Here’s a link to the Absolute Beginner’s Book Club Home Thread. They are currently a good ways into the manga ハピネス. The next book on the schedule is a collection of stories about/from each of the Japanese prefectures, I believe. 
The Beginner’s Book Club also just started with the first chapter of Yoru Cafe this week, if that catches your interest a little bit more. Just in case you choose to join a book club to get started reading.