Hmmm this is a great prompt! I’ve never tried to convert a non-reader to a reader, as being at least somewhat okay with books is kind of a prerequisite to being part of my life. But there are some books I’ve recommended to people who don’t read all that often or ones I would recommend to particular people.
The House in the Cerulean Sea would be perfect for someone who likes to be curled up under a cosy blanket with a cup of tea. The Fire Next Time is for someone who cares deeply about social injustice, and who enjoys being challenged. Fierce Invalids is great for readers who have an irreverent streak, who like things that are a bit weird and wacky. Ready Player One is for gamers, particularly ones that aren’t super invested in how our world tends to favour those who already have power.
The Fault in Our Stars seems to appeal to pretty much everyone, but particularly those who like to get very invested in a story, who want to feel close to the characters, who enjoy witty banter and who can survive heartbreak. The Uncommon Reader is for those who like to see prominent figures portrayed from another angle, and who can understand a passion for an interest (in this case, reading). The Window Seat is for those who enjoy reading about a wide range of topics, who like to be confronted with some challenging truths about how the world works, and who want to be left with a lot to think about. Agent 21 is for a young adult reader who enjoys fast-paced, plot-driven thrillers. This is a quick, edge-of-your-seat read.
I haven’t read Good Omens for over a decade, and I have been made aware that it has some issues with problematic content that I don’t remember from my last read. So consider that a warning. That said, it’s also the funniest books I’ve ever read. It’s got angels, fallen angels (well, one who “didn’t so much fall as saunter vaguely downwards”), the antichrist and the four horsemen of the apocalypse. And yes, it’s the book the TV show was based on, so it’s perfect for anyone who liked that or American Gods. Outlaw Journalist is for the rebel out there, particularly if they’re a rebel who’s a fan of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse is a lovely, quick read. It is beautifully illustrated, and full of hope. Daisy Jones and the Six is for the music lover, and anyone who likes to know what’s happening in the real lives of famous people. It’s an interesting read, has lots of drama, and is very easy to get into.
Obviously each of these would be for a different type of person. But all of them are excellent, addictive and easy to get into.
I wasn’t a big fan of The Fault In Our Stars, but I’m always glad when a book has such a great appeal to non-readers, as all it takes it one book you like to lead to more and more. Are you excited for the second season of the Good Omens TV show? I was surprised when it was announced, since there’s obviously only the one book, but I’m excited to see how they do with it, since I really enjoyed the first series.
My TTT: https://jjbookblog.wordpress.com/2021/11/02/top-ten-tuesday-340/
I didn’t even know it was a thing! I’m sure I’ll give it a go, but I wouldn’t say I’m excited, exactly. Depends if it manages the humour!
Neil Gaiman is still running it, so hopefully it will turn out well, though I’m always sceptical when shows go beyond the source material.
Yeah, I am very meh about the idea! I’ll give it a try, but I’m not holding my breath!
The Uncommon Reader is such a little gem of a book.
Happy reading!
My TTT: https://readwithstefani.com/ten-old-favorite-books-i-want-to-reread-to-determine-if-theyre-all-time-favorites/
Fully agree! To you as well!
The Uncommon Reader is so cool! And, you are absolutely right–The Fire Next Time would be perfect for a social justice warrior. So many good titles here.
Yes! I adore these books. Both so tiny, and yet both have stuck with me!
A great list!
Pam @ Read! Bake! Create!
https://readbakecreate.com/bookish-gift-guide-big-spender-edition/
Thank you!
The House in the Cerulean Sea and Ready Player One were also on my list—and Daisy Jones is such a great pick! I’ve recommended it to everyone I know, so I am not sure how I left if off my own list.
My post—https://fiftytwo.blog/2021/11/02/ttt-books-to-recommend-to-non-readers/
Happy TTT!
Lori
I was so pleasantly surprised by all three of those books! I love it when I don’t know about a book or don’t have an accurate sense of what it is, and then it ends up being a favourite!
Good Omens is such a good pick!
My post: https://lydiaschoch.com/top-ten-tuesday-books-i-would-hand-to-someone-who-claims-to-not-like-reading/
Thanks! I’ve heard it’s problematic, but I have fond memories of laughing my ass off while reading it about a decade and a half ago!
Nice list! I like how you broke it down in terms of different kinds of readers.
Thanks!