This recommendation is sort of ridiculous in its obviousness, but I suppose I shouldn't take for granted that everyone has read Jane Austen. I hadn't until just a few years ago -- I had to read plenty in high school, but never her, and in college I almost took an English class devoted to her but I had to drop it because the rigorous reading schedule would interfere with my ability to finish my thesis. That was the right decision (Highest Honors baby!) but I still think about that class and how much I KNOW I would've loved it.