THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND

The Mysterious Island follows the adventures of a group of castaways who use their survivalist savvy to build a functional community on an uncharted island. A hot-air balloon carrying five passengers and a dog escapes from Richmond, Va., during the American Civil War. It is blown off course and deposited near an obscure island. One of the castaways nearly dies after a skirmish with pirates; he is saved by the unexplained appearance of medicine after the pirates are unexpectedly routed. The group later discovers that their secret helper is the reclusive Captain Nemo (first introduced in Verne's Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea), who dies and is buried at sea in his submarine. The castaways are eventually saved by a passing ship. Interesting story line with a plot that folds out slowly. The details were cumbersome to read, however, perhaps it is the writing style rather than the depth of description that repels us youthies of America. Characters are honest and loveable, even with the blantant racism. I think Verne knew this and wrote in the Civil War theme of the "colonists" cheering for the Northern Home Team and embracing the ideals of equality.
"A masterpiece"

ANELS AND DEMONS

This a classic book by Dan Brown about the conflicts between science and relegion, read it and enjoy it.
Also, this a prequel of THE DA VINCI CODE.