EINSTEIN BY WALTER ISAACSON: Walter Isaacson, author of  Benjamin Franklin: An American Life, takes biography writing to a whole new level with Einstein: His Life and Universe.  This isn’t just the story of Albert Einstein from birth until death; Isaacson escorts the reader on a unique journey through the mind of Einstein, as well as through the eyes of his friends and family; along the way one becomes so close and understanding of the man of the twentieth century it is as if he were still alive and conversing with you.  This book shows you the man and human being behind the genius of physics and astronomy, the creator of the theory of relativity. CONTINUED . . .

PANAMA FEVER BY DOUGLAS PRESTON & LINCOLN CHILD: In this brilliant historical epic that rivals and in some ways exceeds David McCullough’s mighty tome, The Path Between the Seas, from the author of The Battle of Britain and Monte Cassino, Matthew Parker tells a tale that will not be ready lightly in Panama Fever.  For those looking for a quick, short story about how the Panama Canal got built, turn away now.  For those wanting to know how much back-breaking labor, how many lives were lost, how many companies and families were bankrupted, and how many countries were brought to both war and shame, Panama Fever is the book for you. CONTINUED . . .