I apologize for the disconcerting lack of recent posts; it makes me upset, but I just haven't been in a writing mood.
I did manage to finish two books: Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science by Atul Gawande and My Mortal Enemy by Willa Cather.
The former is an excellent "sciency" book, but the language is simple enough for the lay person to understand. Included are previous articles of Gawande's (including "Crimson Tide", which was published in The Best American Science Writing 2002, about a blushing newscaster) and anecdotes from his time as a med student and resident. He also takes time to wax philosphical about the institution of surgery and medicine. While most would think this sounds boring, I assure you that his prose is succint and his stories moving. In fact, I bought the 288 page book on Sunday afternoon and finished it Monday evening.
The latter (the Cather book) was also an enjoyable read that I devoured during and after work on Tuesday. The quick read was eased by the short length: the book is only 80 some pages of engrossing story in a medium-large typeface. I'm a big fan of Cather; she's a Nebraskan author (though she was born in Virginia) who manages to capture the feel of the beautiful plains state that so many others disdain. I lived in Nebraska for twelve years, and I have never been able to see the rolling sandhills and prarie grass as anything but exotic and lovely. My Mortal Enemy is worth giving a quick look -- as that is all it takes to read the book -- but if you want to truly delve into Cather and her Nebraska loving, check out My Antonia or O'Pioneers.