World War Z - Max Brooks
Try 'World War Z' if you've ever enjoyed a Romero film, or like zombies at all.
I have to say this is one of the most amazing books I've read in a while. Read it over Xmas in 5 days, and recently just had to read it again and did it in 4 days. You could almost believe it to be real!
Oh and don't forget to buy the 'The Zombie Survival Guide' also by Max Brooks. It reads like a reference book for urban survival, but for a Zombie outbreak! Also has a history of zombie outbreaks. which is worth buying just to read that.
Oh most things by Terry Pratchett, but must agree the Night Watch books are the best.
If Science Fiction war is your thing, then the Forever War and Forever Free by Joe Haldeman are a must.
For a bit of Gothic Horror, any of the Cthulhu mythos tales are great.
And for some fantasy balls, read any of the Eternal Champion books by Michael Moorcock, especially the Elric series. I believe these are a step above most fantasy balls.