Book Recommendations

Hey there!



As usually, I do apologize everyone for my lacking activity here on dA (and on internet in general). I know, I said that probably in couple past journals.... so what is the point? Just making sure if anyone isn't upset/feel offended/whatever about my inactivity or I "ignore" everyone . Hopefully it's understandable that I live more with real life than on the internet.
But I do feel bad somehow sometimes.... since I'm a Senior member on dA  (and DA): my inactivity causes me to feel of guilt because I should be more active, inspire positively, help, write more, support you all and... be active like a few months ago.
But! Someday I'll make it up everything, I have few ideas and projects as "tutorials" for artists but I never got the chance to work and realize them....

...so, thank you for being patient with me and all your support!


Now, lately I'd really love to get some books in english language (yes, again I'm out of my home...) because reading books (interesting ones especially) is one of the best ways to build up writing skills. And so I want to improve my writing in english and in general. And get some inspiration and knowledge from american/english books

I do have picky taste and... "picky trust" with books. Very often I bought books (which usually weren't from recommendations) and really didn't enjoy them... so I'd like to hear some recommendations since it will be my first time shopping books overseas!
Firstly, lately I bought a "Tiger's Curse" book.... where at the first I thought (after hearing it as a "bestseller" and had so omgawesum sparkly cover and... I like tigers a)  it should be really amazing fantasy book. I got it on my hands, and honestly... probably one of the most lame fantasy books I've ever readed. Very "Twilight" series based. I do not like Twilight but Twilight was probably better written than Tiger's Curse even though that book had cooler concepts (tigers, magical stuff etc).
But that's quite disappointing book I've ever bought.


In general, I am looking for a good, deep and well written fantasy novel book if anyone can recommend/know one. (I'm not interested in Teen Fantasy category btw, neither in Twilight type and so on). It doesn't need to be fantasy but a good novel with deep storyline and may teach some interesting life related stuff.
Other than that, I am also interested in travel books- and I don't mean about any travel guides or encyclopedia but travel reports/journals how inspiring travelers wrote their valuable travel experiences.
Also, a self-improvement/about the life book would be a good idea. I love exploring in the experience of knowledge about the life and inner life values- because that is a fact, our life can be only amazing only through our inner self improvement and peace.
I'm a big fan of life inspiration books (it can be fantasy or not) like, Paulo Coelho (Alchemist, Aleph etc)

But still! Any good/interesting book besides my preferences suggestions are welcomed! I say I am picky because if I pick a book which I'll like, the chance of learning english and writting will be more successful.

PS: And please describe WHY your recommended book is good :]