Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
What we're reading

Find your new favourite book or recommend one on our Book forum.

Original poster

Recommendations for non-reading DH

37 replies

Parliamo · 10/05/2014 14:00

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!

OP posts:
thegambler · 10/05/2014 15:45

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

BrianButterfield · 10/05/2014 15:17

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.

Nosleeptillbedtime · 10/05/2014 15:17

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.

DuchessofMalfi · 10/05/2014 15:12

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 Smile .

He began easing into books with Jeremy Clarkson's books. I know Grin , 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.

superbagpuss · 10/05/2014 15:12

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

superbagpuss · 10/05/2014 15:11

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

Original poster
Parliamo · 10/05/2014 15:06

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?

OP posts:
evertonmint · 10/05/2014 14:58

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!

Chopsypie · 10/05/2014 14:55

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.

gymboywalton · 10/05/2014 14:12

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

Bluestocking · 10/05/2014 14:09

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.

Bluestocking · 10/05/2014 14:08

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!