There are millions of books available on the market, so here are some general topics that an ambitious young person should become aware of, and master to some degree in order to prepare for life:
- basic psychology (so you'll know your way around)
- effective communication (the world is getting smaller, learn how to deal with it in a good way)
- finances (it's part of your life)
- career choice (so you won't have to switch it 15 times in your lifetime)
- negotiating (it's everywhere!)
- power of decision (''Do, or do not, there is no try." - Yoda)
- manners and etiquette (unless you are a barbarian, then skip that part)
- biographies (because life is too short to make all your own mistakes)
- religions of the world (it's a big part of life... and afterlife)
- cultures of the world (so you won't look foolish while chatting with people)
I'd say let go of novels for now, and pick up some biographies instead.
Read some old writers, and some of your own generation, they have an interesting way of looking at the world you live in, so Malcolm Gladwell comes to mind, B. Gates, and of course S. Jobs.
Happy reading!