I live with three cats, a couple rats, and a wife. I used to share the house with egus. They are rather cute, friendly rodents. Here a couple of links to information on Degus (Octodon degus)
I've put together a list of rodent-positive books at: http://www.47d.net/~seven/rodents/books.html
My mother is an immunologist, and has written a couple of books. You can find out more about her and her books at: http://www.elinorlevy.com/
If people are wondering, I have seven reasons for the username seven
Why do I have the license plate HORT?