If you're up to buying a VN and have a DS/3DS, I really recommend 9 Hours 9 Persons 9 Doors and Virtue's Last Reward. If you have a Vita you can emulate 999(as it's for the DS) and purchase VLR, just make sure you read 999 first. Underrated and underappreciated, even in the world of VN's.
Definitely read Steins; Gate. I'd say it is the best sci-fi VN I have read so far for PC. Otherwise, all Infinity series VN's (Ever17, Remember11, Never7 -and 12Riven which is currently being translated- are all great VN's.)
If you want something "epic" above all else, Umineko. This VN I think takes over 100 hours to fully read all 8 episodes, and literally took me more than 3 months to read.
I personally like Danganronpa but as it is pretty... unique in many regards, it might not be the best VN to "get back to the swing of things".
P.S: Nice to see somebody else read Mamankyoushitsu, lol
P.P.S: I just realized Ever17's VNDB link is https://vndb.org/v17