I used to love reading. I think, because being an advanced reader as a kid and lugging around big chapter books got me some positive attention when little else did. That fell off once I was in high school. Through college and grad school I basically stopped reading for pleasure (even though I read plenty of material for my degrees).
I was thinking the other day about how it is a shame that I've read only two books this year since starting my "real job" and ostensibly having more time for it. I've started a few others, but I've been bouncing off of what I have usually read in the past (nonfiction/(pop) science/light history). It feels like a rut or habit I am falling into. I'm in my mid twenties now, and I don't want to solidify into a person who just doesn't read! It's antithetical to values I thought that I had.
I decided about a week ago that I'd start reading some acclaimed older literature. It's public domain, free on ebook stores so not a big loss if I can't hack it, and I figured I'd be less likely to bounce if it's a peice of literature that is widely considered some of the best written or most important.
I've been picking more or less at random though. I read The Great Gatsby last week, and am working through Pride and Prejudice now. I'd really appreciate some more well-read folks to give suggestions on books that should be high on my list. What classics (or even more contemporary great novels) would you suggest for someone re-entering the world of reading?
I am not looking for any particular kind of story, although I suppose generally I appreciate something that has some humor, satire, or hope to it rather than being completely bleak all throughout.
Thank you so much!
by MagePages