Anything by Garbriel García Márquez - This man is amazing. Actually, Spanish literature is just amazing, and this man is an incredible part of it. If you speak Spanish relatively well, I highly recommend you read it in its original form. If not, it's well worth checking out anyway. One of my favorites of his short stories is "La Siesta del Martes."







Atlas Shrugged, Ayn Rand - Yes, it is really, really long. And, yes, it's a little more intellectual than your average bookstore shelf-topper. But it's also interesting, thought-provoking, and relevant. The only thing I have trouble with is that it drags on a bit at the end. But all in all it is worth reading.

Here's a few books I've read and enjoyed recently:Tortilla Curtain, TC Boyle - Interesting novel about illegal immigration and Southern California. It follows two families, a wealthy, liberal family living in an exclusive community with two lap dogs and an Acura, and a family of illegal immigrants living in the canyon nearby and struggling to survive. It's worth reading, especially if you live in Southern California, as it raises some very timely questions about immigration and racism., George Orwell - An all-time favorite. Just read it. It makes you think. You'll like it. And while you're at it, read this, too: