Seven MORE Books That You Should Read

Ecstasy
-Irvine Welsh

Three short stories of really fucked up love. All influenced by drugs and not for the faint of heart or high of moral horse. Where the band "My Chemical Romance" took their name.

The Night Watch Series
-Sergei Lukyanenko

An urban-fantasy series which spans over four books, each one about people who are either "light" or "dark" and must police over each other, quite literally. These books inspired, many years ago, my first realization that life is not about being good or bad, but finding the balance in between. Enrapturing and complicated, peppered with many interesting characters and challenging ideas.  They take place in Russia (where the author is from) and you can really feel the Russian influence in the writing and settings. 10/10, would do again.

American Gods
-Neil Gaiman

Another modern fantasy, this one takes place in America and involves the fading of Gods brought in from other countries (Like the greek/norwiegan/native gods) and their fight against the new gods (media/money/beauty). Intriguing, imaginative and original, this is a deceptively simple read, and my favourite of all of Gaiman's works that I've read thus far.

The Dice Man
-Luke Rhinehart

A very smart and difficult novel in which a Psychiatrist in the late 60's gets bored with his regular life and starts living by the law of the die. He makes major life choices based on the numbers he rolls, and the story goes above and beyond what you'd ever expect. This novel is, as most quality novels are, brave, stinging, and overwhelming. When entering this book, come equipped with your sense of humour, but leave behind your dignity, it has no place here.

John Dies at the End
-David Wong

Funny and crazy, this "horror"/comedy novel was written by a man because he had a lot of time on his hands and his friends encouraged him to write. The story is a little sci-fi and little fantasy and a lot of humour. Easy read, enjoyable. Film just came out as well.

The Picture of Dorian Gray
-Oscar Wilde

This book is, without a doubt, in my top five, I recommend it to anyone who wants to start in on Classic literature, or just wants something a bit smarter than the average read. The character of Henry is so witty, well-worded and persuasive, you wonder if you'll ever meet someone as good at expressing themselves and swaying you to see things their way. Surely you never will. This book is about the power and worth of influence&beauty&youth&freedom&art. Good to read in public if you want to look approach-ably intelligent. Good to read in private if you want to learn about yourself, those around you, and why everyone is always making such a god damn fuss about Oscar Wilde and Narcissism and Homo-eroticism in the late 19th century.

House of Leaves
-Mark Danielewski

A good friend of mine recommended House of Leaves to me as 

he knows my love for all things strange and ambitious.
This novel (if you can call it that) is the definition of both.
Less of a linear book, and more of an endlessly explorable labyrinth,
House of Leaves will force you out of your comfort zone and into the fire.

This same friend made a statement which remains true, and should

concerning every work of art;

it's about something different to everyone. 

Read it. I Dare You.