Charles Dickens: Can anyone recommend a book for a first time CD reader?

[BogeyNights]

Just back from Y7 Parents' Evening and all was good.

English teacher said that they would be studying Charles Dickens eventually during the coming years before GCSE.
I have read one Dickens book - Great Expectations - when I was in Y8, but I don't really remember it (because it was 30 years ago!) I'd like to choose a book that both I and my DS could read.

Would Great Expectations be a good choice? Or can any one out there recommend another?

I want to encourage DS to read different authors - he does enjoy reading and even reads 'for fun', which makes me soooo happy!

I'm thinking of getting George Eliot's 'Silas Marner' because I remember reading that at school and really enjoying it. But when it comes to reading 'classics' it's not something I'm really familiar with. I, unlike my DS, didn't enjoy reading as a (pre-)teenager and I've only fallen in love with reading since my twenties really.

Help? x

[Takver]

Not at all seasonal, but A Christmas Carol is a very fun read, and much shorter than most of his books!

[SunshineAndShadows]

I started with solider twist, then Great Expectations. Think OT is probably easier to identify with and doesn't have the distracting weirdness of Miss H

[BogeyNights]

Ok. They are both stories that he's probably more familiar with than he'd think. We've watched 'Oliver!' a lot in the past. I'm sure he'll recognise the name Scrooge. Thanks

[niminypiminy]

Oliver Twist definitely. I like A Christmas Carol and it's a good short read. But of the novels, OT is the best place to start.

The beginning section in the workhouse is heartrending, and there is lots to enjoy in the London scenes -- although some horrible things too. The death of Nancy is searing. And the last bit, the chase through London after Sykes, is really exciting.

You could also have a look at the David Lean version of the film - by far the best version in my opinion.

[IndridCold]

I would go for David Copperfield, definitely. It is based quite closely on his own life and has some truly great characters.

If your DS is daunted by the length, then just read the first section about his childhood.

[Preminstreltension]

Christmas Carol is short and simple to read.

I think after that Great Expectations or David Copperfield are good choices especially if you are reading them together.