Here are some of the books that I really like and which I am sure you would like too. I believe that a good book should broaden my perspective towards life while being an entertaining read. The following books definitely provide them:
God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy: This is a book which the child in you would appreciate. Its portrayal of the twins Estha and Rachel is simply outstanding. I literally cried while reading this book. The prose is sublime - almost poetic. I sometimes think that many outstanding books are the only ones written by their authors - and this is an example, at least until now;)
Lord of the Rings by Tolkein: This book is set in a spectacularly original setting that never ceases to surprise you. It is quite a lengthy story about the triumph of good over evil, but it will never bore you. There is a huge cult following for this book. So many people can’t be wrong!
Fountain Head by Ayn Rnd: You will be a changed person, by the time you finish this book. It offers a refreshingly alternative ideology - objectivism that will make you think twice about the way you live your life. Ayn Rand’s followup for this book, Atlas Shrugged though more ambitious and popular (voted best fiction of this century by a worldwide reader survey) is perhaps less convincing than Fountain Head.
1984 by George Orwell: A political satire, 1984 was a radical book for its time and still remains one. Certainly an interesting read!
Diary of Anne Frank: This true tragic story of a girl who lived in the time of the Nazi ascendancy will appeal to everyone. This is another book that had me crying in moments of sorrow and joy.
The Life of Pi by Yann Martel: This is a fun read that entertained me no end. It also makes a profound statement about the believability of miracles and religions. It won the Booker this year (or was it last year?).
Thats it for now. I’ll come back with more good books as I read them:)
I would love some critical comments...