I was lucky to have a set of grandparents living in my college town, and I would often go over there for a night or more to study, relax, or just get away from my busy college scene. This was waaaaay before any of the electronic distractions we have now, and I remember reading one book from their collection multiple times while lounging on their living room couch:

All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque

When the movie came out last year (and was nominated for best picture!) I was reminded how that book absorbed me decades ago. I didn’t remember the specific details so much as the feeling of the book, which is written from a German’s perspective during WWI, that this war was horrible for all. I also remember the book being a quick read, possible in a weekend.