http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Pillars_of_the_Earth
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Without_End
If you have any interest in 12th century Europe or architecture or personal relationships or the Catholic Church, you should seriously consider reading these two massive volumes. Mr. Follett makes dreary, dusty history come alive through his characters. Reading two books of this size is quite an undertaking, but if you persevere, you will have a much better understanding of the world as it is today - shaped by yesterday's actions.
