Some truths are best said in a few lines. Poetry books, old and new, are found in poetry, essays and humour, while English literature and Hindi literature cover the great poets for students.
Poetry also trains a careful ear, and even a few lines read slowly each day can improve your own writing and speaking.
Great writing rewards slow reading. Read aloud from time to time, look up unfamiliar words, and notice how a writer builds a scene. These simple habits will improve your own language too.
Literature students should read the original text first, then the critics. Make short notes about themes and characters as you go, since that habit helps with both university papers and competitive tests such as UGC NET.