And as a follow-up, To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis. I have The Men in a Boat, but I'm waiting for the perfect time... Which will be in the next week or two
The Cradle series by Will Wight, it's a wonderfully fun, light and long (12 books) fantasy series that reads a bit like a shounen anime.
Sure, it might not be for anyone, it is maybe not a high literary achievement for an experienced fantasy reader, but it could be an excellent entry-drug or even a nice break from heavier reading!