AH!,SUCH BOOKS!
The Man in the Iron Mask A novel by Alexander Dumas,the supreme story-teller.This is the archetyepal novel that takes you back to your glorious adolescent days of flights of fancy and imagination. An unforgettable novel. Do read it, if you have not already done so. If you ahve read it, I know you will want to read it again.
The Count of MonteCristoe -Duma's most famous and brilliant novel. Personally I feel that few novels can surpass this.(note-- please read the unabridged version if you want the the real flavour)
Les Miserables - This novel by Victor Hugo is my all time favourite.One of the most inspiring novels.Timeless
The Hunchback of Notre Dame - - AND, the Hunchback of Notre Dame, of course. It was filmed I think, starring Anthony Quinn. Read this for sheer majesty of prose and emotions.
The Brothers Karamazov
The Brothers Karamazov - - Have you ever stood under the Niagara?Read Dostoevsky's these two books and you will kn ow what I mean. His narration, the story,the details,his prose all produce that effect.In my opinion he is the numero uno writer of Russia..
Ada -Talking of language, Nabokov is another unique writer. He is more famous for his 'Lolita'.Of his ADA,the Time magazine once wrote that he(Nabokov)seems to know and to use ALL the words in the English language!! Need say more?
Summer of Katya - One of the most sensitive books on split personality, by Travanian(famous for his "Shibumi")The ending leaves you very very sad. A must read.
Moby Dick An archetypal novel on whale hunting.A most inspired book with unforgettable hero, captain Ahab. An original american novel, a classic.
Manchurian Candidate - Even good writers write a dull book sometime. Not Richard Condon, the author of this book. ALL his books are eminently readable.You get a taste of good prose, charming style.This original novel about brainwashing is admired and quoted by all.Highly recommended.
Failsafe   -This book, written by Eugene Burdick is the most brilliant, taut thriller that can possibly be written!! The whole rivetting action takes within a space of minutes, not days or hours! Possibly the best suspense novel about ICBMs and nuclear warheads
Commentaries on Living --If you are reading J.Krishnamurthi for the first time you are usually startled by the new and fresh ideas in these conversations. The prose where it describes nature is beautiful beyond compare.The reader is sure to come out after the readig, with a refreshing view of life.
Nature of the Physical World -There have been quite a lot of books on popular science recently. But this book by Sir Arthur Eddington,written more than 40 years back is a classic by itself.A fine in-depth, yet lucid book on modern physics.
Carlos Castaneds -All books by Castaneda are a must read! There are a lot of crude imitations of him now-a-days.He wrote a series of books about his meeting a Red Indian sorcereer by name Don Juan.Though the story putportedly starts with the 'old man' knowing a lot about plants and herbs, the narration gradually unfolds fascinatingly abundant with unbeliebable incidents. The books by themselves provide an in depth support for a mann's serch for the 'meaning of life'.A rich sourcr for deep insights on life. Some important books are, Lessons of Don Juan, Teachings of Don Juan, Journey to Ixyalan, Eagle's Gift, Second Ring of Power. Do not miss these books!
A Tale of Two Cities  : In my opinion this novel is the best of Dicken's.The sacrifice of Sydney Carton, the hero is piognant. He exchanges himself to be beheaded under the guillotine to save the life of a frenchman.The atmosphere of the French Revolution is vividly brought out. Add to it the virility of Dicken's prose. A novel not to be missed!
Supernature : Lyall Watson writes on science(Nature) in a very lucid and fascinating style delving out rare scenes.The book almost touches a mystical height as you read along. Please do grab the book to taste its flavour.
Magic
Marathon Man :The above two books by William Goldman are superb thrillers. The author uses his rich experience as a film script writer to telling effect. A must read!
The Chessmaster and His Moves
The Serpent and the Rope :  Raja Rao, who died recently is a special writer who blends philosophy and story in his novels very skilfully. His unique style of lyrical writing is extremely charming You will really appreciate the way he smoothly blends the highest philosophical thinking in his novels.
The Road to Gandolfo --By Robert Ludlum is the best rollicking comedy you can get. The sheer intricacy of the plot, the brilliant dialogues will hold you captive. Ludlum at his incomparable best.
The Road to Omaha : Ludlum's this book is three notches above the other. It is a non-stop laughter's roller-coaster ride all the way..Simply BRILLIANT.
Mile High  : This,in my opinion is The Great American Novel,Vast, majestic in scope and depth. 
Canon Doyle  : The creator of Sherlock Holmes is the only author who does not need an introduction in this world !! If you do not know Sherlock Holmes , the you just do not know english !
Herzog : By Saul Bellow, Nobel laurette. Few modern books reach this level of beauty and bathos of expression.
James Hadley Chase  You may have read thrillers and thrillers. But pardon me, have you read James Hadley Chase? Buy and read ONE of his books and you will not stop till you have purchased ALL of his eighty and odd books !