My school didn’t care to teach us to read too many classics so what would you say is essential?

I will admit and it’s a bit embarrassing but my high school didn’t care to teach us much of classic literature. I’ve only read Romeo & Juliet and Animal Farm and Great Gatsby all throughout high school then my school got shut down afterwards.

I feel like I’ve missed out on so many classics and references to great pieces of fiction because so and I’m embarrassed to admit I’ve never any which I feel like contributes to my lack of interest in reading which I want to grow now.

Could anyone offer some suggestions please?