Question: "I have a friend in Communist China who wants to understand Western culture. What four books do you think I should mail her? English is her second language, so they can't be of too high a level, Grade 10 is probably around her ability." -- Robaroo

Answer: How about these four books...

Ayn Rand: Atlas Shrugged -- A book that glorifies the capitalism, freedom, individuality, and industry that have made Western culture great.

Stuart Bell, Stan Campbell, James S. Bell: The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Bible -- The greatest example of Western culture, the United States, is a Christian nation founded on Christian principles. Much of Europe was founded on Christian principles as well, although they've become much more secular over time.

Victor Davis Hanson: Carnage and Culture: Landmark Battles in the Rise to Western Power -- You don't understand the Westerners, unless you understand why we've gone to war and why we've won.

Milton Friedman: Capitalism and Freedom -- It has been a long time since I have read this one, but it's a classic book that explains how capitalism and freedom are interconnected.