Bill Bryson: Dictionary of Troublesome Words

I laughed out loud quite often reading this book. Written for word enthusiasts and writers, it is perhaps best used as a short review of the subject of correct English usage and not a true reference book, since it is only about 230 pages long. The book covers not only mistakes with words and phrases, but also common spelling errors and punctuation bloopers.

The Lay of the Land by Richard Ford

This novel shows you America through the eyes of a realtor, a man who buys, sells, and rents houses. He is a decent, honest man, 55 years of age, who is comfortable living in the suburbs of New Jersey.

The author plays with language. The book is highly slang-y and you will need to look up many words in a good dictionary. Why should you bother? Because you will gain insight into the social classes of natives and immigrants in America from the angle of the houses people buy, the cars they drive, and the sorts of communities they live in.  

The Poacher's Son by Paul Doiron

I don't usually read crime novels, but this one is exceptionally good. It is very well-written and would be excellent for Intermediate ESL students.

I also recommend Trespasser by the same author.