Cleopatra: A Life by Stacey Schiff

I enjoyed the audio version of this book. While there's not as much fact as one might be able to find for a more recent figure (there's only one word that may be written in Cleopatra's hand, and no surviving contemporary portraits or statues, besides her coins), this book does a nice job of laying out the possibilities for Cleopatra's life, as well as giving a crash course in the relevant Roman politics and history, so that it all makes sense. I was particularly intrigued by the arguments for Cleopatra's intelligence (apparently she was a gifted linguist); most of her early chroniclers were portraying someone who fit into their historical picture as a problem, and history is, after all, mostly written by the winners.

The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

This book starts a new series in Percy Jackson's world: but Percy's missing. Instead, a new trio of demigods, Jason, who has amnesia, Piper, and Leo go on a desperate quest to rescue Hera before a mysterious, evil force can resurrect one of the giants using Hera's powers. This series is just as entertaining as the original Percy Jackson series, but it adds interesting twists to Percy's world. I can't wait till the next book in this series comes out next fall!

I Was the Jukebox: Poems by Sandra Beasley

This collection of poetry is both witty and moving. I enjoyed the playful points of view, and there were lots of beautiful images throughout. I particularly liked the ones about college, which were heavy with UVa atmosphere.