Hi there! It is great to see a newcomer to the fascinating world of history. From your comment 'books on World War 2 that captured people's mindset during the war on both sides', it seems that you would be most interested in the social history aspect of WWII. I must confess that my main interest is military history, and am not too interested in the homefronts of WWII. However, I will do my best to give you some solid recommendations.

The Second World War by John Keegan is the most readable comprehensive overview of WWII, which would be a useful starting point. The book with the same title by Winston Churchill is another good read, but it must be noted that it was written from 1948-1953, very recently after the war and also by a prominent political figure who still had aspirations to high office. However, Churchill's flair and overall prose makes the book a very engaging read.

Vichy France: Old Guard and New Order 1940-1944 by Robert E. Paxton is my favorite WWII book of all time, not only because of its critical analysis of the French population living in southern France under the control of the Vichy government, but also because of its major historiographical influence on popular and academic perception of Vichy France.

With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa by Eugene Sledge is the best autobiography written about WWII. Through the eyes of a US marine who fought on the Pacific front, it is widely considered to be the best depiction of the horrors of war, but also humanity in war at the same time.

Lastly, another favorite of mine is China's War with Japan, 1937-1945: The Struggle for Survival by Rana Mitter. As a Hong Konger, I have always felt China's contribution in the war has been downplayed by many historians. This book provides a great introduction to a seldom mentioned front, and also deals with the social effects of war in China as well.

Hope this short list has given you some ideas of what to look out for, and remember to never stop searching for more knowledge!