I think I'm curious as to what is the point of being "well read"? (I mean beyond the joy of reading a great story) Does it enrich a person's life, create interesting conversation?
I think people should read what they are passionate about, though I do try to encourage my friends and others to read outside their comfort zone and explore a variety of literature. You never know what you may find.
In my life, it's been rare to meet others that read as much as I do or in a variety of genres, let alone find time to converse.
high school in the united states only slows you down if you want to become well read. I ended up reading a lot of the classics in college on my own free time.