>>387741
If you can handle the old English, I'd recommend the KJV.
If you need things to be as simple, easy and clear as possible (or are ESL), NIV works well.
ESV is good, but comes with a lot of density in its study materials. I'd recommend that after you've gotten the grasp of the core books of the Bible.
Overall general recommendation to those newer to it, I'd recommend the NIV.
I'd recommend starting with reading the New Testament. John is a good starting point.
>Asking this as someone born and baptized into Catholicism but who has never read a line of the bible on his own in his life
I wish you well on your journey into the word of God anon, though you'll probably be very surprised and challenged by what you read.