Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

Golden paints a vivid portrait of Geisha life in early 20th Century Japan. How he did it, I don't know, but as you read this novel, you might find yourself wondering if it actually is a true story. It isn't, but Golden went to great pains to recreate a culture that doesn't really exist in the modern world anymore - not in the way it did before World War II when most of this novel is set.

It's one of those books that leaves you with a sigh of contentment when you finally put it down. I love that kind of book.