Hamlet (aka. Shakespeare is Still Cool)

I find it a very sad and disappointing thing that so many people don't want to read Shakespeare anymore. They think Shakespeare is dull, pointless and not interesting... Really?
Hamlet is a great example of the brilliance of Shakespeare. If you think that Hamlet is all about death and "gosh it must be such a depressing book, and doesn't the guy go mad in the end?", that is not what it's all about. Hamlet's character is actually very funny, he has a great (if slightly odd sometimes) sense of humor and I laughed out loud many times while reading the book. And the beginning of the grave-digger scene? Hilarious.
The various characters in the story are so fascinating to follow and have many facets that do not become obvious until you dig a little into the work . You see new things from every different perspective you try, and some things you will never be completely certain about because you simply aren't supposed to be.
Yes, the main themes of the book are darker; lust, murder, revenge, etc.. But there are other elements that add to the story and make for a very good read.

Many people who would pick up and try to read a Shakespeare play today may not enjoy it because the older styled writing and strange words would make it hard for them to understand the book. I can understand that, it takes a while to get used to. If that is the case, just go to a bookstore and pick up a modern English copy. Many of them even have the original script on one side and the modern on the other to better help you understand it. You will be able to read through the whole play easily and maybe afterwards you'll want to go back and read the original.

For myself, I strongly suggest that everyone reads at least one play written by Shakespeare during their life, and Hamlet is certainly a good place to start.

On another note, if you are interested in seeing a unique a very well done adaption of Hamlet, try the BBC's Royal Shakespeare Company version starring David Tennant. It's done in a really neat style and I highly recommend it.