1984 - George Orwell One of my favourite books. This book is a must read for any thinker or for anyone who is even remotely concerned about the control of people. In addition to making some strong statements, it's a thoroughly enjoyable novel.
A Clockwork Orange - Anthony Burgess
Although Mr. Burgess doesn't consider this to be one of his better pieces of writing, it's certainly his most popular. Although it uses a bizarre dialect, stick with it past the first three chapters, and it'll start making sense.Which is better: someone who thinks no wrong and therefore does no wrong, or someone who can evaluate between right and wrong and decide for oneself? This book addresses the issue, critics suggesting that Burgess offers his own opinion through the story.
Nevertheless, it's an interesting story as well as a commentary on the rights of the individual and questions the reader about the definitions of right and wrong.
Fahrenheit 451 - Ray Bradbury
The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood
Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
These books fall into the same 1984 & A Clockwork Orange-like category for me. Although all five novels address themes of thought control and oppression, each uses a different method. Each is effective and enjoyable.Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams You won't learn too much from this book (or any of the sequels) unless you're trying to incorporate humour into your writing style, but this misnomered trilogy is intelligently silly having a net result of exquisite humour. I recommend that everyone read at least the first book of the five in the trilogy.
The Hobbit - J. R. Tolkien Adventurous! It's exciting to read. Go back to the days of plunder, sorcery and dragons. If you've ever played Dungeons and Dragons, you'd probably enjoy this. It's a D&D module gone novel. And if you enjoy this book, Tolkien has the entire related Lord of the Rings trilogy for you.