Hello, everyone!

I have been studying Russian now for 4 year, and obviously still have much to learn. However, I feel at this point that reading more books/stories/tales in Russian will be the best way to expand my vocabulary. With that being said, I have a few questions.

1) Which classic works would you suggest learners of Russian to read? If it from an older writer, are there any modern adaptations? For example, I have a book which is composed of four tales written by Gogol: Nevsky Prospekt, The Nose, Portrait and Diaries of a Madman. These are close to the originals, and I managed to push myself through Nevksy Prospekt, but it was very difficult. Another book I have is "Diaries of a Sportsman (or Hunter)". I skimmed through it, and it seem like it is much similar to modern Russian - can anyone tell me if these stories are good to read?

2) Has anyone read the translation of "Tenderness of Wolves"? Is it a good enough translation to use to practice Russian? I ask, because someone gave it to me while I was in Russia.