Read comics instead! Not only do they break up the prose into manageable chunks, the pictures framing the words put them into context, so you're more likely to figure out the meaning of an unfamiliar word, thus reinforcing it in your memory, rather than having to rely on the dictionary.

If you're interested in South American culture (esp. Argentina) then 'Mafalda' by Quino is a true delight - just as witty, sharp, and intelligent as it is charming and funny.

For learning about Spain, the more brutish 'Mortadelo y Filemon' by Francisco Ibáñez is... well, it's something else. One of the few things I can read that will consistently make me laugh out loud - as long as it is classic Ibáñez penned stuff, not M&F drawn and written by someone else (usually rubbish)
http://www.mortadeloyfilemon.com/ibanez/biografia.asp

By the same author I always enjoyed 13 Rue del Percebe - a literal slice of (extreme) Spanish life.

If you're interested in Europe and European culture then 'Asterix & Obelix' is more gentle fare. The original comics are in French, but IMO they translate much more successfully into Spanish, where they retain their gutsy humour, than the wussy English versions - which at the most can raise a wry smile or a weak chuckle.