The main objective of this study was to assess the appropriateness of literary texts in teaching reading skills at some selected high schools in Ethiopia. The study employed survey research design. Different instruments and sampling techniques were used. Document analysis was conducted to examine the appropriateness of literary texts and reading activities designed from them. Questionnaire was administered for 429 students that were selected through stratified sampling. Interview was also conducted with 7 purposively selected EFL teachers. The collected data was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Data from interview and document analysis were analyzed qualitatively using narration, thematic analyses and direct quotation, whereas data from questionnaire was analyzed quantitatively using percentage, mean and grand mean. Findings of the study revealed that the majority of the literary texts are found to be linguistically very difficult, culturally unfamiliar and unsatisfactory to students' interest. In addition, the study found that most reading activities do not give useful cultural background, stimulating tasks, language awareness activities and previewing key language. The study concluded that the literary texts intended for teaching reading skills and activities are not helpful to teach reading skills.