"Sea of Poppies" by Amitav Ghosh was an engaging bit of historic fiction set in the 19th century on a slave ship (well indentured servants) during the time when opium was bolstering British commerce. It is clearly a setup for more books, building the backstory for a group of travelers from very different walks of life. The mixture (and history) of English and Indian language was fun (in this way it reminded me of Vikram Chandra's work). A quick read.
"Shantaram" was I book I read a while back and just realized I never reviewed it. Apparently true story of a man who falls out of favor with the law (guns and drugs) and ending up (at various times) in solitary confinement, escaping to India, living in the slums, learning to love the city, falling into disfavor with local thugs, befriending hookers and thieves, treating and dolling out medicine to the poorest of the poor, extradition to prison, repeat, finally getting out, and then writing a book about it. Not the greatest writer (kinda wacky in some ways) but a really solid tale.
"Ender in Exile" by Orson Scott Card is a bit of backfill in the Ender saga. Basically "the lost years" right after "Ender's Game." If you like OSC you'll like this one. If you've never read his stuff, read "Game" first. I originally found OSC by reading a short story in "Omni Magazine" called "Unaccompanied Sonata." If you can find it read it. The story haunted me for years. When he's on as a writer he really can nail it. I don't think he's working too hard with "Exile" but its a fun universe of way too smart kids, clever strategies and the occasional alien mystery.
"The Golden Compass" trilogy was OK. Not sure what all the fuss was about but it held my interest for a few days. Basically alternate worlds that are slowly falling apart because of all the holes between them coupled with some kids that are the main characters/heroes trying to grow up. Good book for teens (though some have been dismayed by the portrayal of organized religion I don't think its all that bad).
"The Epicure's Lament" is the story of a dying (antihero) scion from a washed up family on the eastern seaboard. As he slowly smokes and drinks himself to death he dabbles in screwing up other family members lives. In between these machinations he cooks, ruminates about cooking, and generally laments his life (or society's existence). Fun book.
"The Ghost in Love" by Jonathan Carroll is a quirky fantasy ghost story with bizarre and thoughtful twists and turns. Man dies, ghost falls in love with his girlfriend, man somehow isn't really dead, entire life death system on the fritz, etc. I haven't loved all of his books but this one is pretty good (not mind blowing or anything, but pretty good).
"The Invention of Hugo Cabret" by Brian Selznick is a beautifully constructed art object in itself. Part picture book, part novel, words and images intermingle. I think my sister met the author and is always on the lookout for books for her classroom full of kids. She forced me to buy it one day. Ostensibly a book for children (intimidating at first glance but satisfying to the little whipper snappers because it really is a fast read). It is the story of the first magician film maker, a boy who fixes things, invention, love and lost history. Perfect gift.
Other?
Australia (the movie) was worth seeing for parts of the story, bits of the breathtaking countryside, and elements of the film making methodology, but really not anywhere close to Romeo & Juliet or Moulin Rouge. A diversion.
808s & Heartbreak is Kanye's newest album. Proof that an old Roland 808 synthesizer, a bit of heartbreak and serious use of an autotuner to help make Kanye sound like Cher is really all you need to make a good album. And it is good. Especially his mutation of Tears for Fears' "Memories Fade" song, recast as "Coldest Winter." Makes me want an autotuner and musical ability.
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