This is a slightly more personal choice.
'If one a Winter's Night a Traveler' by Italo Calvino. A 1979 book that is peculiar, to say the least, if you have no idea of Calvino's production, and obviously its meaning. Yet it can be enjoyed as a standalone experience, it can be appreciated without knowing much about him and his other (truly remarkable) works.
I am Italian and so is (or rather was) Italo Calvino, but there is nothing nationalistic in that. My wife, who is not Italian, has appreciate it too. I have read it in my native language and I could appreciate the nuances my language can give and that the author use majestically. English is slightly poorer language, lack of gender in nouns and articles, tenses are far fewer, yet my wife, who read it in English, enjoyed. So I guess I may will give it a try to the English translation too.
Calvino is one of the most famous Italian writer of the past century. At least at home. His books are incredible journeys for your mind, and that's why some parents give them to kids as they help your imagination. Beware, many of the books you read when you were a kid, after reading them again have a different taste. So his and yet this is probably one of the few that you may not give to children. Not for its content, nothing 'adult only' in it, but because it is a complex book.
I give 
Plot: it's a book for book(s)-lovers. Read it and you will know what I mean. I can't and don't want you to know the summary before reading. Like all his books and the journeys therein (physical and personal), it must be 'accepted' as given us by the author: a continuous discovery. Open your mind and do not expect anything, be happy as only books can make you. This more than other is a travel for you book lover.
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