book recs, please?

[ltgmars]

A lot of you are probably annoyed by these types of entries, but if you could... hit me with some book recommendations? Like, actual literature, not anime/manga-related or whatever. I've decided that I have to read more, so... if there are 3-5 books that, in your opinion, I must read in my lifetime, which would they be and why? Assume I haven't read anything (because it's true... I just don't read).

I want to function as a mildly cultured part of society, please and thank you!