Reading Material for Europe

Ok, so I am heading out on Thursday afternoon for my trans-atlantic flight to Madrid. Total round trip flight time will be about 14 hours, plus airport waiting time, and then plenty of bus time to take in some knowledge. Everyone has told me to bring a good book, but I tend to read a few books at a time. I decided to pick 2 books I already read in short periods of time and 2 books that will be calming. All 4 books are quick reads, fairly short and paperbacks.

1: Angels & Demons by Dan Brown: I already read this book a few years ago when I told a student I was going to read the DaVinci Code. He advised that I read this one first and I am glad I did. Angels & Demons came out before DaVinci Code and in my opinion, was a better story. The DC's story centers around the Louvre in Paris, whereas A&D takes place in and around the Vatican and focuses on the Catholic church. I figure this is rather fitting because I will be at the Vatican my last full day in Europe. Despite this being a long book (480 pages), it is a quick read.

2. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: Alchemy is an ancient form of science that originated in Mesopotamia, ancient Egypt and spread from there. It involves chemistry, metallurgy, physics, medicine, astrology, spiritualism, and art. Anyway, the book is about a boy who leaves Spain to follow his dream of finding a treasure in the Egyptian pyramids. Along his travels he meets many people (good and bad) as well as an alchemist who tells him, "that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity." Anyone who reads this fable will feel a connection instantly and relate to Santiago, the boy in search of his dream. This 176 book was recommended by a co-worker last year when it seemed to relate to me most. Highly recommended.

3 & 4: The Tao of Pooh and The Te of Piglet by Benjamin Hoff: I recently got interested in the ancient Chinese belief system of Taoism and as a result started reading the Tao of Pooh. Basically Hoff uses Pooh and his friends to discuss and point out different aspects of Taoism. This is more of ancient Chinese belief system rather than a religion, but is focuses on simplicity, appreciating, learning from and working with what happens in everyday life. According to a Taoist, this harmonious way of living leads to happiness (very Winnie the Pooh like!)

I should finish all these books in the next 2 weeks between all the airplaning, touring, talking, photos, and taking in local culture.