Wonderful to see so many favorites listed.

Used to be when my life was more laid back I read lots of serious,classic,or educational stuff.

These days relaxation is hard to come by. I mostly read Terry Pratchett (ok, really my husband Crow reads to me while I do beadwork or other crafty stuff-- a habit we formed when we were courting 20 odd years ago); Pratchett makes you think while you are laughing your ass off. We teach a small group, 2-week advanced shamanic healing course and Crow reads to the assembled throng in the evenings when we have some down time. We find that they learn a lot, especially from such gems as Reaper Man and Witches Abroad.

I also like Elizabeth Peters' Amelia Peabody series (by far the most interesting stuff she's done) and Tony Hillerman, really good fantasy (raised on the Narnia tales and the like, old habits die hard),Zane Grey (the only westerns I could ever abide-- but be selective-- you really can't beat his descriptions of nature), Shakespeare, Austin, Dylan Thomas, really good stuff on healing/metaphysics/astrology (including Mt Astrologer and anything by Liz Greene). My tastes are eclectic-- I'll read anything if the writing's good.

I'd read lots more if I had the time!!! Certainly the most interesting and useful of addictions!