Also another cool thing that everyone should try is lucid dreaming. It isn't some sorta superpower like some ultra-spiritual people would have you believe. Anyone can do it with a bit of practice, and it kicks ass.
For books, Wheel of Time and Dune are my absolute favorites. Tabletop RPG's are also the shit, and GURPS is my personal favorite (I still wish Fallout used it instead of S.P.E.C.I.A.L.).