I was hesitant to use the word "intellectual" in the title. But I'm looking for books which are somewhat intellectual without being heavy handed.
Not looking to "read philosophy" so to speak, unless it's presented in a really unique/interesting way.
Recommendations can include non fiction and fiction which you think are really engaging/stimulating to read. Or perhaps they're somewhat confusing (in an actually intelligent way). Like where the author has actually done something impressive. Confusing the reader alone doesn't make the book good or smart.
I guess the distinction I'm making is that many books are good because you read them, and they simply make you feel good because of the beauty of the language or the story. But a somewhat intellectual book (which I'm looking for) might include metaphorical puzzles, or riddles or something. Or the whole thing might be presented in some strange way and the reader may need to slowly "figure out" what's actually happening or what perspective the author is actually trying to represent.
by Alas-my-children