A request for book suggestions

My unoriginal take on birthdays is that they're a good time for self-reflection and goal setting -- my own personal New Year's. So when I tell you my birthday is tomorrow, you might jump to some conclusions about how I'm spending my time this week.

Yep, tangible goal setting.

And as part of this, I have a question for you. What are one or more books that have taken you out of the moment? A book that swept you up so strongly by its language, you forgot who you were?

I'm looking for all genres, recent or classic, from Sookie to Ender to Proust. I want to know what combination of words worked for you.

What novel or short story would you be afraid to read on a bus because you might miss your stop?

Please tell me the story's author and title in the comments. And thanks.