Thanks for the info. My DM started a FR campaign (which I am VERY happy about-like the setting) and I wanted to get some good background info. In particular, thanks JoeGKushner--sometimes it is best to know what to avoid.
the lost tomb series is a good background too. but requires you having at least some knowledge of regions already. same could be said of the city series. city of ravens is the introduction of sorcerers to the realms... the advent of the 2000ed.