Bibliofool

In order to help people make their selections for the list of books (that I guess the owl posted), here are links to the first chapter or so of 5 of the 7 books. Now you don't have to leave your house at all.
Middlesex

Heart of the Matter

Hunger

Lolita

A House for Mr. Biswas

Also see:
The Sunlight Dialogues John Gardner
Teacher Man Frank McCourt

On your own, in the real world.