I loved the Bronze Horseman series too,

Peanutter - have you read "Life is Good"? Its a true story about a very old negro man who learns to read for the first time in his I think 80s or even 90s, but goes back through his incredible life. It is a very worthwhile story, and while not all hearts and flowers it won't give you nightmares! Otherwise, Geraldine Brooks' People of the Book is very good too - likewise very interesting, thought provoking read but not horrific. Her Year of Wonders is brilliant too.

I'm struggling to get time with Shantaram. Its been so hot here that the girls are going crazy being confined to indoors, so not much peaceful time for me.