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While not a reference book or software engineering book like the rest of the suggestions, I'll throw in Godel, Escher, Bach. It's pretty difficult to explain, but if you're deeply interested in computer science and want a challenging and mind-expanding read, it's an easy recommendation.

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The author's (Douglas R. Hofstadter) other two books (which kinda form a trilogy) are also great companions:

The Mind's I: Fantasies And Reflections On Self & Soul

I Am a Strange Loop

...and yes, they are all very challenging reads. On the "computer science" perspective, they are definitely worth reading if you are at all interested in machine learning, artificial intelligence, artificial (and actual) neural networks, and how these subjects relate to the "philosophy of mind" and similar related "hard problems" in CS and mathematics.

Calling The Mind's I "Hofstadter's" is a bit misleading; he's its co-anthologist. Nevertheless, a great read; it introduced me to Borges which is praise enough.

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