A few random additions

Some nice guy named Tom over at MySpace suggested Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand as his most recommendable read.

My friend Trav swears by Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh (I've had his copy thereof for better than a year, and I promise I really will read and return it one day) and likes Vonnegut as well.

As for my own recommendations... These are primarily fiction because that's what I read more often than not. One of the best books I've read in a long time is Peace Like a River by Leif Enger. It's loaded with wonderful imagery, authentic characters and beautiful emotions and I was really, really sad to say goodbye when I finished it. I need to hunt down some more Enger.

For the same set of reasons, I adore Barbara Kingsolver. She weaves a world you can't help but feel enmeshed in. Try Prodigal Summer and you'll see what I mean.

I've always loved Dean R. Koontz and Stephen King, and have read nearly everything both have written. King is just amazing all the way around. And Koontz has a fantastic talent for crafting a scene you feel like you're sitting in the middle of.

Amy Hempel is a talented short story writer, too - sometimes I love to read short stories because they fit better into my life. And Chuck Pahlaniuk is a master, too - very vivid imagery in his stuff. I liked Diary even though it made me feel psychotic.

Under and Alone by William Queen is a true story of the ATF agent who infiltrated one of the most notorious motorcycle gangs in the country. I found it fascinating and terrifying at the same time...

A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius is wonderful for its ability to make you laugh and cry in the same paragraph, and to remind you that we all feel.

I'll keep throwing these little recommendations out there as well as keep encouraging my friends et al. to weigh in. And feel free to comment if you like.