The Agony and the Ecstasy by Irving Stone

This semi-fictional narrative of the life of Michelangelo Buonarroti kept me on the edge of my...bed (as the only time I had to read it was at night). Irving Stone's depiction of the constant struggles and achievements of the great painter/sculptor/architect was nearly as aesthetically pleasing as Michelangelo's own works of art. Staying true to actual historical events of not only Rome and Florence but also those of Europe, Stone created a hero in Michelangelo that makes me desire to see every work of art he ever created. In that the novel enables the reader to glimpse into the inner mind of a masterful artisan, portraying the constant fluctuation between the agony and the ecstacy such a prominent artist might encounter throughout his life, this work has easily become one of my favorite books. The only downside is that I fear my next book may not be able to reach the bar now so highly set. I strongly recommend that anyone who hasn't read this one put it on your reading list.

Also, two of the three B's are present in this book...not so sure about the third.