Every few months, to fulfill the requests of a vocal group of readers, I list the four or five books I’ve read most recently (besides the ones directly for The Simple Dollar), along with my brief thoughts on them. Here we go…

Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson is the book I’m currently reading (in fact, I’m just starting it) as a prelude to tackling Stephenson’s “Baroque Cycle” trilogy. I’ve read this one several times and it’s one of my favorite science fiction novels.

Theodore Rex and The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt by Edmund Morris are two parts of an amazing biography of a fascinating man. If you’ve ever been intrigued by Roosevelt, these are books well worth reading.

Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry is the single best Western novel I’ve ever read – and perhaps ever written. I’ve read it over and over again.

God’s Politics by Jim Wallis attempts to lay out a road map for more progressive Christians to get involved with politics. While the idea is appreciated, I think it’s much harder to get the more progressive Christians to get involved, as most progressive Christians tend to practice their faith quietly (at least, that’s been my experience).

Yep, I spend a lot of time reading.

10 Reasons You Should Never Pay Off Your Mortgage Ric Edelman is the one personal finance “guru” I’ve entirely avoided on The Simple Dollar. Why? He makes some good points, but they’re mixed in with some huge assumptions, and if you blindly follow, you can get burnt. If you are willing to read what he says and actually analyze it (like what this article does), he’s worth reading for an interesting take on things. (@ my money blog)

Free Shopping at Walgreens I agree that Walgreens sometimes has astounding deals if you pay attention. (@ wise bread)

Build Wealth With A “Virtual Employer” This is a rather creative way to find a psychological stick to encourage yourself to save money. (@ get rich slowly)

The Simple Dollar Retro: I’ve Loaned My Friend Money And Now It’s Eating Me Up Inside Don’t. Loan. Money. To. Your. Friends. If you need to get them out of a financial pinch, give the money. Loans turn your friendship into the same relationship you have with your mortgage handler – is that what you call friendship?