DS hates reading - book recommendations?

Both DSs hated/hate reading at that age and all through their teens - they could sort of be persuaded by ebooks or magazines, but even that was difficult. I’m an avid reader, always have been, but I had to accept that I couldn’t force them to read for pleasure any more than my parents could force me to play rugby or football - both of which my DSs love to do.

If it’s any consolation my eldest DS is now 24 and has returned to reading recently, and really enjoys it. He also went to university, got an excellent Masters and has a graduate position in a large multinational, so his lack of reading didn’t hold him back.

How is he with other subjects (not just English/reading)? Can he read OK, or could he be rejecting reading because he finds it difficult?

The reason I ask is because DS2 was a reluctant reader and was diagnosed late at age 11/12 as having dyslexia. He had coped OK with primary level, but it came crashing down at secondary school.
FWIW he later got into reading alongside audiobooks with fantasy books like Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings etc.

He might like Terry Pratchett?

Magazines are a compromise if he doesn’t like books

Or maybe a non-fiction book that doesn't need to be read from cover to cover so he can dip in and out of it. I did this with my various encyclopedias and almanacs when I was a child.

What are his interests?
Agree with pp, you should take him to a book shop and let him pick out a book that catches his eye.
Magazines, short story collections, poetry or graphic novels might work better for him.

Newspapers
Non fiction about their interests
Eg sport, cookery, history, politics etc.
I've read and strongly believe that it is really important for DC to see their parents reading regularly so if that isn't something that happens now, encourage it.
Two of my three became avid readers in their teens .My youngest, in particular, reads a lot of non fiction about his interest .He is branching out into occasional fiction that related to his interest and more recently with audible to wider topics.

Does he like factual stuff? Maybe a magazine subscription would get him in the habit a bit more. Some news magazines have junior editions, or he might like a science or history one.

DS liked thrillers/ James bond type stuff and now mainly reads military.
So maybe Charlie Higson or Andy Mcnab (teen titles)
Otherwise try graphic novels?

My daughter is 14 and hasn't enjoyed reading every since she got her first phone at age 12. Won't entertain e-books or audio books. She's only recently started reading some poetry and is becoming quite obsessed!

TBH, i think Diary of a Wimpy Kid is more suited for 8-11 year olds as it is considered middle grade and your son is likely to think he's too old for these.

Take your son to a book shop and let him browse. Browse everything. Fiction and no fiction. Graphic novels, poetry, anime, adult, teen, crime. Talk to him about interesting stories or articles you have read yourself to try and pique his interest.

There's no way anyone here can know what he likes as we don't know his interests. If he likes gaming, does he read gaming magazines?

I think we need to move past thinking that reading must entail reading a physical fiction novel. Stories comes in all types of mediums now. Magazines and newspapers or short stories may be a way to get him interested again in short bursts, as long as they are about something he already has shown an interest in.

Interests and hobbies, tell us more.

What are his interests and hobbies?