What i am always thinking about - and this question arises quite often among folks studying for.languages - is that reading classics helps understanding and improving one's language skills, but classics IS NOT THE LANGUAGE THAT IS SPOKEN BY ORDINARY FOLKS IN ORDINARY LIFE. So, kidkboom, i understand the importance of your point here, and i'd be glad to discuss it. Personally, as a student of English, i prefer reading magazines (Newsweek, NYtimes, and i can use the vocabulary i get there when I speak to Americans; it's just an example of good modern language, for that matter). Now, speaking about books, the big problem is that Russian literature of today is in very difficult state. 99% is done for market; simply, it's pulp. Talented authors have to survive somehow. If you like philosophical and political satire you could try Михаил Веллер (i think everybody knows this author in Russia today, he often appears on the radio, TV, and other media). If you are interested in history of Russia i could suggest Эдвард Радзинский (he is famous for several books about Russian emperors and a book about Stalin). These two are modern authors. It depends on what you are really interested in. If there are such topics, or a particular subject, I could think about some other authors.