And I just can't contain, This feeling that remains

Recently I have had the opportunity to read a novella for my English class. We had many different choices to choose from but I finally picked "Death in Venice" by a German author; Thomas Mann. It was revealed to the world in 1912 and by 1925 was translated to English. Now normally I would never pick up a book like this, not because it isn't good but because I have never, ever read a classic and perhaps considered them "boring." Now yes, I am very ashamed of the fact I have never read a book by a world-renowned author or thought that these books would not be something I particularity like. But honestly; how wrong was I! So entirely, completely, wholly and solely wrong! First of all, let me tell you what the book is about. It is basically a story of two extremes which are containment versus passion. In this story, a German writer who lives for art but never feels it, visits Venice and becomes a different man. He is changed as his curbed passion is unleashed when he encounters a young boy and falls in love with him. Now returning to the "I wouldn't normally read it" as some parts of the novel are odd as it contains a pedophile idea but gratefully not any acting upon those ideas. I have never read a book which has this type of idea as it particularity scares me. But what was fascinating about this book was not only how well it was written but also, how intriguing the concept was. The exploration of the two extremes were done particularity well and really made you wonder what the character was thinking. In the end, I was grateful that I had picked this book as I found it a very interesting experience and unearthed my fascination/obsession with literature. What are your favorite books and why? I would love to know!