I think theory seems really daunting to people since they always want to start with Marx who, despite being a brilliant thinker, was not a clear writer. I personally think that Engels is the best place to get started. Here are some of his best introductory works, in order of length:
Principles of Communism : A 30 minute read. It's an excellent and straightforward FAQ on Marxism
Socialism: Utopian and Scientific : This is a pamphlet / short book that goes deeper than the previous texts without being any harder to read. You can finish this in 3 short sittings or two long ones.
Once you've read these texts you will have a decent overview of Marxism which you can deepen by reading Marx, who will make a whole lot more sense now
I think theory seems really daunting to people since they always want to start with Marx who, despite being a brilliant thinker, was not a clear writer. I personally think that Engels is the best place to get started. Here are some of his best introductory works, in order of length:
Once you've read these texts you will have a decent overview of Marxism which you can deepen by reading Marx, who will make a whole lot more sense now
Also would recommend Value, Price and Profit. It's very short, to the point and is about economics.