Book for 16 year old DS who hates reading

[CiderWithRosy]

Just as it says in the title. Looking for a stocking filler for 16 year old DS. Does anyone have any book recommendations they would be kind enough to share?

Honestly, why buy him a book if he hates reading? Doesn't make sense to me at all!

If you must...then I'd get him a graphic novel. Here are some of the best.

www.penguin.com.au/books/the-complete-maus-9780141014081

www.goodreads.com/book/show/62953.Ghost_World

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Boring

I agree. I’m not a fan of reading (perfectly capable, it’s just not my thing) and I never appreciate being bought books for that reason. That said I like fact books, so is there a subject he is particularly interested in and then you could get a fact book on that subject? Or just forget a book and think of something else. ☺️

What is he in to? I mean fantasy, war, gaming, superhero stuff?

I've got a 16 year old who hates reading. I've given up buying him books because he doesn't read them. I wouldn't appreciate a present that was something I hated so don't see why he should be inflicted with things he hates.

I’ve given up buying books for mine. He doesn’t read them and it’s a waste of money.
I was a huge bookworm at his age and I also hated getting books as presents.

If he’s not into it, then you’re not going to make him.

DS hated reading but enjoys books about his interests such as cars, sports biographies etc

My 16yo gave up reading for a pleasure a few years ago, which I have finally (if sadly) accepted... I have got him one for his stocking this year, though: the DVLA driving test theory book, along with a set of L plates

What about Persepolis? It's a graphic novel but very good and what I would have liked at that age.....

Or a magazine, as a sort of 'it's still reading material' compromise? 16yo will still read football magazines. (I bought Top Gear for youngest DS's stocking the other day and I couldn't believe the price of it... magazines seem cost as much as if not more than books these days. Even the Radio Times Christmas edition was £5! )

Another vote for a graphic novel. If not already mentionded then 16 is old enough for the harrowing but brilliant Maus. Persepolis is also great, but I wonder if its's better for a girl because the main protagonist is female?
Also Terry Pratchett has had a number of his books turned into graphic novels. Think his collaborations with Neil Gaiman likewise. Or even take a punt with an actual Discworld novel. DS and DH raced through the lot when DS was between the ages of 14 and 18. Then dear Terry died and they were left bereft!

Never heard of Maus, will check out

Thanks to the posters that have made suggestions, that's very helpful I will take a look.

I should of made it clearer in my original post. Even though he doesn't like reading he feels that he should try and has asked me to get him something.

Was just interested to see if anyone had any suggestions for that kind of age group.

For the PP who asked what he's into.....gaming, gaming and more gaming! It would be lovely to see him off that computer and actually reading a book.

No point it will be left unread

Perhaps something by Bill Bryson? Always found him incredibly easy to read and dead funny too.

Maybe have a look at the Roald Dahl short story collections for adults e.g. Skin & Other Stories, Tales of the Unexpected, or his book of ghost stories... they're pretty dark/macabre, and short stories may appeal as easy enough to pick up/put down in between gaming sessions!? DS enjoyed 'Lamb to the Slaughter' (in Skin) when they read it at school last year.

Recently DS (15) has loved The Ocean at the End of the Lane and American Gods by Neil Gaiman. Now on the second part of His Dark Materials.

I think the fantasy genre is always a good shout for teens.

For non-fiction another hit was Richard Dawkins' The Magic of Reality, aimed at kids and adults both so very accessible, talking about evolution, the universe, everything. That hardback is well-thumbed in this house.

Ps DS is also into gaming so I sympathise (!)

What sort of gaming is he into as in what games does he play? Is he playing FIFA, COD or Final Fantasy etc

@CiderWithRosy

Thanks to the posters that have made suggestions, that's very helpful I will take a look.

I should of made it clearer in my original post. Even though he doesn't like reading he feels that he should try and has asked me to get him something.

Was just interested to see if anyone had any suggestions for that kind of age group.

For the PP who asked what he's into.....gaming, gaming and more gaming! It would be lovely to see him off that computer and actually reading a book.

Excellent! I asked because you can sneak some books with gaming themes in there . My 16 year old has asked for graphic novels this year but I have had him reading somethings included in games , for example - if he plays the witcher games, there are witcher books, if its assassins creed- there are books for that.

There are the metro books too

Ready Player one (and ready player two) might be a good option.

And have a look at the escape room books too like Journal 29

Ready player one. If only for the gaming and nerd culture references. The film is awesome.

I'd recommend Chris Hadfield's book An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth it's an interesting and really inspiring read.

www.waterstones.com/book/an-astronauts-guide-to-life-on-earth/chris-hadfield/9781447259947

Don't worry if your sons are into gaming. DS was (to my constant frustration at the time) and still managed an English degree at Cambridge! In fact his love of graphic novels played into his dissertation as well.