Sophie's World is one of my favourite books, too, and I think Gaarder's books in general are very good. My other favourites are Haruki Murakami, Leena Krohn, Tove Jansson and Neil Gaiman.

Leena Krohn writes philosophical, dream-like and surralistic stories that often tell lots about the world in general. Her books are kind of weird, and since the way she writes remains pretty much the same in all of her books, they're the kind of stuff you either take or leave. I think that Ihmisten vaatteissa (Pelican Man is the name of the movie, but a direct translation would be something like "In the Guise of a Human") and Pereat Mundus are her most fascinating books. Tainaron seems to be her best known book, and it has also been translated into English.

Murakami is somewhat similar to Gaiman, I think, as they both have a very fluid way of writing and both of them often operate with magical realism and adult themes. I'm no fan of adult themes or violence in general, but their books are otherwise so good that it doesn't matter. If you want to read something by Murakami, start with Kafka on the Shore or Norwegian Wood. As for Gaiman, I think I like his short stories and Sandman the best, but American Gods is awesome too.

I love Tove Jansson's Moomin books, but her other books, especially the short stories, are good too. They are quite down-to-earth, the characters in them are interesting and her way of writing is rather poetic and honest.

^^ Oh, we seem to have a similar taste in books. I think Murakami is great. I liked A wild sheep chase and Dance Dance Dance best, but Kafka on the Shore is also amazing. Of Gaiman I've read American Gods and Neverwhere and enjoyed both. Have you tried Jonathan Carroll? You might like him if you like these two. The Land of Laughs or Bones of teh Moon are a good place to start

Leena Krohn sounds very interesting. I have to go and check her out. I saw Pelikaanimies and absolutely loved it.

Right now I'm really enjoying Jack Kerouac's On The Road, so like right now he's pretty cool and I like his casual way of writig; seems like it's natural for him, and it's a great story.

redbossfan: Thank you for the recommendation! It seems like some of his books can be found from the library, so the next time I go there I'll definitely borrow one... Magical realism is relatively hard to find by oneself, because you never know which genre it has been categorized into.

@selenere: if I'm not mistaken, you are in Poland, right? Carroll should be easily found there, he is quite a hit in Poland. In fact, it's the only country where his blog was published as a book as far as I know. Less than that you are right about magic realism. Have you tried the South American variation (Marquez, Allende)? I liked Allende, but the one Maquez I tried didn't work for me at all.

@Snow: I've read "on the Road" few years ago, but didn't really get into it. Liked his style OK, but it's so much a men's book - there wasn't anything in the story that I could relate to.

@redbossfan: Actually, I'm a Finn, but it seemed like at least 4 of his books had been translated into Finnish, too. Actually, I was a bit disappointed to see that the library system I use mostly had those translations, as I would've rather read the books you suggested in their original, English versions...
I read Marquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude earlier this year and thought that it was okay, although slow to read. I wonder if it was because it was so old? I didn't actually know that Allende was a magical realist, but now that I do, I should probably try some of her books, too.
At the moment books that have been written/ happen somewhere else than in an English-speaking country (or here in Finland) are especially interesting to me, because I feel like I know the cultural "scenery" of those countries too well (which most likely isn't actually true. I should simply find new writers who have different kinds of approaches into their own countries and cultures than the writers' I've already read.). I really appreciate recommendations! But, as always, there are so many more books I'd love to read than I have time for (or then I simply spend way too much time on the computer), but I'm hoping that quitting work and starting new studies helps.

^^ lol, I must have confused you with someone then. Sorry.
I've read 100 years of solitude too and thought it was pretty boring. didn't really get into it. I always wonder why Allende is considered magic realism, because it's rather suble, but I like her writing.
I mostly read American, British or German stuff because I can read those in original language. I have also read a few Finnish authors and some others. Hm, different cultural landscape? Have you read The Kite runner? Other than that I'd recommend Anita Amirrezvani's The Blood of Flowers. Takes place in 17th century persia and is very beautifully written. Tells the story of a female rug maker. You can feel, taste, small verything she describes while reading it.
And tell me about not having enough time to read...

My favourite author is Matti Joensuu. I enjoyed the Harjunpaa books that were translated into English and I really can't continue with the other 9 (mainly because I don't speak enough Finnish).

As for my favourite book, it's Harjunpaa ja rakkauden nalka, in English it's called To Steal Her Love. I found the plot interesting and engaging if not disturbing.

One of my favorites (which I'm in the middle of reading once again) is Watership Down by Richard Adams. Even though most of the characters are rabbits, you get pulled in and you worry about what will happen to them (together and individually) during their escape and adventures that are at times seriously dangerous.

I've always adored fantasy novels which also take the time to explain about the invented language, culture, history and beliefs etc. Even better when it is neatly woven into the story line so that it's a logical and inseparable part of it. And this one pulls it off to perfection. A cherry on top, to spoil the reader, is a little suitable borrowed quote at the beginning of every chapter.

It's "Girl on a paper" by Guillaume Musso. French modern author. Cannot describe the genre he is writing in - I'd say... modern mystery city romance. Not all of his works are good, but "Girl on a paper" is genius.

It's about a famous writer who is on the edge of disaster after breaking up with his fiancee, whom he loved to death. But, suddenly, a girl appears in his life - who is, actually, one of the characters from his latest novel. She takes the writer on a trip for getting back his ex, but the story, which has started as a joke, turn into something more.

Funny, inspiring, emotional, juicy story on the crossroads between reality and vision - just love it!

my favorite author is E.M. Remarque. His books are great and the best of them I think are "Drei Kameraden" and "Der schwarze Obelisk"