Packing problems

So I'm going to France and Germany next month and I'm worried about a couple of conflicting problems--lifting my bag and having enough good books. Yes, I did succumb to the lure of ipod and a few audio titles--all marvelously light weight. But what if the battery goes or I simply get tired of having those ear bud things in all the time?

I figure two print books (paperback of course) are the ideal solution. But which two? The ideal choice is thoroughly entertaining but not a keeper. This rules out anything from the re-read shelves and gives me carte blanche to purchase a couple of new books. However, it is no help narrowing down the titles.

Any recommendations?