Recommendations for non-reading DH

[Parliamo]

I suspect DH has never read a book in his life, other than a couple of sportsman biographies. But now he reads with our children and he recognises how important reading is, he mentioned today he wanted to try a novel. He is a slow reader (when concentrating on reading he will move his lips) and easily frustrated if he is not good at something. My preferences are more intellectual/ literary fiction whereas he would rather crime/ adventure (my least favourite) I don't want to suggest something that will put him off...

So any suggestions for easy reading that will ease him in gently to the wonderful world of fiction? Fwiw, I've always been surprised he's not more into fiction, he's very sociable, and has a superb memory for stories and anecdotes, if that connection makes any sense!

[Bluestocking]

How lucky your DH is to have the world of reading newly before him!
How about the Sherlock Holmes stories? Not too long and really gripping!

[Bluestocking]

Another thought - Touching The Void- can't remember the author's name but it's a true story about a dramatic climbing accident and the aftermath.

[gymboywalton]

Sherlock Holmes very tricky to read I think, quite confusing.


The Jack reacher books ate great, light, easy to read, full of action and adventure, a whodunit element Etc

[Chopsypie]

What about young adult fiction to start with? Lots of awesome stuff out there. I've just finished the 'his dark materials' trilogy by Phillip Pullman. Which was excellent.
Or what about some of Bill Brysons travel books? They are very funny.

[evertonmint]

Ian Rankin is fantastic - the Rebus novels have cracking crime storylines while also being incredibly well written.

You also can't go wrong with a bit of Poirot or Miss Marple. They are relatively short too.

I'm re-reading Adrian Mole following Sue Townsend's death and can heartily recommend them - loving them more than when I was a teenager as I have a bit of perspective now!

[Parliamo]

Touching the void might be a good shout. I had a go once and couldn't read it because it was too tense and frightening! The film is amazing too. I've never been in a cinema and seen so many people have such strong physical reactions!

Ian rankin might be good too. I wondered about teenage fiction too. I think fantasy type stuff might be too far out of his comfort zone (for now hopefully!) is Neil gaiman a name I see about?

[superbagpuss]

how about graphic novels?

my dh isn't a fan of reading novels as such, but will read adult graphic novels, most on superheros but there was an amazing one called Maus I think which we both enjoyed

also anything that is a tie in to programmes, films that he likes

once he has discovered a love for reading he can move onto the classics which might need more work

[superbagpuss]

parlimo Neil gainman is great as is terry pratchett

good omens is a book I loved as a teenager and can read over and over again

[DuchessofMalfi]

When I met DH he wasn't a reader and it took him a good few years before he started to be interested in books. Now, he reads on average 25 books a year .

He began easing into books with Jeremy Clarkson's books. I know , but he found them easy to read and amusing. He now picks up anything he fancies reading, but particularly enjoys ghost stories and history non-fiction.

[Nosleeptillbedtime]

I heard a comedian say he had never ever read a book. His girlfriend gav him ' the curious incident of the dog in th night time' and now he is hooked on reading.

[BrianButterfield]

TV tie-ins are a good idea. Does he like the Walking Dead? There are some novels which tell the governor's backstory which are well written but easy to read. Stephen King might be good too.

[thegambler]

Catch 22.

To kill a mockingbird

The Crow Road or The steep approach to Garbadale (Iain Banks)

Any of the Karl Ove Knausgaard "My Struggle" series

[Parliamo]

Ooo I loved the carbadale Ian banks, and maybe Stonehaven might appeal. There's a bit of a crime/ mystery slant to that if memory serves.

Thanks, lots to make a reading list from. I'm just scared of choising the first one, if it's not right and gives up again, it will be ages till he tries again!

[thegambler]

Stonemouth ?

I found Stonemouth, Garbadale and The Crow Road very similar but not in a bad way. Whit maybe aswell.

[Parliamo]

Yes, stonemouth! I have read all three but with several years between so similarities didn't matter so much.

[Patilla]

How about the hunger games trilogy? Incredibly easy to read and Not obviously a teenage read. Very gripping too. Started reading it at first feed of night and kept on reading to and thru next feed when DD was a newborn. Not my widest move but nice to lose yourself once in a while in a book.

[evertonmint]

Oh yes, The Hunger Games is great. Easy to read but some big ideas to think about.

[FiveGoMadInDorset]

Terry Pratchett, DH not a huge reader but loves these, Jack Reader books,

[bigbadbarry]

Hunger games or Jack Reacher - I've known JR (and Harr potter actually) start a few adults onto novels.

[FriedSprout]

How about going a little retro? Am thinking perhaps Dick Francis, Alistair Maclean or even Jeffrey Archer! fast moving, exciting stories.

Failing that you can't beat a Terry Pratchett for humour, Bernard Corwall if he likes a little history.

[DaffodilsandTruffles]

What about some Christopher Brookmyer? My DH (a confirmed non-fiction man) picked my copy of ' All Fun and Games' on holiday once and was hooked. They are crime based, quite violent but very, very funny. The plots are brilliant and keep you guessing right to the end.

[CheckpointCharlie]

I have a Touching the Void I can post you! And I have another hilarious book called The Humans. I am a book giver and your DH is my prime target!

Pm me your address and I'll chuck them both in the post!

[CoteDAzur]

Jack Reacher books - Great page turners with short sentences and 200-world vocabulary.

Watchmen - Graphic novel. It's very good.

[SilverViking]

Alan Bateman, ray reading crime triller, and very funny!

[LineRunner]

Harlan Coben's books about Myron and Win are brilliant. Crime thrillers, easy to read, witty and very enjoyable. Set in the US.