OMG! Only TWO choices?
Books have always been my escape, since I was a kid. I enjoy historical fiction (James Michener, Gore Vidal), history; biographies are a favorite: the most recent one I read was about Russia's Catherine the Great. Good science fiction is also a joy, Asimov's Robot and Foundation series are great. Too bad most of what's currently being written is trash, though. I think I've read everything that Kurt Vonnegut has ever published. I really loved JRR Tolkien's stuff and actually had the good fortune of being able to take a course about his literature in college.
If I ever am affected by something new and serious (my wife's cancer, my transgender experience, for example) I get obsessive about reading everything I can get a hold of on the subject.
I recently realized that I have modelled my self to a great extent on what I've read over the years, learning how a man should think and behave. Maybe I felt I needed the instructions since it didn't really come naturally.
Anyhow, if you're on a tight budget (who isn't?) a good source for books (besides the library: they want 'em back!) are local thrift shops, the Salvation Army thrift store is my favorite in my neck of the woods. While romance novels are in the majority some real gems can occaisionally be found.
Happy Reading!
h