Yeah, some classic fiction and 18th-19th century tomes are definitely hard reads. I was luckily blessed with a mother who got me into reading at a young age. I have never read Finnegans Wake though. When I read for pleasure, I'm more about historical Novels (James Michener, Edward Rutherfurd, Gary Jennings) and more modern fiction, especially horror and supernatural writers, although Poe is a difficult read and I've read most of his stories, ( I have a collection of Poe stories published in 1906 that I have read a few times) as well as Lovecraft. Put it this way though, Canterbury Tales isn't on my list of must reads any time soon...lol. If i have to re-read a line 3 times to comprehend it, I usually pass on it.