So I join this quality paperback book club. It was a way to get several books real cheap, and I only had to buy one more. Well, when I joined they charged my card twice, so I had a $19.95 credit. I just got another book, the one I had to buy to fulfill my membership, along with another book I wanted for only $7, and the total order came to $31.49. On the invoice then it said shipment total $31.49, previous credit $19.95, total due... $0. huh? must be the new math. oh well, if they don't think I owe them anything..

Just finished up Baudolino by Umberto Eco. I very much enjoyed the parts that were more historical in nature, particularly those involving Frederick Barbarossa, and the doings in Constantinople. The weakest sections for me were the more fantastical stories, when Baudolino is looking for Prester John and meets all manner of strange creatures. (If you haven't heard of Prester John, it's an interesting chapter in medieval history...)

Now, am starting in on The October Horse, by Colleen McCullough. I've been reading the series since the first book, The First Man in Rome, came out in 1990. I have them all in hardcover. This is the last in the series, and so almost seems like one last time with an old friend. I think the strength of the series is the characters, and how they seem real.

Am almost done with the first book in the Wheel of Time series. It's now up to 10 books. Many fans are getting antsy that the author doesn't seem to be able to wrap this thing up. I had started the series before and stopped at Book 4, but I am determined to get through it this time.