Recommendations needed! Setting myself a challenge!

So, I've applied to do English at University. The problem is, I haven't read a book to completion since I started my college course (I'm normally a big reader but I just haven't had time). And in recent years my choice of reading material has taken a nosedive in quality.
Growing up, I always read books that were probably aimed at a slightly older demographic, and managed to work my way through plenty of classics - mostly thanks to the shelves and shelves of books my parents built up at home which we were always encouraged to pick through. These days, though, it's been more about just reading *anything*.
So, this is where I'm asking for some help - I'm quite a quick reader and I've got til September to get a bit of reading done so please recommend me your favourite book/books/poems/short stories! Let me know why you love it and wanted to recommend it. And I promise I will try my utmost to track down and read every suggestion made!
And spread the word - if anyone else wants to join in we could have a Twitter based book club.