Recs if you like The History of Mary Prince: A West Indian Slave Narrative (African American)...

First person accounts throughout history, focusing on marginalized groups.

jane austen is not, contrary to popular belief, the only women writing in the 18th century! dip your toes into some of her predecessors and contemporaries. (note: this list is in part inspired by rebecca romney's wonderful 'jane austen's bookshelf'. consider it extra credit!)

For understanding what the hell is going on in life. Biographies, essays, histories, philosophy, etc.