Dune

Dune is considered one of the great works of science fiction. Some may query whether any science fiction can be called great but this is great in the category. Worries first; I know I have read this book (or at least the first volume, it's a trilogy) when the library existed in Tavistock Place before the great dumbing down of municipal life struck. I can only remember feeling thirsty and revulsion at the muckiness of life on Arrakis. So it doesn't have memorable characters or story line.

However, in its way it could be thought of as prescient for today in the anti Islam mood of the moment. I do not remember being caught by its setting in desert culture at first reading.

It is said to be inspired by a Jungian approach; I know little of Jung except he was quite the nazi and died surprisingly recently. He preached the importance of dreams, signs and mystical experiences (victim of an Indian experience familiar later to many seekers after 'truth' in the sub continent). Altogether inimcal to what your Librarian might esteem.

It's on the shelves, in case the survival techniques described should come in handy in a desert, but readers might be more amused by saying the rosary.