Dune (required reading)

Dune is an epic science fiction novel that explores many ideas especially when it comes to ideas that involve the power of the mind. I think it's most interesting aspect come from this idea. Paul, the main character undergoes an incredible transformation throughout the novel in which he becomes a god-like being that a mixture of male and female aspects that the novel establishes. 

The powers of the female Bene Geserates of the novels are mainly mental (although some are physical) and the novel establishes them as the superior force of the universe. Paul possesses these powers as well as fighting and survival abilities learned from training he got from mostly male characters... I think that Herbert made these 2 separate worlds so distinctly different intentionally and that makes Paul's journey into becoming the best of both worlds all the more incredible. Paul's unique role not only makes him transform into an incredibly powerful being, it also happens to fulfill a a prophecy from the Fremin (the native people of Arrakis) and it is never really made clear if their prophecies are fact or not, or if it is just all coincidence. I think Frank Herbert keeps all the answers intentionally vague so that the reader struggle with finding the answers in the same way Paul does. Because of this we are able to slip into Paul's shoes and experience his journey along side him... which is pretty cool considering Paul is far from your average person in almost every way imaginable. 

Another interesting aspect of the novel is the planet of Arrakis itself. I have never read a novel where such a fantastical setting feels as alive as Arrakis does. I mean that figuratively as well as literally as the plant seems consumes people with the giant worms that live within it, and even though you can argue that worms are not part of the setting, the way they are described by Herbert makes it clear that they are. The spice that the conflict revolved around is found all over the planet but it is later realized to be a product of the worms and the only way that they can gain true control over the planet is by controlling the worms themselves. Because of all this, I think that Arrakis is probably my favorite fictional setting/non-human character of any novel, ever.