What book has surprised you the most and how did it change your perception of reading?

I recently finished reading The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón and was thoroughly surprised by the complexity of the plot and the depth of the characters. This book changed my perception of how a story can be so engaging and emotionally impactful.

I'd love to hear if there's a book that has similarly surprised you and how it affected your view on reading. What aspects of the book impressed you the most? Was it the plot, character development, writing style, or something else? Let's share our experiences and reflections on these books that have left a lasting impression on us.