Hopefully I can get people to read some early Latin literature. Here are some authors that may interest you.

Lucius Livius Andronicus was a dramatist and poet. He was actually a slave that became a libertus (freedman). He later founded his own school.

Quintus Ennius is considered the father of Latin poetry. He believe that the Gods of Olympus were deceased generals and heros commemorated in the form of Gods.

Marcus Pacuvius was one of the greatest tragic poets of Rome. His works try to expose the superstitions of the day as fallacies, in a manner that is gentle and filled with humanity.

Lucius Accius was a famous scholar and writer. He had a grand and eloquent style of writing. His views were politicallly conservative.

Gnaeus Naevius is known for his comedies. He was sent to exile for criticizing the nobility in one of his plays. His last work was his epitaph, after which he committed suicide.

Titus Maccius Plautus was a renown comic playwright. His works were based on Greek plays slightly rewritten for Roman audiences. His works often make fun of the Gods.

Publius Terentius Afer was actually a slave freed by his master. His plays use natural conversational Latin and are based on Greek plays.

Gaius Lucilius was a writer working in the genre of satire. He satrized politicians, generals, playwrights and those of the lower classes as well.