So I read alot.. and my tastes are all over the map. Old favs are Catcher in the Rye, and Breakfast of Champions.. full disclosure, I own every Vonnegut book..
I think the most thoughtful book ever written is Walden, but it's complex language, which nobody uses mostly.. And I think the most beautiful English language is in Fitzgeralds Tender is the Night which is not a great story, Gatsby is a better story..
I am also not a Hemingway fan, because I think he sells the language short, and not fond of Steinbeck because he is depressing.
Tolkien is a good story, and if you have the patience War and Peace is a lot of good stories.. Frank Herbert is a good escape.
Can't beat Twain for a good laugh.
Modern work I have enjoyed the Expanse series, ..I also have enjoyed the Killing Lincoln, Killing Kennedy Killing Patton etc series a lot more than I thought I would. Dragon Tatoo series was fun..
Ancient work, Thucydides is a must read. Religous content if course the Bible or the Koran in the correct order.. I have tried the Book of Mormon, but struggle to stay interested. Doctrine and Covenants is more interesting.
I also like old speeches. Kings, I have a dream, or Teddy R's speech after he was shot, Lincoln.. I have a number of essays that are pretty good. But I really like Karl Kapeck in that category. I find a lot of interesting stuff in old English Textbooks. It's interesting what people regard as good literature in different generations. Poe is surprising, and I think Braer Rabbit is funny, but you won't find it at the library.
I could go on for a long time. I like books.