Currently in the midst of James Joyce's Dubliners. An absolute masterpiece. I've also just read A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, and between the two of them, I may convince myself to tackle Ulysses this summer. Dubliners is a collection of short stories--vignettes, if you will-- detailing life in Dublin c. 1900, with all the associated oppression, sterility, etc. One thing Joyce is big on is paralysis; he sees Dubliners totally unable (or unwilling?) to change their situations for the better. Anyway, highly highly recommended. Favorite stories so far: --Araby Arguably the most poignant ending I've ever read. --Two Gallants Fantastic tale of disillusionment. --A Painful Case Most recently read. Absolutely heartbreaking story related with masterful command of the language.