How much of Metamorphosis and Other Stories do I have to read before I can admit I don’t get it?

I’m an Korean American, fairly disconnected from both cultures, but American humour such as that from Mark Twain to Katt Williams successfully make me laugh. I want to connect with more literature because I’m depressed af and some of these folks certainly create a mood, but would I just lying to myself that i get this shit? I read crime and punishment and i felt like the plot and character development doesn’t warrant the word count. I also read Chekov, given his quote about conciseness, and I have no fucking clue what his point is in most his stories. I do my best to find recommended translations as well.

I think I’m illiterate. Please help. I really enjoyed The Joke by Milan Kundera and Mother Night by Kurt Vonnegut. How do I expand beyond stories that contain funny, critical stabs at modern life. Or am I doomed to these without inundating myself to academia?

by luirking