1. "A Song of Ice and Fire" by George RR Martin. No explanation necessary. Have you picked up "The Lands of Ice and Fire"? It's a collection of maps of the world and it gives you a peek into what the east looks like, including Yi Ti and Asshai.

2. "Amazing Grace" by Jonathan Kozol is an amazing non-fiction book that looks into the lives of the people who live and work in the South Bronx. It's very powerful and I read it straight through.

3. "My Uncle Oswald" by Roald Dahl. Roald Dahl's uncle discovers the world's most powerful aphrodisiac and concocts a scheme that involves having his beautiful female acquaintance use it on the most famous men in Europe. The only book that has ever made me laugh out loud.

4. "My Life" by Bill Clinton. It's huge but it's very well-written and it gives you great insight into past and current politics. I recommend reading it back to back with Hillary Rodham Clinton's "Living History" as they really complement each other nicely.

5. "The Alchemist's Door" by Lisa Goldstein. Not everyone likes this book but it was one of my favorite growing up and I still enjoy rereading it. It's historical fantasy featuring the court magician of Elizabeth I . I like the blend of history and fantasy.