re: #22 Walter L. Newton
Since I am such a fan of both historical/tech/adventure and TV shows like LOST, it was recommended that I get “Foucault’s Pendulum” by Umberto Eco.
It’s well worth reading. The story is good, complex, and wry. The background information is very interesting. You will remember the book for a long time after you have read it and in a few years you might pick it up again because you won’t be able to recall all the intricate twists and turns.