What book are you reading?

[SwordsMaster]

Reading several at the moment:

For entertainment: "Letters to the Undercover Economist" Tim Hartford. More of the same Hartford stuff, this time replying to letters from readers. Entertaining, great for commutes due to short, self contained chapters.

"Bringing down the House" Can't remember the name of the author. About the MIT Blackjack team's success in the mid 90s. Entertaining although not faithful to facts. Light reading.

"Angry White Pijamas" Robbert Twigger. About the author's struggle in getting the discipline to get out of the "rut" he is in in 80's Tokyo through learning aikido in one of the toughest dojos in the city. Surprisingly insightful, easy to read, and entertaining. My great and pleasant discovery.


Classics:

"Hagakure" Yamamoto Tsunetomo. The Way of the Samurai. Tsunetomo reflects on the role of the samurai in a more peaceful society and his interpretation of the old Bushido. Some philosophy mixed with tips for behaviour, etiquette, etc. Surprisingly relevant even though was written in 1716.

"Amiable renegade: the memoirs of Capt. Peter Drake" Capt. Peter Drake - ridiculously difficult to find, by the way. What is says on the tin. Capt. Drake was one of the Irishmen who left the country with the great "Flight" of the 17th century, and had served as a mercenary in several european armies. Quite easy to read, provides insight into the army life of late 17th and early 18th century, and entertainment at the man's stories. Drake is a gambler, soldier, drunk, and womaniser, and provides a rare account of himself without the need for justification. Great read.

"Yama" ("The Pit") Alexander Kuprin - this one barely started, and on hold for the moment.

Recommend all of the classics, and Angry white pijamas. The other 2 are more or less up to everyone's taste and background. I find them entertaining airport reads, but nothing mindblowing. Airport fiction as I said. Better than Dan Brown though...