First actual book I ever read

I was about 8 or 9 and picked up a book my parents had called (as I recall) "The King of Kings." I have looked for it on here (and around the house) but can't find it. My guess is that the book was published in the late '50s/early '60s. I remember it had an orange-ish color. It was a Jesusy book, maybe some version of his story, but (again as I recall) was a novel - maybe an inch or so thick with small type: my first actual adult book! I remember starting it with determination and hanging in there until I finished, however long that took -- and my parents saying, "Wow." That was big. And complimenting me as encouragement. It worked. Finishing that book without the expected pain and suffering led me to tackle any other book I came across which seemed interesting. My mother was reading books like "The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich" and Tolstoy's "War and Peace." I can still remember seeing them on the bookshelf - and thinking: Too long! Maybe that's where I learned to like shorter books and to this day enjoy a good short read to a long tedious one! (Pejorative prejudice noted.) Variety, time on earth, etc., factoring in there. In trying to list all that I have read over the years, memory fails (especially in the area of non-fiction). But I know this: I have always enjoyed strong, complex characters and a sense of humor (from the author). What has shifted and grown dramatically is my appreciation for a good story - intricate or simple, but clearly told and satisfying. I love twists and turns - both reading them and writing them - which lead to a surprising conclusion. It doesn't have to be earth-shattering, but should at least make me go, "Ahhh." At least a little. So, it follows that that is what I try to do with my novels: interesting complex characters who have a sense of humor about (or around) them, usually caught up in dark or complicated situations that are part of a solid story with a satisfying ending. I don't do fantasy or horror, romance or fluff. (Probably couldn't if I had to!) i do enjoy a plethora of genres/styles however, and try to make every novel... well... novel; i.e., different in some specific, tangible way than any of the others. In the end, I write for people to read and enjoy - and hope that works! It all started with reading my first book, cover to cover, having that feeling of accomplishment, mixed with entertainment - losing track of time - and feeling richer for the experience. Do you remember your first real "adult" book and how it made you feel?