[Sonic Youth 37]

Here is one I'm ashamed that I'm including: The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon by Washington Irving. The FIRST book I can remember reading was the Legend of Sleepy Hollow in the first grade, but I've never read the whole book that contains it. I've attempted it a few times but the early 19th century language is so florid and eloquent that the reading goes at a snails pace. I mean, I consider myself very literate but I still can't read at a normal pace with his language.

from The Legend of Sleepy Hollow:
"
This rantipole hero had for some time singled out the blooming
Katrina for the object of his uncouth gallantries, and, though
his amorous toyings were something like the gentle caresses and
endearments of a bear, yet it was whispered that she did not
altogether discourage his hopes. Certain it is, his advances were
signals for rival candidates to retire who felt no inclination to
cross a line in his amours; insomuch, that when his horse was
seen tied to Van Tassel's paling on a Sunday night, a sure sign
that his master was courting--or, as it is termed,
"sparking"--within, all other suitors passed by in despair and
carried the war into other quarters."

And that is fairly straightforward when his descriptions of the New York countryside are being read.