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Mark Twain once defined a classic as a book everyone praises but never reads. And in a way, he was right. Great works of literature dubbed canonical are often too intimidating for people to pursue. Everyone acknowledges the value of Austen, Tolkien and even Twain himself—but few want to spend an hour or two reading them. Whether or not they consider themselves readers, many wave off classic literature as too difficult, boring or—worst of all—irrelevant. But they’re way off.

Reading a classic novel can be a richly rewarding experience. Your friends will find you more interesting, you’ll finally have something to contribute at those stuffy cocktail parties and your vocabulary won’t be so embarrassing.

As with many new tasks, getting started on reading is the hardest part. But you don’t have to be a natural bookworm to enjoy reading a classic book. Select a classic that suits your interests and you’ll be surprised by how naturally reading comes to you.

Not sure where to start? Consider movie genres that grip you. Crime and horror enthusiasts ought to try Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment. It’s a shocking psychological thriller that follows a Russian axe murder from insanity and wretched poverty in Saint Petersburg to a prison camp in Siberia. Did we mention it makes today’s thrillers look like child’s play?

The prison-born, accidentally incestuous prostitute/mother/con artist in Daniel Defoe’s Moll Flanders would appeal to anyone who likes movies with bawdy humor or political themes. (They’re more related than you think.)

Brooding, thoughtful types will devour Evelyn Waugh’s Brideshead Revisited. The 1945 drama follows a war general’s conversion via infatuation, breathtaking wealth and hard partying. With Brideshead Revisited Waugh redefined the love scene and the novel’s themes of conscience are more relevant today than ever. In 2005, Time magazine named Brideshead Revisited one of the best English-language novels written since 1923. So, yeah. It’s pretty good.

Romantic comedies appeal to many who are looking for light-hearted, feel-good humor. But romantic comedies were born of romantic novels and—yes, they’re funny, too. Can you detect Austen’s sarcasm in Pride and Prejudice?

Hopefully these ideas for translating your favorite movies to favorite novels will help you discover a fascinating, made-just-for-you read. Now, close your laptop and go open a book.