Both of these books (Atlas Shrugged and 1984) are considered classics, and for me, made a lifelong impression on me and (I hope) my thinking.

Info on Ann Rand ==> Ayn Rand - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

cliff notes for Atlas Shrugged:
Atlas Shrugged: Homework Help and Book Summary - CliffsNotes

cliff notes for George Orwell's book, 1984:
1984: Homework Help and Book Summary - CliffsNotes

If you decide to embark on a reading adventure, 1984 is a fairly short tome. However, Atlas Shrugged is a, hmmmm,... committment, to say the least.