Uplifting novels for male uni students

[idealag]

I always like to buy a couple of books for my boys at Christmas. For the last 2-3 years I've been buying non-fiction for my eldest (18yo), but now he has started university (studying maths/stats/economics) I'd like to buy him a novel as I haven't seen him read one for a while. I think he'd like something contemporary, uplifting and human, not dystopian/sci fi/horror. When he was younger, he enjoyed books like "A Dog's Purpose" so is a bit of a romantic at heart. Any recommendations?

He might like Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. It's set in the 60s, about a female chemist battling with sexism, but has very good storylines for the male protagonists, and a brilliant character of a dog

Ignore the title and read the reviews and yes there is a dog in it. www.amazon.co.uk/Sick-Puppy-Carl-Hiaasen/dp/1447259580

Thanks both. I'll take a look at those suggestions.

He isn't actually a dog lover, so I think it must have been the coming of age and lifetime love themes that appealed. I suppose I want books with lovable relatable male protagonists, like Normal People but maybe with a bit less sex (as it's his mum that's buying it 😁) or at least a bit less unhappy sex.