1. 100 Poems by Seamus Heaney

Heaney is a masterful storyteller and one of the few modern poets worth reading. His work is both accessible and profound, and I highly recommend it, especially for those who are new to poetry.

2. Uncle Vanya by Anton Chekhov

I initially read this in preparation for Andrew Scott's one-man adaptation, Vanya, and the play did not disappoint. Chekhov pairs levity with a melancholic meditation on the human condition. It is well worth a read.

3. King Lear by William Shakespeare

Unquestionably one of Shakespeare's greatest works, King Lear is a masterful tapestry of betrayal, redemption and tragic irony. The Bard's ability to interweave the various plots is mesmerising. It is also a play that generally does not translate well to the stage, so reading it is definitely a viable option.

4. The Outsider by Albert Camus

Camus' absurdist philosophy speaks to me on a personal level and The Outsider is a great introduction to it. Pairs well with a side of Bartleby.

5. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

Dickens is unmatched in his ability to paint a scene. An example can be found in Book 1, Chapter 5, the scene with the spilling of the wine cask. If you want to get lost in artful prose, this is the book for you.