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Original poster

Book recommendations for teenage DS

37 replies

FeelingForced · 03/04/2022 18:27

DS is 18 and has always been a keen reader. Some of his favourites are Isaac Asimov, The Lord of the Rings, The Hunt for Red October, Good Omens, the Asterix series, P.G. Wodehouse and Alistair MacLean.

We'd appreciate any suggestions on what he might like next. There are no bookshops or libraries near us, so he can't go and browse.

He's also in a rather intense academic course, so would prefer books that aren't sad, he says.

Thanks in advance.

OP posts:
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Seaoftroubles · 14/04/2022 22:34

The Earthsea books by Ursula le Guin.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 14/04/2022 20:20

Yes to Mort and Guards, Guards. I'd add Reaper Man too.

John Wyndham

Which Kings has he tried? he's written loads, so some might appeal even if others didn't.

A series beginning with Across the Nightingale Floor - ancient Japanese-esque warrior stuff with a love story. Highly recommended.

Maybe the Bryant and May series? I've only read one but it was quite diverting.

Definitely Ready Player One, if he's not already read it.

Yes to Red Rising - the first 3 are really good. I thought they lost it after that.

Clawdy · 14/04/2022 19:55

Catcher In The Rye - JD Salinger. Great teen novel.

Original poster
FeelingForced · 14/04/2022 18:19

Thank you very much to everyone who's posted. This has been an amazing collection of suggestions!

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WandaVon · 14/04/2022 16:40

I think he'd really enjoy the Gormenghast Trilogy.

TrillianMurphy · 07/04/2022 14:12

I second pp saying start with either "Guards! Guards!" or "Mort" if he wants to get into Terry Pratchett.

Has he read Dirk Gently by Douglas Adams?

I'd also recommend Kurt Vonnegut's books for fun light reading and "Roderick" by John Sladek.

Original poster
FeelingForced · 07/04/2022 08:04

More suggestions! This is so exciting Grin

We'll look through all the recommendations and order the ones that DS wants to read now and keep the others on a reading list for the future.

Rivers of London does look like a book he'll enjoy. Calvin and Hobbes is a good idea too. He's read the comic strips in newspapers, but I had never thought of getting the books.

OP posts:
Butterfly44 · 06/04/2022 07:22

Following Smile

TheOnlyLivingBoyInNewCross · 06/04/2022 07:02

DS is 19 and devours each new Orphan X book as it arrives so I would second that recommendation.

He loves The Martian and has read it more than once.

Bear with me - has your DS read the Calvin and Hobbes books? Best comic strip ever - so funny but so thoughtful too.

AmberGer · 06/04/2022 06:40

The Martian
Project hail Mary

Both by Andy Weir

Also pp posters have suggested Rivers of London. Brilliant series. Highly recommend them too!

Original poster
FeelingForced · 06/04/2022 05:55

Oh yes, and I even have a couple of the books at home!

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TwigTheWonderKid · 05/04/2022 08:38

He might like Jasper Fforde.

Original poster
FeelingForced · 05/04/2022 08:34

Thank you! So many books to choose from now!

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FlyingUnicornWings · 04/04/2022 18:17

Seconding Rivers of London. There’s plenty in the series too!

Outwith · 04/04/2022 18:00

Wyrd sisters, Mort, and Guards Guards! are all good starting points for Terry Pratchett. The Bromeliad series (Diggers, Truckers, Wings) is also well worth reading.

NightmareSlashDelightful · 04/04/2022 17:28

What about the Rivers of London series by Ben Aaronovitch?

Or possibly Slough House series by Mick Herron.

Original poster
FeelingForced · 04/04/2022 17:22

Thank you, those sound interesting too! I'll add them to the list.

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CoralPaperweight · 04/04/2022 10:20

OK, some thoughts

sci-fi

  • the Eden trilogy by Chris Beckett (first one is called Dark Eden)
  • Pierce Brown Red Rising books

Fantasy

  • assuming he's read Game of Thrones?

Other

  • The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
  • The Girl with All the Gifts
  • You said he doesn't like Stephen King - I would try the Bachmann Books though - The Long Walk is amazing
  • Christopher Brookmyre books
  • Grady Hendrix - The Southern Book Clubs guide to slaying vampires

Crime / Thillers

  • Classic Noir by Raymond Chandler eg The Big Sleep
  • James Ellroy
  • Chis Pavone, The Expats
  • John Le Carre - Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
  • Robert Harris books are usually good
Original poster
FeelingForced · 04/04/2022 03:28

Thank you all, for the suggestions. I'll go through them with DS and see what appeals to him.

Which Terry Pratchett book would be a good place to start?

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Camdenish · 03/04/2022 21:37

Hideous Kinky by Esther Freud made me feel like I’d read something worth reading, but it sat lightly. All her books are good in fact.

Run4it2 · 03/04/2022 21:29

Terry pratchett?

VanderlyleGeek · 03/04/2022 21:24

He might like Michael Chabon's The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay.

lljkk · 03/04/2022 21:11

Mirage, James Follet.
Michael Crichton books.

PenOrPencil · 03/04/2022 20:45

I started reading everything by John Irving around that age. If he enjoyed 1984 he might like Brave New World.

Sadik · 03/04/2022 20:38

I should say my 20 y/o dd has read & enjoyed all the recommendations above over the past few years.
She also likes the Locked Tomb series which starts with Gideon the Ninth, I've not read it but I know many on here have enjoyed it.

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