What book to get someone who isn't really a reader

[Littletabbyocelot]

A friend has asked me to recommend a good book for her to read as she's going into hospital (minor but will be in a couple of days). She describes herself as not really a reader and doesn't normally have time. I love reading but my main genres are fantasy and classics. I'm really not sure what to suggest. Any ideas?

What does she like watching on TV?

Any other interests?

How risque is her sense of humour? Do you think she'd prefer or a bit serious or terrifying?

What car does she drive?

Haynes Manual?

This is going to hurt by Adam Kay? 😬

I'm not a reader at all but I couldn't put this down.

Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine is a good easy read and I would say it is a good choice for someone who doesn't read much

Something easy to read as it’s hard to concentrate in hospital... notes from a small island, or a thriller eg day of the jackal, or first Harry Potter if she wouldn’t take that amiss?

Something by Marian Keyes or Maeve Binchy. They are usually fun, easy reads. If they don't sound right, maybe a biography of someone she likes? I've bought Becoming for a few 'non-readers', the book about Michelle Obama. I'd also recommend 'This is going to hurt' but maybe not for someone going into hospital!

How about downloading her an audiobook of something that's a really good read which she might not otherwise try reading?

@FoxRedBitch I’m not sure I’d recommend that for someone going into hospital! XD

I’ve just finished Dear Mrs Bird which is a nice read- it’s about a young woman in WW2 who starts secretly replying to agony aunt letters.

Does she like history? My mum doesn’t read much but loves all of Philippa Gregory’s books

A pop-up?

This is going to hurt by Adam Kay? 😬

I'm not a reader at all but I couldn't put this down.

For god's sake, don't get her one of Adam Kay's (brilliant) books if she's going into hospital!!!!

I like Warmthanddepths idea of an audio book, it'll help block out the noise on the ward and an adult colouring book or easy craft will keep her hands busy. I do this on an evening when I can whilst cross stitching.

I agree with the Bill Bryson suggestion, upthread. I always read his travel books when feeling a bit wobbly. ‘Notes From A Small Island’ and ‘The Road To Little Dribbling’ would be good. I love his curmudgeonly chunterings. There’s something very reassuring and ‘grumpy dad’-like about his writing style.

Get her some women's magazines instead of a book

@Happygirl79 No!!! Why would you turn someone off getting into reading in that way?! Especially if they're interested. I have a friend who reads very differently to me, predominantly reading a lot of non-fiction. If I asked him for some recommendations and he came back with magazines I would be insulted!

OP, do you feel able to give anymore details about your friend? Age, general interests sort of thing? That might help you get the

Thanks so much for the suggestions. So, friend might be stretching it a bit at the moment, more person I chat to on the school run but would like to know better. So I know very little about her interests.

I very nearly bought this is going to hurt, before thinking it through as I loved it. Will look at some of the other suggestions. I've never heard of Dear Mrs Bird, I might get it for me!

Hmmm, that makes it a bit trickier!

I’m assuming its going to be a little gift? If so, something like the hearts invisible furies might work? It’s a “proper” book but easy to read and pacey enough to get sucked in?

Elinor Oliphant may also be a good one. Not my cup of tea, but most of MN seemed to have loved it. On a similar vein would be Three Things About Elsie...

Marian Keyes. A brilliant writer. Full of humour and warmth and humanity. Great for non readers and readers alike.

My friend who isn't a reader loved The Salt Path by Raynor Wynn when I recommended it to her.

Wonder by RJ Palacio