These are a few of my favorite books:

• All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum
  
  It takes a great author to distill so much wisdom into so few words.
• Buddhism Plain and Simple by Steve Hagen
  
  The best introduction to Buddhism for "Westerners" that I've found. Steve teaches the principles of Buddhism without out all the religious trappings of the East.
• Diet for a New America by John Robbins
  
  This is the book (and PBS special) that inspired my to be a vegetarian.
• Ethics for the New Millennium by His Holiness the Dalai Lama
  
  It shows the strength of this great spiritual leader that he can reach across all boundaries and find the common ground for all of us to start working toward a more peaceful compassionate world.
• The Age of Spiritual Machines: When Computers Exceed Human Intelligence by Ray Kurzweil
  
  Kurzweil's vision of what the world will probably look like 20, 50, 100 years from now is both inspiring and alarming.
• The Artilect War by Hugo de Garis, Ph.D.
  
  Are you a Cosmist or a Terran? Should we build super-intelligent machines (artilects)? Read the book and then decide for yourself!
• The Turning Point: Science, Society, and the Rising Culture by Fritjof Capra
  
  Capra is most known for his first book The Tao of Physics. However, his later books such as The Turning Point examine how we can use our knowledge to create a world that is more in balance.
• Tomorrow's God: Our Greatest Spiritual Challenge by Neale Donald Walsch
  
  What does God want? Nothing. Why should God want anything? Walsch has a fresh and refreshing take on what our relationship with god might evolve into if we are willing to let go of ancient beliefs.
• Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind by Shunryu Suzuki
  
  Simple teachings from a Zen master. A great introduction into Zen thought and meditation.

Vickie and I love to cook. We're long-time vegetarians who are now vegans (as of Feb. 26, 2007). Below are some of our favorite cookbooks:

1. Vegan with a Vengeance : Over 150 Delicious, Cheap, Animal-Free Recipes That Rock by Isa Chandra Moskowitz
   If you want one cookbook to get you started enjoying being vegan, this is the one! Isa really knows how to craft vegan recipes that don't simply aspire to mimic their meat-based counterparts, they often surpass them. Just try the Tempeh Reuben and see if you don't agree!
2. Nonna's Italian Kitchen: Delicious Homestyle Vegan Cuisine (Healthy World Cuisine) by Bryanna Clark Grogan
   Just because you are vegan doesn't mean you can't enjoy all sorts of Italian favorites. Fresh pasta without eggs, ravioli with tofu ricotta and more!
3. 150 Vegan Favorites: Fresh, Easy, and Incredibly Delicious Recipes You Can Enjoy Every Day by Jay Solomon
   Lots of yummy stews and soups in here. Check out the Curried Squash with Winter Greens or the spicy "Jump Up" Rice and Beans.
4. The Kripalu Cookbook: Gourmet Vegetarian Recipes by Atma Jo Ann Levitt
   While this cookbook isn't strictly vegan, there are many great recipes that are vegan or can easily be adapted. The Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health is where Vickie and I met back in 2003. Try the Oatmeal-Nut Scones or Scambled Tofu and perhaps you will fall in love too!
5. May All Be Fed: A Diet for a New World : Including Recipes By Jia Patton And Friends by John Robbins and Jia Patton
   This isn't strictly a cookbook. Instead it is an exploration of the connection between what we eat and how it affects the world. There are many simple vegan recipes in there including the easy to make Spinach Lasagne. Wondering what to do with leftover brown rice? Check out the Waste-Not Brown Rice-And-Raisin Breakfast Pudding and you will never wonder again!
6. The Voluptuous Vegan: More Than 200 Sinfully Delicious Recipes for Meatless, Eggless, and Dairy-Free Meals by Myra Kornfield and George Minot
   Want some more exotic vegetarian dishes? This book has many ideas. We liked the Creamy Chickpea Soup with Moroccan Spice Oil and hope to do more exploring in this book.