The Outsiders... I read that book in 8th grade for English class and hated it with a passion. The movie was better, in my opinion.

Let's see, what books do I like...

Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. It's one of the most definitive pieces in literary history and an absolutely brilliant book. Alright, so it is 1200 pages unabridged and a college reading level, but it's worth it.

The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley. Brilliant Arthurian legend, which I really like, even though it is aimed towards the female population.

Anything by Michael Crichton If you have even the slightest interest in science, you'll love his books. My favorites are The Andromeda Strain and Timeline, but they are all worth reading.