Last Empress

I haven't updated this part of my blog lately so I figured I'd fill you in. I have been reading the sequel to Empress Orchid and it is amazing. I really love how this is written. It is based off the real events, but slightly fictionized for your reading pleasure. I read the book, "Empress" and that was all about sex and yada yada yada, but Empress Orchid and Last Empress have been more along the lines of female empowerment. Love it.
I've recently been reading three books at once, but just finished Iran Awakening, so now it is two. I've been trying to complete The Namesake(another must read) and Last Empress. Next I want to try "Lipstick Jehad(???)" recommended by my Middle Eastern Art teacher. I keep thinking "Lipstick Jungle" which is a book by Candace Bushnel and a horrible TV series, but no relation what so ever.
I mentioned the "Russian Concubine" earlier, but I read 5 pages of that and had to stop. It was HORRIBLE. It reminded me of books I read as a child. Simply written in a manner for the simple minded. Give me a break, I want something that has potential to change my life people, not remind me of the writing style of "Nancy Drew"...thanks... I need more books to read though. Apparently Gregory Maguire, author of Wicked, is writing a new book, so I am curious.
I'll keep ya posted.