Shakespeare is no longer contemporary. Dickens is no longer contemporary. His novels were considered contemporary at the time, but I wasn't there when he wrote them. The books are contemporary of his age, but not of this.
When I said "Anything recommended to me by anybody", what I meant was when people hear I like reading say "Oh but you must SIMPLY read...." or "You would LOVE...". No I wouldn't. I love the books I read (classic literature) and am always disappointed by the instantly forgettable books that people have insisted I'd love.
I joined a book forum not to find out what I should read next - I have a list of books as long as the 19th Century - but to discuss those books.