I shall list some books I enjoy quite a lot
The Power of Images in the Age of Augustus, Paul Zanker.
Anyone interested in ideas of political imagery and Roman art in general should really give this a look, especially since it's no longer expensive. Zanker is truly a wordsmith when it comes to analysis and deconstruction of Augustan motifs and how Roman aristocracy would like to present themselves. Highlight has to be Zanker saying that Pompey has a "peasant face" in comparison to Alexander.
The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea, Yukio Mishima
My favourite fiction book of all time, short and sickly sweet. I've read quite a lot of Mishima by now and this is still my favourite, even over Temple of the Golden Pavilion. It's a love, revenge and coming of age (in Mishima's own little way) story.
East of Eden, John Steinbeck
Currently 50 pages from finishing but it's already one of my favourites. Follows the story of a small community and 2 families as they go through the change of the century and changes in their own family and personal dynamics. I really wouldn't like to give any spoilers as it's worth finding out on your own. Steinbeck is a poet.