The Enchantress of Florence by Rushdie, Salman Let's start with that master novelist. Salman Rushdie's new novel, The Enchantress of Florence, begins with the arrival of a blond stranger at the 16th century court of Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great. This European is a teller of tales who relates a story about the reign of the great beauty, Qara Kös, over Renaissance Florence. The enchantress of the title, she is Akbar's great-aunt and the storyteller's mother. As in eastern tradition, Rushdie's story meanders through reality and magic, moving from Asia to Europe and back again, with stories within stories that challenge the reader's imagination. I found myself immediately wrapped up in the beauty of the author's language, so lush and descriptive, laid out in such intricate patterns that it is a joy to follow wherever it leads. My favorite Rushdie book up to now has been Haroun and the Sea of Stories with its wonderful word play. I may have to make space for Enchantress at the top of my list for similar reason. ($26.00)

Transit Maps of the World by Ovenden, Mark "Transit Maps of the World" is the first and only comprehensive collection of historic and current maps of every rapid-transit system on earth. Using glorious, colorful graphics, Mark Ovenden traces the history of mass transit-including rare and historic maps, diagrams, and photographs, some available for the first time since their original publication. "Transit Maps" is the graphic designer's new bible, the transport enthusiast's dream collection, and a coffee-table essential for everyone who's ever traveled in a city.

A Piano in the Pyrenees: The Ups and Downs of an Englishman in the French Mountains by Hawks, Tony Inspired by breathtaking views and romantic fantasies of finding love in the mountains, Tony Hawks impulsively buys an idyllic house in the French Pyrenees. And here, he imagines, he will finally fulfill his childhood fantasy of mastering the piano, all the while overlooking spectacular views as the troubles of the world pass him by unnoticed. However, Tony's hopelessly ill-prepared stumbling into the world of overseas homeownership is perhaps best read as a useful manual of how not to go about buying a house abroad. He flirts with the moving company in a disastrous attempt to take his piano over to France in a dodgy white van; foolishly attempts to build a swimming pool himself; and takes his experience of relationships to a new level when he finds himself cohabiting not with the expected beautiful French woman, but with his old buddy Ron the builder. Yet as Tony and his small group of friends haplessly attempt to integrate themselves into local village life, they learn more about themselves and each other than they ever thought possible.