A young man named Siddhartha abandons his life as Brahman's son in favor of becoming an ascetic and searching for enlightenment. Siddhartha follows him throughout the course of his life, noting each phase that he experiences. Though both a classic and translated from German, this novel isn't difficult to read (though a background in the Indian caste system and Buddhism wouldn't hurt). There are a number of inspirational, bite-sized nuggets to draw away from the book (wisdom cannot be taught); it will absolutely appeal to anyone embarking on their own spiritual journey as well as those dissatisfied with our overly-capitalistic world. The writing is poetic and doesn't claim to offer a how-to guide on life; instead it gives food for thought on existential angst. 
 Though I know folks who claim that this novel changed their life, I'm not sure I can make that same statement. Perhaps I need to ruminate on it a bit more before I know for sure -- certainly it has given me some things to think about.