I am an avid reader and love everything about books; from the smell of the ink on the paper, to the feel of the pages between my fingers. When I'm not able to get away, I can usually be found with my nose in a great book. With the holiday season rapidly approaching, I thought it would be helpful to share with you a few great reads. Each one of these books offers a chance to learn about another culture - either directly (travel writing) or through a work of fiction that provides clues to a culture's daily routines and or history. Some of these are personal favorites, while others were recommended to me by friends. Here are a few titles to consider the next time you're mulling around the bookstore or library.