How many books should you read?

The short answer is the more, the better. But as in all other things, there are diminishing returns to reading. 

It's better to read many short books than one long one. Nonfiction is more informative and often more enjoyable.

Here is a short reading list that provides a good education:

1. Bullfinch's Mythology

2. The Cartoon History of the Universe

3. Man's Search for Meaning

4. Animal Farm

5. Slaughterhouse 5

6. The Art of War

7. Ecclesiastes 

8. Proverbs

9. Alice in Wonderland

10. The Hobbit 

Anyone who reads all of those will have a pretty good grasp of life, the universe, and everything.