I’m actually terrible with classical literature. 99% of the literature I read is fantasy, horror, or science-fiction related. I could give you a list for those.1.) The Hobbit/The Lord of the Rings - The foundation of modern fantasy. The attention to detail alone is worth years of academic study and review. If you write fantasy, you can’t hope to escape The Lord of the Rings, although I, personally, prefer The Hobbit.2.) A Wizard of Earthsea - Another take on modern fantasy that is ingenious. It takes a very different approach to the genre than LotR, while still sharing important common ground. Anyone who wants to understand fantasy and write it must read this book.3.) Dracula - The pinnacle of good horror, IMO. It’s perfectly written, captivating, fascinating, etc. 4.) The Oxford Book of Science-Fiction Stories - Perfect introduction to science-fiction. A lot of short stories by some of the best writers in the field. Stories like The Way of Cross and Dragon by George R.R. Martin, The Screwfly Solution by Raccoona Sheldon, Piecework by David Brin, etc.5.) Anything and everything by Edgar Allan Poe - His ability to create imagery without being very descriptive is masterful. His works should be read by everyone. Prose at its finest.I also think religious texts and scriptures should be read by everyone, specifically from an academic point of view. They’re a necessary, if not entirely good, part of our history. Philosophical works should be required in every school ever (Socrates, Aristotle, Plato, Hume, non-Western philosophy, etc.). Myth and lore sparks imaginations as well, so those are important.