not a better read, not that I've come across in the past twelve years or so. You will sweat, laugh, learn, appreciate life all the more as you work your way through this fully engaging experience; yes, your sense will be more of experiencing it rather than reading it. Enjoy!

RJ de Pontbriand, MD