I think my favorite Rushdie book is the Moor's Last Sigh but that's a tough call. He is a tough author for me. Ground Beneath Her Feet was the easiest read because it was most accessible for me. It's an adaptation of the myth of Orpheus/Eurydice in a rock star setting. I most recently finished The Moor's Last Sigh so I remember it the best. I liked the characters and the magical elements in that one. The most magical in the way of Marquez is Midnight's Children, which I read first. Moor is possibly a continuation of MC according to some people. All of them are entrenched with history and politics of India/Pakistan.

What's Nickel and Dimed?

I loved Guns Germs and Steel and I agree with Kareen that you would really like it.

For Undaunted Courage... I read the first 1/3 at Ma10 then reread the whole thing while I was working on the Lewis and Clark trail for the Forest Service...one should never face the "Clarkies" without being prepared.

i got through about 1/3 of guns, germs, and steel. then i loaned it to john to read. i think you would like it.

Are you sure you read Undaunted Courage?