Excellent book that explains the nature of genes and genetics. This book will give you an insight into your own makings. Not recommended if you are a moron (a creationist).

The one before Nineteen Eighty-Four, read this inspirational work that was way ahead of it's time. (DNA was discovered in 1952, cloning is expliained in the first chapter, written in 1932)

Excellent introduction to the difficult subject of economics. Makes you feel fuzzy inside when concepts sink in (GDP etc).

Very readable explanation of science, the history of the universe and an interesting journey along which you'll pick up lots of new knowledge, all simply explained but impressive to share with others!

If you feel a little naive about the history of Britain then check this book out. Just enough to give you a picture of what happened when, and written in a style that makes it interesting to read on.

Outlines many famous and interesting arguments/tools(duh) for philosohical debate. Broad but relatively shallow, but deep enough to understand and to impress friends!

The definitive argument for the lack of existance of a God. As an Atheist I think this book is a brilliant rational look at religion. Not everyone agrees though lol.

Hard core short story (sort of) which, if you complete it and understood everything in it, then you are very well read indeed.

Disturbing and brilliant. You might surprise yourself when you laugh guiltily at awful things in this book. Don't worry though, you're probably not a Psycho! (or american)

This book is fun, useful and interesting. The techniques for memory etc, are pretty impressive. The memory techniques are awesome. Absolutely fascinating how it works.

As this list is essentially about becoming more knowledgable and showing it off, this book has to be present. If you think your vocab is too basic then just look through here.