With my list here what BOOKS do you recommend?

'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' by Douglas Adams. Trust me, it has adventure, it is exceedingly funny and it is bound to make you think. It's not a complete science fiction, if that puts you off. Also try Eoin Colfer's 'Artemis Fowl;' a lot of adventure, a little bit of fun but plenty to make you think.