Math

• Mathematics for the Nonmathematician. Morris Kline, published by Dover.
  This is a wonderful book for those easily discouraged by theory. It contains a practical history of the development of math in the context of art, architecture, civilization, and of course science.
• Innumeracy. John Allen Paulos, published by Vintage.
  Should be mandatory reading in high school. This book attempts to dispel the notion that math is somehow irrelevant to the average person. It argues that the excuse, "I'm just not good at math" is no more acceptable than, "I can't read" is to an enlightened society.
• e: The Story of a Number. Eli Maor, published by Princeton.
  OK, anything by this author is great. Eli Maor breathes life into his topics by introducing the people behind the theorems. This book finally helped me to get excited about logarithms.
• Trigonometric Delights. Eli Maor, published by Princeton.
  Eli does for trigonometry what he did for logarithms in the book mentioned above. Again, very enjoyable.
• Who is Fourier? A Mathematical Adventure. Published by Language Research Foundation
  I was intimidated by FFTs in college and then discovered this book. It is so approachable that anyone with a basic high school education could comfortably work through it and have a solid grasp of the fundamentals of Fourier Transforms. Along the way, they'd pick up some trig, imaginary numbers, and meet a guy named Euler. 
• The Man Who Loved Only Numbers. Paul Hoffman, published by Hyperion.
  Delightful and depressing. An entertaining book about a true Personality in the world of math, Paul Erdos. As interesting as he is, he is also depressing because none of the rest of us can even begin to compare with his brilliance. John Nash (A Beautiful Mind) was a one-trick pony compared to this prolific man.
• The Man Who Knew Infinity. Robert Kanigel, Washington Square Press.
  If you liked "A Beautiful Mind" then you'll love this. More "made for Hollywood" than even John Nash's story (by far), this is a well researched and engaging look into the life of Ramanajan, the Indian genius of early last century. A must read, it will haunt you for weeks afterwards.
• Mathematics of Chance. Jiri Andel, Wiley-Interscience.
  A collection of real-world problems that illustrate key ideas from probability and statistics. The opening problem sets the tone for the book: "In an Edinburgh pub this comment was overheard: 'A Scottish person who moves from Scotland to England raises the level of intelligence in both places.' Is this possible? What might you hear in a Newcastle pub?" The examples are sometimes fun, sometimes highly practical, but always enjoyable.
• Statistics. Martin Sternstein, Barron's College Review Series.
  Another excellent book that is packed with good examples. Great if you want to understand the principles and be able to apply them, but certainly not a series of proofs or solid fundamental theory.
• Matrix Analysis and Applied Linear Algebra. Carl D. Meyer, SIAM.
  Easy to read, well explained, plenty of good examples. SIAM is the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics so again this is more about using the math than appreciating its theoretical underpinnings. Very helpful for computer vision and graphics.

Computer Science

• Data Modeling For Information Professionals. Bob Schmidt, Prentice Hall
  Exceptionally entertaining book on data modeling that is still rooted strongly in practice and theory. His explanation of predicates and states are worth the price of the book alone. My top DM recommendation.
• Data Model Patterns: Conventions of Thought. David C. Hay, Dorset House.
  The title sums it up. Here is a list of reasonably abstract patterns that cover things like contracts, procedures and activities, accounting, process manufacturing, laboratories, material requirements planning, etc. An excellent check to your own models or a great place to start.
• Database Design. Stephens and Plew, SAMS.
  A nice overview of the whole process of developing a database. It covers planning, analysis, design, security, ERDs, normalization, etc. A great reference book.
• Effective C++ and More Effective C++. Meyers, Addison Wesley.
  Great books for deepening your understanding of C++. Easy to read, very practical, and the topics are short and sweet.
• Black Belt C++: The Master's Collection. Published by M&T Books.
  A great collection of essays helps aficionados of C++ get into the deep places of the language.
• Core Java2, Volumes I and II. Published by Sun Microsystems Press.
  Recommended by my OOP professor, these are straightforward, no-nonsense books that get you immediately into Java without the expected marketing hype (or maybe I just skipped over that part).
• Object Oriented Methods. Graham, Addison-Wesley.
  Excellent survey of many different aspects of OOP including languages, databases, architecture and design, and OOP SW engineering. Fairly dense, but a great reference.

History

• History of the Persian Empire. Olmstead, Chicago Press.
  This books helps one to understand we were a couple of unexpected Greek victories away from having Persian history as our background. The sacking of the Baghdad museum takes on much more significance after reading this.

Christian

• Blue Like Jazz. Donald Miller, Nelson.
  In one word: refreshing. Not only is Donald a gifted writer (rare, unfortunately, at least in my opinion) whose metaphors are seamless and whose humor is intelligent and well-timed, but he is unabashedly honest in his appraisal of himself and the modern American church. No religious cow is too sacred to be roasted and yet he does it without the usual heavy dose of caustic criticism or smug irony.
• Seizing Your Divine Moment. McManus, Nelson.
  Hmm. I just noticed these are by the same publisher. I think I'll have to look into their offerings more. Erwin McManus, pastor of Mosaic in Los Angeles, challenges traditional defensive/comfortable American Christianity with an in-depth look at the life of Jonathon. Not your typical "rah rah" book, it nevertheless will be of great encouragement to those who have become discouraged or perhaps a bit disillusioned with typical "church".
• *. C.S. Lewis, whoever.
  OK, I'm an unashamed Lewisian. From "The World's Last Night" I'm particularly fond of his essay, "The Efficacy of Prayer" which throws the "if you only have enough faith" argument on its ear. Prayer is relational, not magical.

Fiction, Other...

• Agatha Christy mysteries
• Treasury of Favorite Poems (usually on sale at Barnes and Noble)