If you like Indian stories, try "The 20th Wife" by Indu Sundaresan. I got the book a while ago and read it while I waited for the India thing to come through. I haven't finished it yet because I got too depressed when I tried to read it, but it was still very good.
As for music, my favourite is Within Temptation but their first American release isn't due out for a while. Want me to upload you some stuff?