What Buddhist book should I read?

A Buddhist friend recently posted on Facebook about what a Buddhist must read in order to establish a foundational knowledge in Buddhism. He recommends reading the Yogācārabhūmi-Śāstra (Treatise on the Foundation for Yoga Practitioners). There is one big problem–this treatise has multiple volumes. Each volume has about 600 pages.

The Yogācārabhūmi-Śāstra is known for its extensive and detailed discussions on meditation, the nature of consciousness, the workings of the mind, and the stages of spiritual development. It is considered one of the foundational texts for understanding the Yogācāra tradition.

It is fine for someone to prefer a detailed and systematic approach to Buddhism. But Yogacara is just one of the Buddhist schools of thought. It has no monopoly on Buddhist truth. To make the Yogācārabhūmi-Śāstra a required reading for the new comers creates a formidable barrier for young people who are interested on Buddhism. Who would have the time and intellect to read such an extensive piece of work? It would have to be people who are both affluent and highly educated. Needless to say, time is a luxury that most people cannot afford. Those who have the time to engage is such reading activity belong to the elite class. Most of us are busy working and making ends meet.