I tried reading manufacting consent and holy fuck I couldn't even go a few pages without having to look something up to even get close to understanding it. That said, I do get the overarching principle of it so I guess something sunk in. Currently, I'm flying through Understanding The World or something, a collection of speech from Chomsky. It's totally understandable, and even enjoyable to read. Another one that I havent got yet, but seem to like the look of is Capitalist Realism, it's only 90 pages.
Any suggestions?
Principles of Communism by Engels is by far the best, easiest to digest classic introduction to Marxist theory. It's done in basically an FAQ style.
Also Blackshirts and Reds by Parenti for history. Real short.