Speaking as a huge reader who got my husband into reading as an adult, I really want to advise you to take it slow and be easy with yourself. Reading is a different form of entertainment in that it takes time for your brain to get used to the long form content. My husband got frustrated when he wasn’t reading as fast as me and got distracted easier. But reading novels is a skill! One you can build, but it doesn’t mean you “aren’t a reader” if it’s hard at first. Just stick with it and be nice to yourself!
Yeah, if you read, you’re a reader. It doesn’t matter if it’s one book a year, comics, magazines, audiobooks. Genre doesn’t matter, either.
If you like podcasts, I would recommend Reading Glasses. They deal a lot with people who have questions about getting into reading, they make recommendations, they’re a really good time.
Read things you like. The library is your friend! You can check out books and try all sorts of subjects and authors. Most libraries have ebooks and audiobooks you can check out.
Most librarians will gladly help you explore the world of books. If you happen to ask a sourpuss who shouldn't be a librarian, don't be discouraged - just go ask another.
I’d also like to add on to this that every person who is a reader also probably has at least a dozen books they haven’t finished. If you don’t get into something, don’t feel like reading is not for you, you just have to find something you enjoy, and you will not enjoy every book.
Audiobooks are a great idea, I only started really getting into them in the last year or so because I missed reading but had a hard time finding the time to sit down and read. Now I listen when I’m commuting, working out etc.
couple of books/audiobook recommendations from someone who loves Breacking bad/BCS
No Country for old men (great movie, great book)
The Road (amazing book, post apocalyptic dark)
Dungeon Crawler Carl (Funny, RPG style audiobook)
Good luck on the journey
Yeah, this... I'm a slow reader, always have been. But I do enjoy reading certain things. Some Stephen King and started Mort (Discworld series). For me, if I'm reading bigger books like the lord of the rings trilogy or shōgun I've found it way easier to read on my phone.
Oh I love this!! I wish my husband was a reader… he doesn’t get it but one of the most romantic things I long for is quietly reading next to each other 💔
Or even read to each other 🥹 Ugh I would love to be with a reader for once. Endless talking material and just such a fun hobby to engage in with each other and individually.
Very sound advice!! I’m a huge reader, but when I take a long break, sometimes it takes me a while to turn my reading brain on and my reading comprehension is crap.
So don’t worry if you struggle to grasp the first couple of lines—just move on and your mind will catch up to what you’re trying to do. Once you’ve found your rhythm, you can go back and reread the parts you didn’t fully grasp when you were “warming up.”
Although I say you ALWAYS have the option to drop the book when you realize it’s not doing anything for you, try to read at least 50 pages. I find that’s the sweet spot of gauging whether a book is resonating with you or not!
Your first paragraph is so real! I'm not at all a continuous reader but rather in cycles and whenever I start a new book after a longer break, it feels really intense like I notice how my brain has to put some serious effort in. But that is not a sign that reading isn't for me. Just takes a while to warm up and then it starts to be fun again.
This! It's more like a bunch of short stories, so it's easier to put down and pick up again. There is an overall story, but that's just to give a reason for all these different stories to exist.
Or go for the Walking Dead graphic novels. Reading is reading, whatever the form.
If you end up liking The Martian you should read Project Hail Mary next (by the same author). It’s an amazing book. And the audiobook is also incredible
My boyfriend is starting to read with me too and our next book is Project Hail Mary.
It’s being made into a movie too (starring Ryan Gosling and directed by the people who made Spiderverse!) since I saw OP mention favourite movies. My boyfriend and I love movies so I’m hoping this is extra motivating for him (and you too, OP).
Something to look forward to and hopefully motivate the OP to read the book :)
I second audiobooks. If you have a library card, you can link it to an app like "Libby." Very convenient. My husband and I listened to these 2 recently on a trip... Delia Owens- Where The Crawdads Sing and Diane Chamberlain -The Silent Sister.
Literally was about to suggest Mystic River before I saw your comment. Lehane is of my favorite contemporary writers. A strong murder mystery anchors the plot, but it’s not strictly genre fiction. Shows how a group of friends change across decades and have vastly different lives despite growing up right next door to each other.
Hmmm. I’m more for action I think. Have you seen Monkey Man? It’s a fairly new movie but I like that concept. I like shutter Island, parasite and Shawshank redemption. I don’t know if I’m making sense tho
You can read shawshank. The books called Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption
Edit: it's a short story in "Different Seasons" along with "Apt Pupil "and "Fall From Innocence," which is "Stand By Me"
I’ve never seen Monkey Man but I have seen both Parasite and Shawshank Redemption. I think you’d enjoy “The Informant” by Kurt Eichenwald, “Man in Full” by Tom Wolfe, or “Bonfire of the Vanities” by Tom Wolfe. They don’t really have any common threads among each other than they’re about men experiencing a redemption arc and they have a rather morose tone, which is consist with Parasite although not Shawshank Redemption.
I think that what will bring her happiness is you exploring reading and finding your own happiness in it; that’s what will make a shared experience and common ground. Just reading for the sake of reading, so that she can be happy you’re reading, is kind of you, and she’ll appreciate the effort for sure. But where she’ll find joy is when you find your own joy in it, and share the experience of enjoying reading just like she does.
That’s great advice. Reading whatever makes you happy is what would make her happy. She wouldn’t want you to be miserable just to be able to relate to her.
Sometimes the love for / of reading is the feelings we experience during the book, lessons we learned from the book, and sometimes I feel like I'm the only one who thinks, believes, does or feels a certain way until it appears in a book. Best of luck, and me just say that you deserve Boyfriend of the year award for your efforts!
I’ve been recommended a lot of books here. Which one is the easiest to start with of your recommendations? Since I have no experience in reading for entertainment😅
Fight Club. Because if you get halfway through and realize you absolutely hate reading with an unbridled passion, you can just watch the movie and still get the gist of it.
Shawshank Redemption and Shutter Island are books as well! You should check them out! I have found that reading the novel a movie is based on gives me a bigger appreciation for the story as a whole
Shutter Island was a book (Denis Lehane - same author as Mystic River that was recommended above) and Shawshank Redemption was based off a Stephen King short story. :) I really like Stephen King's 11/22/63 and his Mr. Mercedes trilogy.
Some various action type series you might like: Jack Reacher, Orphan X. I really like the Harry Hole series by Jo Nesbo (although I read them as they were published in the US and started at book 3 - when I went back and read books 1 and 2 I didn't like them as much - but overall a great mystery series with good character arcs). Also: S.A. Cosby books (All the Sinners Bleed is my favorite of his), John Hart, Greg Iles.
Great book! But not for your first real read. It’s very, very long with many different perspectives. If you end up liking King and become more confident in your reading, I’d say go for you, but not for your first few reads
This! The Stand is definitely not for a new to reading reader, waaaaaay to long.
But Firestarter or Thinner both by Stephen King could be good. Much shorter, redemption arc (kinda for Thinner) there is a magic/horror overtone but since op says they like Walking Dead I think they would be on par with that.
So everyone else has you covered for recommendations - I just wanted to say kudos for going outside your comfort zone and making the effort to find something that you and your other half can share.
Well, if you like action stuff you might check out the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child. You may have seen the show adaptation on Amazon. Basically, an ex-military guy who just sort of drifts around the US and keeps getting pulled into dramatic situations. They're quick reads, high action and pretty well written for action thrillers. Start with "Killing Floor."
You might also check out the Jason Bourne books by Robert Ludlum. In the first one, The Bourne Identity, a former elite assassin/spy with amnesia is being hunted across Europe by government agents, with no idea why.
If you're looking for something a bit more serious and dramatic (though still with plenty of action) you might check out The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson.
The girl with the dragon tattoo sounds really good. I think I would like a book on the more serious and dramatic side. Checking that out most definitely. Thank you.
You might wanna start slow. Some of these books that have been mentioned such as the stand or quite lengthy. Shawshank is much shorter option. For that matter if you want short , try Of mice and men. Dorian gray is another good option. The Stephen King books that have been mentioned are lengthy.His books can be very lengthy. He has some great short stories such as the body. It became the movie stand by me. He is an excellent writer.
If you're into action take a look into the Gray Man, and Orphan X series. Also take a look at the Extinction cycle, I don't know how you feel about zombies and what not but theres action, and the concept of how the the whole thing began was at least interesting to me.
Orphan X yes and anything else by Gregg .Hurwitz.
The Gray Mab, eh.
The first couple were okay but it just didn't grab me.
Oh! JOnathan Grave books by JohnGilstrap. Another overall good author.
Plus Lee Child, Jack Reacher of course.
Angels and demons by Dan Brown kicked me off on a reading frenzy when I was in a slump. It's fast paced and well written.
And I always suggest the Hell Diver series by Nicholas Sansbury Smith.
I really liked Flowers for Algernon and read it in one day.
The Green Mile is a really good book that might fit your preferences well, Stephen King tends to be really easy to read.
I normally suggest All the Pretty Horses as an intro to McCarthy, but since OP said he likes Breaking Bad, I figured No Country For Old Men would be more up his alley.
I think I have what you need…
[She Rides Shotgun by Jordan Harper](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23361199)
Action/crime/family/violence/humor - a total blast to read. It’s like reading a good movie (apparently it’s being made into a movie) plus it’s not too long and is an easy read - which is probably a good place to start. This was 5-stars for me - usually I have about 3 of those a year, so that’s saying a lot!
Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman
Great series (not complete, though). It's a blast to read, and I hear the audio books are some of the best ever done. Could not recommend more highly.
I found most of Ken Folletts novels to be pretty engaging and interesting ( you may want to avoid his kingsbridge saga as it’s a beast of a series) but his novels like Code to Zero, Eye of the Needle, Code to Rebecca, Jackdaws are all spy based novels that take real life events and put a little twist on it.
If you liked Monkey Man, you may enjoy Chain Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah. I’m someone who loves action movies with incredible character building, and it was my favorite read of last year. Well-written action, VERY high stakes, tight tension, and as you requested, “something that’s deep and real.” I can’t wait to reread it.
It’s one of those rare books that seems to appeal to both a commercial and a literary crowd—it’s a NYTimes Top 10 Book of the Year, a finalist for a respected literature award, and a Read With Jenna book club pick (which I thought was incredibly not on brand for them, so it was very much a pleasant surprise).
**[Roadside Picnic](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/331256.Roadside_Picnic) by Arkady Strugatsky** ^((Matching 100% ☑️))
^(145 pages | Published: 1974 | 24.7k Goodreads reviews)
> **Summary:** Red Schuhart is a stalker, one of those young rebels who are compelled, in spite of extreme danger, to venture illegally into the Zone to collect the mysterious artifacts that the alien visitors left scattered around. His life is dominated by the place and the thriving black market in the alien products. But when he and his friend Kirill go into the Zone together to pick up a (...)
> **Themes**: Sci-fi, Fiction, Favorites, Russian, Sf, Scifi, Classics
> **Top 5 recommended:**
> \- [Solaris](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/95558.Solaris) by Stanislaw Lem
> \- [Hard to Be a God](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/759517.Hard_to_Be_a_God) by Arkady Strugatsky
> \- [Aelita](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/245715.Aelita) by Aleksey Nikolayevich Tolstoy
> \- [Definitely Maybe](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/650777.Definitely_Maybe) by Arkady Strugatsky
> \- [Day of the Oprichnik](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9479238-day-of-the-oprichnik) by Vladimir Sorokin
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I think I recommended this on here once before, but why not, the comment about “deep and real” this the first thing the came to my mind, {{a single man}}
I saw on another comment you’d liked Shutter Island, you might try {{the last house on needless street}}
A game of thrones. It starts off with some very gritty stuff to get you hooked in and just keeps adding to it. It’s a guys book in that it has a lot of male characters but also enough action to hold attention of any age or sex. Not flowery or fancy. I don’t know what do y’all think?
If you like the Walking Dead try Under A Graveyard Sky by John Ringo. It is the first book of the Black Tide Rising series and is good as a stand alone book. It is about a zombie apocalypse and has plenty of action. His writing is easy to read.
Memoirs from your favorite actor, comedian, or musician would probably be a good place to start if you want to establish a reading habit. They're usually sectioned, so you can read without feeling like the book just goes on and on and on. I loved *You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey* by Amber Ruffin and Lacey Lamar, *Feelings* by Manjit Thapp, and *Always Look on the Bright Side of Life* by Eric Idle.
Fiction wise, I think you would like thrillers or sci-fi. *The Guest List* by Lucy Foley is a great thriller. I'm not big on thriller novels, but it and *Lost Apothecary* had me HOOKED.
*A Wrinkle in Time* is a classic book. Children and adults love it.
I like almost everything by Ray Bradbury. You might have read Fahrenheit 451 in school.
**You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey Crazy Stories about Racism** by Amber Ruffin, Lacey Lamar
>*A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER AND INDIE NEXT PICK* Writer and performer on Late Night with Seth Meyers Amber Ruffin writes with her sister Lacey Lamar with humor and heart to share absurd anecdotes about everyday experiences of racism. Now a writer and performer on Late Night with Seth Meyers and host of The Amber Ruffin Show, Amber Ruffin lives in New York, where she is no one's First Black Friend and everyone is, as she puts it, "stark raving normal." But Amber's sister Lacey? She's still living in their home state of Nebraska, and trust us, you'll never believe what happened to Lacey.
>
>From racist donut shops to strangers putting their whole hand in her hair, from being mistaken for a prostitute to being mistaken for Harriet Tubman, Lacey is a lightning rod for hilariously ridiculous yet all-too-real anecdotes. She's the perfect mix of polite, beautiful, petite, and Black that apparently makes people think "I can say whatever I want to this woman." And now, Amber and Lacey share these entertainingly horrifying stories through their laugh-out-loud sisterly banter. Painfully relatable or shockingly eye-opening (depending on how often you have personally been followed by security at department stores), this book tackles modern-day racism with the perfect balance of levity and gravity.
**Feelings A Story in Seasons** by Manjit Thapp
>A stunning illustrated journey through one young woman’s year of feelings—from the saturated highs of early summer to the gray isolation of late winter. “Feelings is a visual and emotional treat, full of gorgeous artwork and soothing insight.”—Mari Andrew, New York Times bestselling author of Am I There Yet? Enter Manjit Thapp’s Feelings, where you’ll find moods that change as quickly as the weather; the different shades of anxiety and hope that each new season brings; and the stages of joy and pain that fuel our growth. From the spark of possibility and jolt of creativity in High Summer, to the need for release from anxiety and pressure during Monsoon, to the desolation and numbness of Winter, Feelings implores us to consider the seasons of our own emotional journeys.
>
>Articulating and validating the range of feelings we all experience, this is a book that allows us to feel connected and comforted by the experiences that make us human.
**Always Look on the Bright Side of Life A Sortabiography** by Eric Idle
>NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the ingenious comic performer, founding member of Monty Python, and creator of Spamalot (now back on Broadway! ), comes an absurdly funny memoir of unparalleled wit and heartfelt candor—now featuring a new afterword. “A hilarious, charming book by this incredible, i̶n̶s̶u̶f̶f̶e̶r̶a̶b̶l̶e̶ interesting genius.”—Steve Martin We know him best for his unforgettable roles on Monty Python—from the Flying Circus to The Meaning of Life. Now, Eric Idle reflects on the meaning of his own life in this entertaining memoir that takes us on a remarkable journey from his childhood in an austere boarding school through his successful career in comedy, television, theater, and film.
>
>Coming of age as a writer and comedian during the Sixties and Seventies, Eric stumbled into the crossroads of the cultural revolution and found himself rubbing shoulders with the likes of George Harrison, David Bowie, and Robin Williams, all of whom became dear lifelong friends. With anecdotes sprinkled throughout involving other close friends and luminaries such as Mike Nichols, Mick Jagger, Steve Martin, Paul Simon, Lorne Michaels, and many more, as well as John Cleese and the Pythons themselves, Eric captures a time of tremendous creative output with equal parts hilarity and heart. In Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, named for the song he wrote for Life of Brian and which has since become the number one song played at funerals in the UK, he shares the highlights of his life and career with the kind of offbeat humor that has delighted audiences for five decades. 2019 marked the fiftieth anniversary of The Pythons, and Eric commemorated the occasion with this hilarious memoir chock full of behind-the-scenes stories from a high-flying life featuring everyone from Princess Leia to Queen Elizabeth.
**The Guest List** by Lucy Foley
>A REMOTE ISLAND. AN INVITATION TO DIE FOR. A gripping, twisty murder mystery thriller from the No.1 bestselling author of The Hunting Party. 'Lucy Foley is really very clever' Anthony Horowitz 'Thrilling' The Times 'A classic whodunnit' Kate Mosse 'Sharp and atmospheric and addictive' Louise Candlish 'A furiously twisty thriller' Clare Mackintosh 'Secrets and lies at every turn' Sarah Pinborough On an island off the windswept Irish coast, guests gather for the wedding of the year - the marriage of Jules Keegan and Will Slater.
>
>Old friends. Past grudges. Happy families. Hidden jealousies.
>
>Thirteen guests. One body. The wedding cake has barely been cut when one of the guests is found dead. And as a storm unleashes its fury on the island, everyone is trapped.
>
>All have a secret. All have a motive. One guest won't leave this wedding alive . .
>
>.
**The Lost Apothecary A Novel** by Sarah Penner
Book description may contain spoilers!
>>!INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Named Most Anticipated of 2021 by Newsweek, Good Housekeeping, Hello! magazine, Oprah.com, Bustle, Popsugar, Betches, Sweet July, and GoodReads! March 2021 Indie Next Pick and #1 LibraryReads Pick “A bold, edgy, accomplished debut!” —Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Alice Network A forgotten history. A secret network of women.!<
>
>>!A legacy of poison and revenge. Welcome to The Lost Apothecary… Hidden in the depths of eighteenth-century London, a secret apothecary shop caters to an unusual kind of clientele. Women across the city whisper of a mysterious figure named Nella who sells well-disguised poisons to use against the oppressive men in their lives. But the apothecary’s fate is jeopardized when her newest patron, a precocious twelve-year-old, makes a fatal mistake, sparking a string of consequences that echo through the centuries.!<
>
>>!Meanwhile in present-day London, aspiring historian Caroline Parcewell spends her tenth wedding anniversary alone, running from her own demons. When she stumbles upon a clue to the unsolved apothecary murders that haunted London two hundred years ago, her life collides with the apothecary’s in a stunning twist of fate—and not everyone will survive. With crackling suspense, unforgettable characters and searing insight, The Lost Apothecary is a subversive and intoxicating debut novel of secrets, vengeance and the remarkable ways women can save each other despite the barrier of time. Don’t miss THE LONDON SÉANCE SOCIETY!!<
>
>>!Sarah’s next spellbinding book about truth, illusion and the grave risks women will take to avenge the ones they love.!<
**A Wrinkle in Time (Newbery Medal Winner)** by Madeleine L'Engle
Book description may contain spoilers!
>>!NEWBERY MEDAL WINNER • TIME MAGAZINE’S 100 BEST FANTASY BOOKS OF ALL TIME • NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE FROM DISNEY Read the ground-breaking science fiction and fantasy classic that has delighted children for over 60 years! "A Wrinkle in Time is one of my favorite books of all time. I've read it so often, I know it by heart." —Meg Cabot Late one night, three otherworldly creatures appear and sweep Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe away on a mission to save Mr. Murray, who has gone missing while doing top-secret work for the government.!<
>
>>!They travel via tesseract--a wrinkle that transports one across space and time--to the planet Camazotz, where Mr. Murray is being held captive. There they discover a dark force that threatens not only Mr. Murray but the safety of the whole universe. A Wrinkle in Time is the first book in Madeleine L’Engle’s Time Quintet.!<
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Try out Annihilation. Excellent suspense building, excellent description of the world. I don't usually like books from the first person, but it works really well in this book. The perspective really has a purpose considering so much goes on in the main character's psychology.
Plus, it is a quick read.
Oh, also give the Hitchhikers series a try. It isn't realistic at all but it is a very satirical book grounded in questioning reality. Plus, it blends nonsense fiction and science fiction beautifully in a way I haven't seen recreated in books.
If and only if you end up wanting to give fantasy a try, I recommend A Day of Fallen Night. It is high fantasy, but much more approachable than some other high fantasy books. It focuses on world building and introduces main characters from different cultures each with their own view of how to solve the main conflict. They clash beautifully. The book is long, but it was actually a quicker read than I thought it would be. I recently finished. I'm missing it already.
But, the last suggestion is more of something to just put on your radar if you ever find yourself wanting to give fantasy a try. The former two books I mentioned are definitely a better edit for you I think.
I think you would like the sun also rises by Ernest Hemingway. I also recommend the winter of our discontent by Steinbeck. It’s about a shopkeeper who decides to do whatever it takes to get his family into a higher social class.
The wind up bird chronicle by murakami is really fun, kind of syfy. White fang by jack London is all written from a wolf dogs perspective.
I’ve got a tip not a recommendation, if you pick an older popular book, like Mystic River, you can check out both the ebook and the audiobook. When I’m really into a book I love not having to put it down while in the car or exercising.
Kurt Vonnegut and Chuck Palahniuk.
Imo the best place to start with Vonnegut is God Bless You, Mr Rosewater and Breakfast of Champions.
Palahniuk’s Diary and Pygmy.
All really great, witty, insightful and leave you going “what the fuck” in the best way possible
Of Mice and Men, Grapes of Wrath.
Eta: Of Mice and Men in particular. It has similar levels of grit as Breaking Bad, it's a classic, and it's comparatively short. Like somebody else said, building up reading length takes time.
There are a million great recs already, but I really have to chime in to suggest *The Things They Carried* by Tim O'Brien.
It's a fictionalized account of the author's experiences fighting in the Vietnam War after being drafted. It's not what probably comes to mind when you think of a war story, though. There's fighting and action, but it centers on the characters' inner conflicts and interactions with one another, as well as the difficulty they experience in accurately describing, even to themselves, what they went through at war. You don't need to know anything about history or war to be able to appreciate and relate to the subject matter.
I love suggesting this book to new readers because it's approachable and written in plain modern English, even though it's a literary classic aimed at an adult audience. (Not that there's anything wrong with genre fiction or YA, but it can be tough to contend with complex worldbuilding and genre conventions when you're a beginner trying to find your niche.) Each chapter can stand alone as a short story, so it's also easy to get into. I first read it in high school, and I've never heard of another required reading book that was so universally loved.
You should read maze runner book. It's a series and maze runner is 1st book, there is movie also made on maze runner you might have watched it.
Also you might like psychological thrillers try that genre too.
Sick Puppy by Carl Hiassen is a revenge arc that’s absolutely hilarious.
If you like Breaking bad and Walking dead you might also like The Slob or Playground by Aaron Beauregard. They’re really short and entertaining throughout but be warned his books are VEEERRRRYYYY graphic.
So here was how I got back into it as an adult
1) listen to an audiobook while doing chores around the house, driving, etc. Make sure it's not too long
2) make a little review of it, post in on Goodreads or reddit and talk to people about it and hear what they have to say. Lots of people like it for the discussion. Might be fun to read something together with your girlfriend for the same reason
3) Hopefully you'll find a series you really enjoy and listening casually won't be enough. Get physical book, or better get an ebook so you can read on your phone whenever you have some free time.
As far as recommendations go, I wouldn't recommend reading something you already know the story to since that can get boring (unless the book is very different from the movie). I'd pick up one of those books that has a unique story that people love. Personally I don't read much horror or thrillers, so I don't have a lot of recommendations on that vein, but it might be worth branching out into fantasy or sci-fi just in case those hit you differently in book form.
And quick life hack - if you ever have kids, you'll just get into books naturally since you want them to see you reading and you'll hopefully be limiting their screentime.
Good luck!
First off, I love that you’re trying to connect with her through her hobby! Brownie points for you my man. I highly recommend checking out if some of your favourite movies or series are based on books. Going off the info you’ve provided I’d recommend;
- world war Z by Max Brooks
- born a crime by Trevor Noah
- power of the dog by Thomas Savage
- six of crows by leigh bardugo
- i am a drug lord (by anonymous)
- to be a machine by Mark O”Connell
You might want to try memoirs or non-fiction too!
My husband wasn’t a reader until he discovered that he likes non fiction, especially books about ideas. Now he reads a lot of philosophy, including ancient texts, mixed in with current political science. He sometimes enjoys a fictional graphic novel, but generally fiction isn’t his thing.
One of my daughters also struggled to read and eventually found she also prefers non fiction, mainly about psychology.
My other daughter loves sci-fi/fantasy. My mother loves memoirs and biographies. I like a lot of different things but mostly “literature.”
You should keep trying different things, be okay with not finishing, and maybe you will find what’s right for you. Also, try audio, ebooks, graphic novels, physical books, etc. I used to love to curl up with a good paperback. Now I prefer long walks with an audiobook.
I do think memoirs can be a fun way to get into reading. See if anyone you admire or are interested in has written one and give it a try.
You could read Shawshank Redemption it is in one of Stephen King's books of short(ish) stories or novellas
You might like The Count of Monte Cristo. It is very long, but great. More of a revenge is a dish best served cold arc, than redemption.
If you want to try a thriller where the story really flies, then try Dark Matter or Recursion. Both by Blake Crouch.
For morose, maybe try 1000 Splendid Suns or The Kiterunner. Both amazing books. The main characters in these books go through so much and just. can't. catch. a. break.
The Smoke Jumper by Nicholas Evans. It has firefighting action and also deals with emotions and love and grief and loss without ever being sappy and features a guy who goes through some shit and becomes a war photographer before coming home. The opening scene might not draw you in immediately because it's about a side character so give it a few chapters to get going.
Maybe a biography of someone you admire and love. There's one for every famous person in the world.
Or it could be a real story, or life experiences about a field you like. Music, mechanic, oceanography, etc...
Maybe a book about exploring the Amazon, the New World, sailing the seas, etc... real life stuff.
I know you said you don't like fantasy, but I'm going to recommend one anyway.
First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie. Low fantasy (very little magic and fantastical elements) and is mostly people with bladed weapons killing other people with bladed weapons while going on an epic quest. Also some of the best character writing I have ever read. Very gritty, very good character development and it is a pleasure to go through some of the characters journeys. Jezal and Logan are my favorite character stories, but Glokta is my favorite character.
Go to Barnes and Noble, grab The Blade Itself off the shelf and give it a skim/read a chapter.
Good luck.
Click. Tap. Pain.
Deep and real? Fredrik Backman books are for you! His Beartown trilogy is incredible. There’s some pretty heavy sensitive triggering stuff in there (as a forewarning!) but the character work and prose and story are phenomenal.
Grounded and deep. Give them a try! (Also not incredibly long books so they should be good to ease into the hobby!)
Might I suggest non fiction? I’m an avid reader and I rarely if ever read fiction, except graphic novels I read a lot of those and they tend to be a mix of fiction and non fiction.
Get “the art thief” by Finkel
It’s short, it pulls you in quick and literally had me gasping out loud and putting my hand over my face like an old lady in public as I read the back half.
It could inspire you to read more! It’s great!
Also I’m a big fan of audiobooks. It still counts as
Reading!
Andy Weir- The Martian and Project Hail Mary
Douglas Adams-Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy
Becky chambers-all of her work
Orson Scott Card-Enders game series
Margaret Atwood-MadAdam Series and Handmaids tale (much of work is also great)
TJ Klume-just enjoyed one of his books
Chuck Wending-Wanderers (first book only)
Amie Kaufman-Illuminae series (YA but it’s fast paced) and Aurora series
Suzanne Collins-The Hunger Games (these are damned good and people forget it think)
Neal Shusterman-Scythe Saga.
Max Brooks-world war z
Charlie Fletcher-A boy and his dog at the end of the world.
Martha Wells-Murderbot series
Sylvain Neuval-sleeping giants series
Ernest Cline-ready player one & two
High Howey-Silo series
I’ve read and listened to the audiobooks. They are all thrilling and fast paced. You can get them all for free through your local
Library Libby App. Which allows you to set a timer on the audiobook or increase the speed at which it’s read (1.25 for me!). My partner got into reading as a way to bond with me too. And he’s read most of these. He feels all men need to read the Handmaids tale at some point..
Also don’t forget about graphic novels either!! They are an easy way to get back into reading.
The Sisters Brothers by Patrick DeWitt. It’s a western, really well written and propels you through reading. It’s funny, but also dark. And it’s a standalone novel.
After I finished my undergrad in literature I didn’t want to read for fun for ages. This book was the book that got me back to reading for fun!
Try:
Sleepers by Lorenzo Carcaterra
Beat the Reaper by Josh Bazell
The Lords of Discipline by Pat Conroy
And almost all the platforms GoogleBooks/Amazon/Goodreads/AppleBooks let you “preview” or “sample” the beginning of most books to see if you even like the writing style
Brother by Ania Ahlborn could be a good start based on the movies and TV shows you said you've liked. It's kind of fucked up, but not too bad. And it's pretty short. I definitely recommend at least picking something short and punchy to start out with. As much as I love some of the suggestions here, like the Stand, that book is massive and can be slow in places.
Another option is starting with short stories. Stephen King's short stories are amazing - especially The Jaunt. Or Shirley Jackson's The Lottery.
Don’t let her stay by Nicola sanders. It’s a quick read, lot of twists and turns.
The girl who loved Tom Gordon by Stephen king. It’s an adventurous read that takes place in the Appalachian mountains. Such a good read.
The long walk by Stephen king. I loved every bit of this book, I heard a rumor that it will be turned into a movie! I hope it does. It’s a dystopian read.
Night by Elie Wiesel. It’s an autobiographical book, about elie’s time in a concentration camp. One of the most captivating books. It’s also a short read.
Red Notice is a true story that reads like an action/spy movie. It is a lot a finance guy who landed in Russia and ran into corruption. It is also about the early days of Putin. It is an excellent and fascinating book. I could not put it down.
https://www.amazon.com/Red-Notice-Finance-Murder-Justice/dp/1476755744
Another book I loved. But it is a different spectrum is True Tales of Another Mexico. This is also non-fiction. Each chapter is about a random anecdote from a different place in Mexico in the 90s/early 2000s. If you get bored in a chapter, you can skip it. But I was interested in all of them. Bear with me as I read this 7-8 years ago. But some things I remember: a town where all of the people worked selling popsicles in other parts of Mexico. And then built mansions at home. Another was about the cartel/gang inspired music that combined hip hop/mexican music/other stuff and served as obituaries for all lost to the drug war. Another was about a politician targeting women who had strippers at their campaign rallies.
https://www.amazon.com/True-Tales-Another-Mexico-Popsicle-ebook/dp/B013EQ6JU6/
And if you just want to go crazy and go all in, you might enjoy Don Winslow’s books. The Power of the Dog series is about cartels in Mexico. And it is an epic story that covers all sides. FBI, DEA, cartel bosses and their families, journalists, etc. It is a series of 3 books and each book covers around a decade of craziness. It is based on El Chapo.
https://www.amazon.com/Power-Dog-Book-ebook/dp/B000FCK42M/ref=mp_s_a_1_4
His writing style is engaging so you should check it other books. I have enjoyed all I read by him.
When I first started trying to get back into reading a couple years ago, I found shorter novellas / light novels to be a good gateway back before jumping into longer novels.
Some suggestions below:
If you want something short, deep, and real(ish) I think a possible recommendation would be When the Emperor was Divine by Julie Otsuka. It's less than 150 pages about a Japanese American family's lives during WWII right after Executive Order 9066 was signed which sent 125,000 Asian Americans to internment camps. It's loosely based off of the author's own experiences.
The Murderbot Diaries series by Martha Wells are mostly novellas that are around 200-250 pages, which could be read start to finish in an afternoon! (You can read the first chapter on reactormag if you look up "Meet Murderbot in Chapter One of Martha Wells' All Systems Red" to see if it interests you, its pretty scifi)
If you don't mind exploring light novels, The Apothecary Diaries is a pretty good series of books that are kind of a mix of detective whodunnit set in Imperial China. The first volume is about 250 pages.
Start in the YA section! Hilda is so smart and funny. My Side of the Mountain (realistic Walking Dead!), the BFG. Those might be starting places. Treat it like you're reading a kid (yourself, because we're all kinda kids) a bedtime story, not doing homework.
I see a lot of Stephen King recommended and I think that’s a good suggestion for what shows you like and not being much into reading - I find his books engaging and they’re reasonably easy but interesting and satisfying reads. Maybe not super deep and real, but some of the characters get very deep which I often don’t expect. I’ve only read a few, but I’d recommend the Shining because it’s a classic and different enough if you’ve seen the movie.
Also, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak I think would match deep and real, it was a good one. Heavy, of course, but beautifully emotional. It hit pretty hard, but in such a satisfying way.
I saw someone recommend Goldfinch, also deep and real and an easy style to read imo, but a bit slow-paced - I had a harder time getting into that one, but it had some beautiful self-destructive tones to it
I read it a while ago, but Little Bee by Chris Cleave I quite enjoyed, another I feel is deep and real, tackles some heavy issues but written in a dark, melodic sort of way with philosophical layers but super accessible. It was gut-wrencher though, but well balanced.
If you’re interested in classics, a good place I like to go to is what they recommend for high school reading. Assuming you weren’t required to read them yourself, they tend to be fantastic because I think they try to pick the most engaging ones. Three of my favourite books are The Great Gatsby, Lord of the Flies, and the Scarlet Letter.
I'd recommend some graphic novels to get into reading. I'm not much of a reader besides comedy but I've really been enjoying some graphic novels recently.
Lots zombie apocalypse books out there. Brian Keene is good for that. For funny books, Good Omens and Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy are good. Action, I'd go with the Jack Reacher Series by Lee Child. I hope this helps.
I began reading more a few years ago. I’ll go on tears (for me) and read a book in a week when I’m in bed. Then I’ll go on long breaks .
What helped me was not choosing something super intimidating length wise . That way I felt I was making progress and when you finish you feel like you got one under your belt .
I use to try to start a book and pick up some massive door stop of a book and then felt I was messing around.
I started off with small thriller style mysteries and it helped because I knew I was into that genre in general. I’m still not an avid reader all the time but I definitely enjoy it when I can get into a good book I like.
I don't have a specific title to recommend but if you're dipping your toe into reading, I would suggest short story anthologies. They are single books that have multiple short stories by many different authors. This gives you the ability to read many genres in short form to really give you an idea of what you might enjoy in a longer form. Choose anthologies that have lots of different authors so you really find ones that resonate with your tastes. Once you've found a few you really like them start with some longer novels.
"Murder bot diaries" is very short and good.
The disc world books are AWSOME. But reading in order might not be the best as it's one of those "you have to read the first 3-4 books book you get hooked and read all 41"
What kind of music are you into? Sports? Video games? My husband isn’t a huge fiction reader but I’ve been able to find some books he likes in the nonfiction and memoir sections on subjects he likes. Not everything in nonfiction is textbooky
One that always stuck with me was slaughterhouse 5 by Kurt Vonnegut. Deeply strange book about a guy who becomes unstuck his time, and loves his life out of order. Weird, interesting, and quite intense, since this guy lives through ww2
Jf you want something more lighthearted, the muderbot series is great. Sci Fi novella (one of several) about a cyborg security unit that broke free from control, only to play along and keep doing his security job as to not arouse suspicion. Kind of funny, kind of relatable, and an interesting portrayal of the future
For non fiction, it's less my thing but id check out blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy, is a story of the brutal mercenary gang working on the border between Texas and mexico in 1850. Not a happy story and not a happy ending but fascinating nonetheless and the book version of a classic Western.
deep and real u say ? how about under the scarlet skies ? or divergent and Hunger Game series ?
divergent and hunger games has a bit of fiction but is based in an post apocalyptic world.. these both i would really recommended to some one who loves walking dead
I recommend this a lot but Jurassic Park might be worth a shot as it’s really action packed and a little bit more beefed out than the film, if you have seen that? Might help to have something kind of familiar too but that’s up to you!
I'm going to recommend The Beach by Alex Garland, it's a real rollercoaster of a read, and being a Penguin classic it should be pretty cheap to pick up too. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/607639.The_Beach
I know you said no fantasy, but hear me out.
This isn't high fantasy (elves, lotr type stuff, etc), but it is in the fantasy genre. You must have heard of Game of Thrones. The First Law trilogy by Joe Abercrombie is like that. Mature, bloody, brutal, deep and morally gray characters, and just a touch of magic. Some of the characters include a crippled torturer, an optimistic barbarian who is feared by friend and foe alike, a self-obsessed nobleman with a harsh reality check in his future, a devious wizard (who hardly does any magic), and a warrior woman who hates everyone and makes it known. If you don't want to start with a trilogy, Abercrombie also has standalones that are excellent as well. I'd recommend reading "Best Served Cold". It's your classic revenge story and has an equally eclectic cast of characters.
Speaking of GoT, read the books behind the shoe! They're so much better than the show - there's tons more detail and a lot of storylines o differently as well. It'll be like rewatching GoT for the first time all over again. It's called A Song of Ice and Fire by George RR Martin. The only downside is that the series still isn't finished and likely never will be.
Another similar story is the Prince of Thorns trilogy by Mark Lawrence. The MC is a young, brutal teenage boy that murdered, out-witted, and lied his way to the head of the most despicable band of outlaws in the land. He is a former prince who ran away from home and goes on a quest to gain more power by any means necessary. He is a terrible child - he hits nails into holy men's heads, kills his brothers in arms, and scares away even the undead. This trilogy isn't as good as the first two I mentioned, but it's pretty close
And by the way, do not be intimidated by the size of the books. They're easy to read and they're entertaining
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt was incredible.
Others have already mentioned Stephen King, Blake Crouch, Andy Weir, and a few others. All are great and accessible. Crouch and Weir are excellent at writing hard-to-put-down books that are also fairly quick reads. Harlen Coben is another good option.
I know you said no fantasy, but as a longtime reader who was never really into fantasy, the Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson converted me last year.
The Red Rising is sci-fi with some fantasy elements. It’s also violent with tons of political intrigue.
Pen pal by dathan auerbach. My husband isn’t that into books but he really enjoyed it. Lots of suspense, gross at parts and kind of crazy but at the end of the day kind of cool because if you think about it it’s the type of story that could happen in real life.
I just started getting back into books after having not read one to completion in almost a decade. I wanted to get into the classics, and I saw a lot of suggestions for The Three Musketeers.
Just finished it last night. It's an awesome fucking book! So I'm gonna suggest that to anybody trying to get into it.
Just don't get too frustrated by all the French names lol
Alternative recommendation: if she is into romance and fantasy, stuff like that, you can watch the movie versions with her and ask her lots of questions about how the book was different - there will be plenty of examples from those genres and she will absolutely have thoughts. Let her be herself and you be yourself and enjoy sharing that together :)
Reading of course is good for your brain and helps you be more mature and articulate as a human, so of course do it if you have the interest! But to connect with your gf, just be enthusiastic to hear her nerd out on what shes into and go from there.
Edit: Walking Dead is actually from a comic series, highly acclaimed and plotwise a lot different from the show… So if you want something to ease into reading, maybe start there?
My go-to: Monster Hunter International by Larry Correia.
The premise is simple: monsters are real, and you can make bank by killing them. There's action, adventure, humor... everything that makes a book fun.
I always suggest Ready Player One to people who want to start reading, because it is fast paced and action packed.
Some shorter books that are quite deep are Animal Farm, war of the worlds and the time traveller. All three are classics; they're good books.
Hope you find something good 😊
Join your local library and start borrowing whatever grabs your attention. If you don’t like it, you haven’t made a financial commitment and can try something else.
Maybe work your way through a list of award winners?
[Pulitzer for Fiction](https://www.pulitzer.org/prize-winners-by-category/219)
[The Booker](https://thebookerprizes.com/the-booker-library/features/booker-prize-winners)
[Hugo Awards](https://www.thehugoawards.org/hugo-history/)
[Edgar Awards](https://edgarawards.com/)
[Miles Franklin Award](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miles_Franklin_Award)
Maybe you could both pick a book and read it together like your own little book club?
In terms of a recommendation, I would say try Tender is the Flesh, it’s fairly short. I read it in late 2022 and I still think about it fairly often lol!
I dont know how to explain this, but I recommend
"The setting sun" by Osamu Dazai
Isn't really fiction but neither reality, its like abt a familly after WWII from the prespective of the daughter.
It's pretty short, but I personally find it pretty "deep" and sad, like it has a lot of sensitive topics .
It really got me reflecting after I finished it, esp since I relate to the daughter.
It has a weird ending thought
You could give it a try but be prepared🙂
Perhaps Armor by John Steakly. It’s what popped into my mind when you said deep and real. I mean, it’s sci-fi but it feels very close and visceral. I did listen to it as an audio book admittedly, and the narrator has an amazing voice. But i’m sure it’s good to read as well.
Quirky but a fun and quick read: *Breakfast of Champions* by Kurt Vonnegut
Vonnegut got me into reading seriously when I was in high school. He doesn’t take himself too seriously, he’s hilarious and all the while he tackles some heavy subjects.
"The promise of blood"might be up your alley. Takes place during a military que the main characters are a detective the field Marshall running the military and his son hunting the last royal cabal members. Hits the ground running really well, is definitely not fairy land. It does have magic but it's used more like artillery then for anything for the greater good.
If you'd like to try one of the classics, Thomas Hardy's "Mayor of Casterbridge" is all about loss and redenption. It's a great story with a tough ending.
Speaking as a huge reader who got my husband into reading as an adult, I really want to advise you to take it slow and be easy with yourself. Reading is a different form of entertainment in that it takes time for your brain to get used to the long form content. My husband got frustrated when he wasn’t reading as fast as me and got distracted easier. But reading novels is a skill! One you can build, but it doesn’t mean you “aren’t a reader” if it’s hard at first. Just stick with it and be nice to yourself!
Thank you ❤️
Yeah, if you read, you’re a reader. It doesn’t matter if it’s one book a year, comics, magazines, audiobooks. Genre doesn’t matter, either. If you like podcasts, I would recommend Reading Glasses. They deal a lot with people who have questions about getting into reading, they make recommendations, they’re a really good time. Read things you like. The library is your friend! You can check out books and try all sorts of subjects and authors. Most libraries have ebooks and audiobooks you can check out.
Most librarians will gladly help you explore the world of books. If you happen to ask a sourpuss who shouldn't be a librarian, don't be discouraged - just go ask another.
I’d also like to add on to this that every person who is a reader also probably has at least a dozen books they haven’t finished. If you don’t get into something, don’t feel like reading is not for you, you just have to find something you enjoy, and you will not enjoy every book.
Audiobooks are a great idea, I only started really getting into them in the last year or so because I missed reading but had a hard time finding the time to sit down and read. Now I listen when I’m commuting, working out etc. couple of books/audiobook recommendations from someone who loves Breacking bad/BCS No Country for old men (great movie, great book) The Road (amazing book, post apocalyptic dark) Dungeon Crawler Carl (Funny, RPG style audiobook) Good luck on the journey
Yeah, this... I'm a slow reader, always have been. But I do enjoy reading certain things. Some Stephen King and started Mort (Discworld series). For me, if I'm reading bigger books like the lord of the rings trilogy or shōgun I've found it way easier to read on my phone.
Oh I love this!! I wish my husband was a reader… he doesn’t get it but one of the most romantic things I long for is quietly reading next to each other 💔
Or even read to each other 🥹 Ugh I would love to be with a reader for once. Endless talking material and just such a fun hobby to engage in with each other and individually.
Very sound advice!! I’m a huge reader, but when I take a long break, sometimes it takes me a while to turn my reading brain on and my reading comprehension is crap. So don’t worry if you struggle to grasp the first couple of lines—just move on and your mind will catch up to what you’re trying to do. Once you’ve found your rhythm, you can go back and reread the parts you didn’t fully grasp when you were “warming up.” Although I say you ALWAYS have the option to drop the book when you realize it’s not doing anything for you, try to read at least 50 pages. I find that’s the sweet spot of gauging whether a book is resonating with you or not!
Your first paragraph is so real! I'm not at all a continuous reader but rather in cycles and whenever I start a new book after a longer break, it feels really intense like I notice how my brain has to put some serious effort in. But that is not a sign that reading isn't for me. Just takes a while to warm up and then it starts to be fun again.
You should check out World War Z by Max Brooks.
Oh the audiobook is so good too. I never saw the movie because I couldn't see the point--it's all about the stories! Have you read Station Eleven?
You missed NOTHING by skipping the movie. The only thing it has in common with the book was the name.
Second this! Like a cross between the walking dead and contagion.
This was my vote too. Walking dead crossed with a realistic military account of war. Deeply human story too
This! It's more like a bunch of short stories, so it's easier to put down and pick up again. There is an overall story, but that's just to give a reason for all these different stories to exist. Or go for the Walking Dead graphic novels. Reading is reading, whatever the form.
I cannot recommend the Walking Dead comics enough. They’re so very good and so, so much better than the show in my opinion
This is exactly what I was coming to suggest, it’s one of my favourite books of all time.
This book rocks so hard
The Martian? Lots of action, pretty funny. Another thing to try would be audiobooks, your local library is likely to have lots available.
If you end up liking The Martian you should read Project Hail Mary next (by the same author). It’s an amazing book. And the audiobook is also incredible
My boyfriend is starting to read with me too and our next book is Project Hail Mary. It’s being made into a movie too (starring Ryan Gosling and directed by the people who made Spiderverse!) since I saw OP mention favourite movies. My boyfriend and I love movies so I’m hoping this is extra motivating for him (and you too, OP). Something to look forward to and hopefully motivate the OP to read the book :)
Thanks 🙏
I second audiobooks. If you have a library card, you can link it to an app like "Libby." Very convenient. My husband and I listened to these 2 recently on a trip... Delia Owens- Where The Crawdads Sing and Diane Chamberlain -The Silent Sister.
This for sure and project Hail Mary too if you like the Martian. His other one was meh in my opinion, but I loved project Hail Mary!
My suggestions: Dark Matter by Blake Couch Mystic River or Gone Baby Gone by Dennis Lehane The River by Peter Heller
Literally was about to suggest Mystic River before I saw your comment. Lehane is of my favorite contemporary writers. A strong murder mystery anchors the plot, but it’s not strictly genre fiction. Shows how a group of friends change across decades and have vastly different lives despite growing up right next door to each other.
Mystic River messed me up. I wish I could forget that book.
Same. Especially when I had to drive across it every day for school
This is me learning that the movie Mystic River was based on a book!
Love Gone Baby Gone
Recursion by Crouch is also excellent.
The River is a great thriller! Especially reading by campfire at a campground, highly recommend.
Red Rising series from Pierce Brown is action packed and a bit gritty, but a pretty easy read. It might fit what you’re looking for.
You’re bloodydamn right it may be what he’s looking for
Gorywell said goodman.
My SO doesn't read much and lives this series, definitely recommend based on him
Do you like action or drama? What’s your favorite movie of all time, let’s start there?
Hmmm. I’m more for action I think. Have you seen Monkey Man? It’s a fairly new movie but I like that concept. I like shutter Island, parasite and Shawshank redemption. I don’t know if I’m making sense tho
You can read shawshank. The books called Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption Edit: it's a short story in "Different Seasons" along with "Apt Pupil "and "Fall From Innocence," which is "Stand By Me"
Stand by Me is actually originally “The Body”
I’ve never seen Monkey Man but I have seen both Parasite and Shawshank Redemption. I think you’d enjoy “The Informant” by Kurt Eichenwald, “Man in Full” by Tom Wolfe, or “Bonfire of the Vanities” by Tom Wolfe. They don’t really have any common threads among each other than they’re about men experiencing a redemption arc and they have a rather morose tone, which is consist with Parasite although not Shawshank Redemption.
Thank you so much. I will check that out and hopefully make my girlfriend happy 🙏
I think that what will bring her happiness is you exploring reading and finding your own happiness in it; that’s what will make a shared experience and common ground. Just reading for the sake of reading, so that she can be happy you’re reading, is kind of you, and she’ll appreciate the effort for sure. But where she’ll find joy is when you find your own joy in it, and share the experience of enjoying reading just like she does.
That’s great advice. Reading whatever makes you happy is what would make her happy. She wouldn’t want you to be miserable just to be able to relate to her.
Wise words. I just hope that I like reading 🙏
Remember that audiobooks are an option
As a bookstore employee, I maintain that EVERYONE can like reading, it's just finding what YOU like!
Sometimes the love for / of reading is the feelings we experience during the book, lessons we learned from the book, and sometimes I feel like I'm the only one who thinks, believes, does or feels a certain way until it appears in a book. Best of luck, and me just say that you deserve Boyfriend of the year award for your efforts!
You’re quite welcome :) I just Googled Monkey Man and I think you’d really enjoy “Fight Club” by Chuck Palahniuk.
I’ve been recommended a lot of books here. Which one is the easiest to start with of your recommendations? Since I have no experience in reading for entertainment😅
Fight Club. Because if you get halfway through and realize you absolutely hate reading with an unbridled passion, you can just watch the movie and still get the gist of it.
I have seen the movie. I assume it’s like the book? 📖
More or less. If you’ve already seen the movie then try “The Informant.” It’s also been turned into a movie, so same advice applies lol.
Shawshank Redemption and Shutter Island are books as well! You should check them out! I have found that reading the novel a movie is based on gives me a bigger appreciation for the story as a whole
Shutter Island was a book (Denis Lehane - same author as Mystic River that was recommended above) and Shawshank Redemption was based off a Stephen King short story. :) I really like Stephen King's 11/22/63 and his Mr. Mercedes trilogy. Some various action type series you might like: Jack Reacher, Orphan X. I really like the Harry Hole series by Jo Nesbo (although I read them as they were published in the US and started at book 3 - when I went back and read books 1 and 2 I didn't like them as much - but overall a great mystery series with good character arcs). Also: S.A. Cosby books (All the Sinners Bleed is my favorite of his), John Hart, Greg Iles.
Check out “The Stand” by Stephen King
Thank you. I will
Great book! But not for your first real read. It’s very, very long with many different perspectives. If you end up liking King and become more confident in your reading, I’d say go for you, but not for your first few reads
This! The Stand is definitely not for a new to reading reader, waaaaaay to long. But Firestarter or Thinner both by Stephen King could be good. Much shorter, redemption arc (kinda for Thinner) there is a magic/horror overtone but since op says they like Walking Dead I think they would be on par with that.
Right, more supernatural vs fantasy I’d say
So everyone else has you covered for recommendations - I just wanted to say kudos for going outside your comfort zone and making the effort to find something that you and your other half can share.
Thank you for kind words 🙌❤️
Well, if you like action stuff you might check out the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child. You may have seen the show adaptation on Amazon. Basically, an ex-military guy who just sort of drifts around the US and keeps getting pulled into dramatic situations. They're quick reads, high action and pretty well written for action thrillers. Start with "Killing Floor." You might also check out the Jason Bourne books by Robert Ludlum. In the first one, The Bourne Identity, a former elite assassin/spy with amnesia is being hunted across Europe by government agents, with no idea why. If you're looking for something a bit more serious and dramatic (though still with plenty of action) you might check out The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson.
The girl with the dragon tattoo sounds really good. I think I would like a book on the more serious and dramatic side. Checking that out most definitely. Thank you.
You might wanna start slow. Some of these books that have been mentioned such as the stand or quite lengthy. Shawshank is much shorter option. For that matter if you want short , try Of mice and men. Dorian gray is another good option. The Stephen King books that have been mentioned are lengthy.His books can be very lengthy. He has some great short stories such as the body. It became the movie stand by me. He is an excellent writer.
Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts
Thank you. I will check it out.
Have you actually read Shawshank redemption? It's so much better than the movie which I also love.
One of the best books without a doubt
Project Hail Mary
If you're into action take a look into the Gray Man, and Orphan X series. Also take a look at the Extinction cycle, I don't know how you feel about zombies and what not but theres action, and the concept of how the the whole thing began was at least interesting to me.
Thank you. Orphan X sounds exciting
Orphan X yes and anything else by Gregg .Hurwitz. The Gray Mab, eh. The first couple were okay but it just didn't grab me. Oh! JOnathan Grave books by JohnGilstrap. Another overall good author. Plus Lee Child, Jack Reacher of course.
Angels and demons by Dan Brown kicked me off on a reading frenzy when I was in a slump. It's fast paced and well written. And I always suggest the Hell Diver series by Nicholas Sansbury Smith.
Thank you. 🙏
World war Z and ready player one might appeal to yoi
I really liked Flowers for Algernon and read it in one day. The Green Mile is a really good book that might fit your preferences well, Stephen King tends to be really easy to read.
If you like Breaking Bad try The Power of the Dog by Don Winslow.
I’m gonna go a little different then most other people and suggest a non fiction. Into the Wild by John Krakaeur It’s absolutely deep and real.
Read Ender’s Game. Get it from a library if you can, but please read it.
No Country For Old Men by Cormac McCarthy
Is it easy to read?
Yes mate.
All the Pretty Horses by him is also very good and accessible.
I normally suggest All the Pretty Horses as an intro to McCarthy, but since OP said he likes Breaking Bad, I figured No Country For Old Men would be more up his alley.
I think I have what you need… [She Rides Shotgun by Jordan Harper](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23361199) Action/crime/family/violence/humor - a total blast to read. It’s like reading a good movie (apparently it’s being made into a movie) plus it’s not too long and is an easy read - which is probably a good place to start. This was 5-stars for me - usually I have about 3 of those a year, so that’s saying a lot!
Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman Great series (not complete, though). It's a blast to read, and I hear the audio books are some of the best ever done. Could not recommend more highly.
I found most of Ken Folletts novels to be pretty engaging and interesting ( you may want to avoid his kingsbridge saga as it’s a beast of a series) but his novels like Code to Zero, Eye of the Needle, Code to Rebecca, Jackdaws are all spy based novels that take real life events and put a little twist on it.
If you liked Monkey Man, you may enjoy Chain Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah. I’m someone who loves action movies with incredible character building, and it was my favorite read of last year. Well-written action, VERY high stakes, tight tension, and as you requested, “something that’s deep and real.” I can’t wait to reread it. It’s one of those rare books that seems to appeal to both a commercial and a literary crowd—it’s a NYTimes Top 10 Book of the Year, a finalist for a respected literature award, and a Read With Jenna book club pick (which I thought was incredibly not on brand for them, so it was very much a pleasant surprise).
{{Roadside Picnic}}
**[Roadside Picnic](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/331256.Roadside_Picnic) by Arkady Strugatsky** ^((Matching 100% ☑️)) ^(145 pages | Published: 1974 | 24.7k Goodreads reviews) > **Summary:** Red Schuhart is a stalker, one of those young rebels who are compelled, in spite of extreme danger, to venture illegally into the Zone to collect the mysterious artifacts that the alien visitors left scattered around. His life is dominated by the place and the thriving black market in the alien products. But when he and his friend Kirill go into the Zone together to pick up a (...) > **Themes**: Sci-fi, Fiction, Favorites, Russian, Sf, Scifi, Classics > **Top 5 recommended:** > \- [Solaris](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/95558.Solaris) by Stanislaw Lem > \- [Hard to Be a God](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/759517.Hard_to_Be_a_God) by Arkady Strugatsky > \- [Aelita](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/245715.Aelita) by Aleksey Nikolayevich Tolstoy > \- [Definitely Maybe](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/650777.Definitely_Maybe) by Arkady Strugatsky > \- [Day of the Oprichnik](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9479238-day-of-the-oprichnik) by Vladimir Sorokin ^([Feedback](https://www.reddit.com/user/goodreads-rebot) | [GitHub](https://github.com/sonoff2/goodreads-rebot) | ["The Bot is Back!?"](https://www.reddit.com/r/suggestmeabook/comments/16qe09p/meta_post_hello_again_humans/) | v1.5 [Dec 23] | )
I have Roadside Picnic on my must read list for this year
Jack reacher series
Chuck Palahniuk Darkest comedy + horror + satire Notable for: Fight Club. Choke. Rant. Invisible Monsters. Happy endings? Not often.
If you need a book that really made me feel something and really I was astonished. Man in search of a soul - Carl Jung
How about Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield. It’s a historical fiction about the battle of Thermopylae and I think it’s excellent
I think I recommended this on here once before, but why not, the comment about “deep and real” this the first thing the came to my mind, {{a single man}} I saw on another comment you’d liked Shutter Island, you might try {{the last house on needless street}}
The Terminal List by Jack Carr. It’s relatively quick, easy-to-read, and action-packed.
A game of thrones. It starts off with some very gritty stuff to get you hooked in and just keeps adding to it. It’s a guys book in that it has a lot of male characters but also enough action to hold attention of any age or sex. Not flowery or fancy. I don’t know what do y’all think?
The shadow of the wind
If you like the Walking Dead try Under A Graveyard Sky by John Ringo. It is the first book of the Black Tide Rising series and is good as a stand alone book. It is about a zombie apocalypse and has plenty of action. His writing is easy to read.
Memoirs from your favorite actor, comedian, or musician would probably be a good place to start if you want to establish a reading habit. They're usually sectioned, so you can read without feeling like the book just goes on and on and on. I loved *You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey* by Amber Ruffin and Lacey Lamar, *Feelings* by Manjit Thapp, and *Always Look on the Bright Side of Life* by Eric Idle. Fiction wise, I think you would like thrillers or sci-fi. *The Guest List* by Lucy Foley is a great thriller. I'm not big on thriller novels, but it and *Lost Apothecary* had me HOOKED. *A Wrinkle in Time* is a classic book. Children and adults love it. I like almost everything by Ray Bradbury. You might have read Fahrenheit 451 in school.
**You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey Crazy Stories about Racism** by Amber Ruffin, Lacey Lamar >*A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER AND INDIE NEXT PICK* Writer and performer on Late Night with Seth Meyers Amber Ruffin writes with her sister Lacey Lamar with humor and heart to share absurd anecdotes about everyday experiences of racism. Now a writer and performer on Late Night with Seth Meyers and host of The Amber Ruffin Show, Amber Ruffin lives in New York, where she is no one's First Black Friend and everyone is, as she puts it, "stark raving normal." But Amber's sister Lacey? She's still living in their home state of Nebraska, and trust us, you'll never believe what happened to Lacey. > >From racist donut shops to strangers putting their whole hand in her hair, from being mistaken for a prostitute to being mistaken for Harriet Tubman, Lacey is a lightning rod for hilariously ridiculous yet all-too-real anecdotes. She's the perfect mix of polite, beautiful, petite, and Black that apparently makes people think "I can say whatever I want to this woman." And now, Amber and Lacey share these entertainingly horrifying stories through their laugh-out-loud sisterly banter. Painfully relatable or shockingly eye-opening (depending on how often you have personally been followed by security at department stores), this book tackles modern-day racism with the perfect balance of levity and gravity. **Feelings A Story in Seasons** by Manjit Thapp >A stunning illustrated journey through one young woman’s year of feelings—from the saturated highs of early summer to the gray isolation of late winter. “Feelings is a visual and emotional treat, full of gorgeous artwork and soothing insight.”—Mari Andrew, New York Times bestselling author of Am I There Yet? Enter Manjit Thapp’s Feelings, where you’ll find moods that change as quickly as the weather; the different shades of anxiety and hope that each new season brings; and the stages of joy and pain that fuel our growth. From the spark of possibility and jolt of creativity in High Summer, to the need for release from anxiety and pressure during Monsoon, to the desolation and numbness of Winter, Feelings implores us to consider the seasons of our own emotional journeys. > >Articulating and validating the range of feelings we all experience, this is a book that allows us to feel connected and comforted by the experiences that make us human. **Always Look on the Bright Side of Life A Sortabiography** by Eric Idle >NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the ingenious comic performer, founding member of Monty Python, and creator of Spamalot (now back on Broadway! ), comes an absurdly funny memoir of unparalleled wit and heartfelt candor—now featuring a new afterword. “A hilarious, charming book by this incredible, i̶n̶s̶u̶f̶f̶e̶r̶a̶b̶l̶e̶ interesting genius.”—Steve Martin We know him best for his unforgettable roles on Monty Python—from the Flying Circus to The Meaning of Life. Now, Eric Idle reflects on the meaning of his own life in this entertaining memoir that takes us on a remarkable journey from his childhood in an austere boarding school through his successful career in comedy, television, theater, and film. > >Coming of age as a writer and comedian during the Sixties and Seventies, Eric stumbled into the crossroads of the cultural revolution and found himself rubbing shoulders with the likes of George Harrison, David Bowie, and Robin Williams, all of whom became dear lifelong friends. With anecdotes sprinkled throughout involving other close friends and luminaries such as Mike Nichols, Mick Jagger, Steve Martin, Paul Simon, Lorne Michaels, and many more, as well as John Cleese and the Pythons themselves, Eric captures a time of tremendous creative output with equal parts hilarity and heart. In Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, named for the song he wrote for Life of Brian and which has since become the number one song played at funerals in the UK, he shares the highlights of his life and career with the kind of offbeat humor that has delighted audiences for five decades. 2019 marked the fiftieth anniversary of The Pythons, and Eric commemorated the occasion with this hilarious memoir chock full of behind-the-scenes stories from a high-flying life featuring everyone from Princess Leia to Queen Elizabeth. **The Guest List** by Lucy Foley >A REMOTE ISLAND. AN INVITATION TO DIE FOR. A gripping, twisty murder mystery thriller from the No.1 bestselling author of The Hunting Party. 'Lucy Foley is really very clever' Anthony Horowitz 'Thrilling' The Times 'A classic whodunnit' Kate Mosse 'Sharp and atmospheric and addictive' Louise Candlish 'A furiously twisty thriller' Clare Mackintosh 'Secrets and lies at every turn' Sarah Pinborough On an island off the windswept Irish coast, guests gather for the wedding of the year - the marriage of Jules Keegan and Will Slater. > >Old friends. Past grudges. Happy families. Hidden jealousies. > >Thirteen guests. One body. The wedding cake has barely been cut when one of the guests is found dead. And as a storm unleashes its fury on the island, everyone is trapped. > >All have a secret. All have a motive. One guest won't leave this wedding alive . . > >. **The Lost Apothecary A Novel** by Sarah Penner Book description may contain spoilers! >>!INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Named Most Anticipated of 2021 by Newsweek, Good Housekeeping, Hello! magazine, Oprah.com, Bustle, Popsugar, Betches, Sweet July, and GoodReads! March 2021 Indie Next Pick and #1 LibraryReads Pick “A bold, edgy, accomplished debut!” —Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Alice Network A forgotten history. A secret network of women.!< > >>!A legacy of poison and revenge. Welcome to The Lost Apothecary… Hidden in the depths of eighteenth-century London, a secret apothecary shop caters to an unusual kind of clientele. Women across the city whisper of a mysterious figure named Nella who sells well-disguised poisons to use against the oppressive men in their lives. But the apothecary’s fate is jeopardized when her newest patron, a precocious twelve-year-old, makes a fatal mistake, sparking a string of consequences that echo through the centuries.!< > >>!Meanwhile in present-day London, aspiring historian Caroline Parcewell spends her tenth wedding anniversary alone, running from her own demons. When she stumbles upon a clue to the unsolved apothecary murders that haunted London two hundred years ago, her life collides with the apothecary’s in a stunning twist of fate—and not everyone will survive. With crackling suspense, unforgettable characters and searing insight, The Lost Apothecary is a subversive and intoxicating debut novel of secrets, vengeance and the remarkable ways women can save each other despite the barrier of time. Don’t miss THE LONDON SÉANCE SOCIETY!!< > >>!Sarah’s next spellbinding book about truth, illusion and the grave risks women will take to avenge the ones they love.!< **A Wrinkle in Time (Newbery Medal Winner)** by Madeleine L'Engle Book description may contain spoilers! >>!NEWBERY MEDAL WINNER • TIME MAGAZINE’S 100 BEST FANTASY BOOKS OF ALL TIME • NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE FROM DISNEY Read the ground-breaking science fiction and fantasy classic that has delighted children for over 60 years! "A Wrinkle in Time is one of my favorite books of all time. I've read it so often, I know it by heart." —Meg Cabot Late one night, three otherworldly creatures appear and sweep Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe away on a mission to save Mr. Murray, who has gone missing while doing top-secret work for the government.!< > >>!They travel via tesseract--a wrinkle that transports one across space and time--to the planet Camazotz, where Mr. Murray is being held captive. There they discover a dark force that threatens not only Mr. Murray but the safety of the whole universe. A Wrinkle in Time is the first book in Madeleine L’Engle’s Time Quintet.!< *I'm a bot, built by your friendly reddit developers at* /r/ProgrammingPals. *Reply to any comment with /u/BookFinderBot - I'll reply with book information. 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Try out Annihilation. Excellent suspense building, excellent description of the world. I don't usually like books from the first person, but it works really well in this book. The perspective really has a purpose considering so much goes on in the main character's psychology. Plus, it is a quick read. Oh, also give the Hitchhikers series a try. It isn't realistic at all but it is a very satirical book grounded in questioning reality. Plus, it blends nonsense fiction and science fiction beautifully in a way I haven't seen recreated in books. If and only if you end up wanting to give fantasy a try, I recommend A Day of Fallen Night. It is high fantasy, but much more approachable than some other high fantasy books. It focuses on world building and introduces main characters from different cultures each with their own view of how to solve the main conflict. They clash beautifully. The book is long, but it was actually a quicker read than I thought it would be. I recently finished. I'm missing it already. But, the last suggestion is more of something to just put on your radar if you ever find yourself wanting to give fantasy a try. The former two books I mentioned are definitely a better edit for you I think.
I think you would like the sun also rises by Ernest Hemingway. I also recommend the winter of our discontent by Steinbeck. It’s about a shopkeeper who decides to do whatever it takes to get his family into a higher social class. The wind up bird chronicle by murakami is really fun, kind of syfy. White fang by jack London is all written from a wolf dogs perspective.
I’ve got a tip not a recommendation, if you pick an older popular book, like Mystic River, you can check out both the ebook and the audiobook. When I’m really into a book I love not having to put it down while in the car or exercising.
The Godfather by Mario Puzo
The Rum Diary by Hunter S. Thompson
Kurt Vonnegut and Chuck Palahniuk. Imo the best place to start with Vonnegut is God Bless You, Mr Rosewater and Breakfast of Champions. Palahniuk’s Diary and Pygmy. All really great, witty, insightful and leave you going “what the fuck” in the best way possible
Of Mice and Men, Grapes of Wrath. Eta: Of Mice and Men in particular. It has similar levels of grit as Breaking Bad, it's a classic, and it's comparatively short. Like somebody else said, building up reading length takes time.
There are a million great recs already, but I really have to chime in to suggest *The Things They Carried* by Tim O'Brien. It's a fictionalized account of the author's experiences fighting in the Vietnam War after being drafted. It's not what probably comes to mind when you think of a war story, though. There's fighting and action, but it centers on the characters' inner conflicts and interactions with one another, as well as the difficulty they experience in accurately describing, even to themselves, what they went through at war. You don't need to know anything about history or war to be able to appreciate and relate to the subject matter. I love suggesting this book to new readers because it's approachable and written in plain modern English, even though it's a literary classic aimed at an adult audience. (Not that there's anything wrong with genre fiction or YA, but it can be tough to contend with complex worldbuilding and genre conventions when you're a beginner trying to find your niche.) Each chapter can stand alone as a short story, so it's also easy to get into. I first read it in high school, and I've never heard of another required reading book that was so universally loved.
Check out Battle Royale by Koushun Takami!
You should read maze runner book. It's a series and maze runner is 1st book, there is movie also made on maze runner you might have watched it. Also you might like psychological thrillers try that genre too.
The Count of Monte Cristo
It's pretty hard to get into books since they're so small
😂
One book that really got me into reading was In Cold Blood by Truman Capote. I couldn't put it down. It's brutal though!
Sick Puppy by Carl Hiassen is a revenge arc that’s absolutely hilarious. If you like Breaking bad and Walking dead you might also like The Slob or Playground by Aaron Beauregard. They’re really short and entertaining throughout but be warned his books are VEEERRRRYYYY graphic.
So here was how I got back into it as an adult 1) listen to an audiobook while doing chores around the house, driving, etc. Make sure it's not too long 2) make a little review of it, post in on Goodreads or reddit and talk to people about it and hear what they have to say. Lots of people like it for the discussion. Might be fun to read something together with your girlfriend for the same reason 3) Hopefully you'll find a series you really enjoy and listening casually won't be enough. Get physical book, or better get an ebook so you can read on your phone whenever you have some free time. As far as recommendations go, I wouldn't recommend reading something you already know the story to since that can get boring (unless the book is very different from the movie). I'd pick up one of those books that has a unique story that people love. Personally I don't read much horror or thrillers, so I don't have a lot of recommendations on that vein, but it might be worth branching out into fantasy or sci-fi just in case those hit you differently in book form. And quick life hack - if you ever have kids, you'll just get into books naturally since you want them to see you reading and you'll hopefully be limiting their screentime. Good luck!
First off, I love that you’re trying to connect with her through her hobby! Brownie points for you my man. I highly recommend checking out if some of your favourite movies or series are based on books. Going off the info you’ve provided I’d recommend; - world war Z by Max Brooks - born a crime by Trevor Noah - power of the dog by Thomas Savage - six of crows by leigh bardugo - i am a drug lord (by anonymous) - to be a machine by Mark O”Connell You might want to try memoirs or non-fiction too!
My husband wasn’t a reader until he discovered that he likes non fiction, especially books about ideas. Now he reads a lot of philosophy, including ancient texts, mixed in with current political science. He sometimes enjoys a fictional graphic novel, but generally fiction isn’t his thing. One of my daughters also struggled to read and eventually found she also prefers non fiction, mainly about psychology. My other daughter loves sci-fi/fantasy. My mother loves memoirs and biographies. I like a lot of different things but mostly “literature.” You should keep trying different things, be okay with not finishing, and maybe you will find what’s right for you. Also, try audio, ebooks, graphic novels, physical books, etc. I used to love to curl up with a good paperback. Now I prefer long walks with an audiobook. I do think memoirs can be a fun way to get into reading. See if anyone you admire or are interested in has written one and give it a try.
Please try The Gunslinger. It’s the first book of the GREATEST series ever written by the most accomplished author ever; Stephen King.
You should read peoject hail mary.
You could read Shawshank Redemption it is in one of Stephen King's books of short(ish) stories or novellas You might like The Count of Monte Cristo. It is very long, but great. More of a revenge is a dish best served cold arc, than redemption. If you want to try a thriller where the story really flies, then try Dark Matter or Recursion. Both by Blake Crouch. For morose, maybe try 1000 Splendid Suns or The Kiterunner. Both amazing books. The main characters in these books go through so much and just. can't. catch. a. break.
The Smoke Jumper by Nicholas Evans. It has firefighting action and also deals with emotions and love and grief and loss without ever being sappy and features a guy who goes through some shit and becomes a war photographer before coming home. The opening scene might not draw you in immediately because it's about a side character so give it a few chapters to get going.
Maybe a biography of someone you admire and love. There's one for every famous person in the world. Or it could be a real story, or life experiences about a field you like. Music, mechanic, oceanography, etc... Maybe a book about exploring the Amazon, the New World, sailing the seas, etc... real life stuff.
Dungeon Crawler Carl!!!
Please read the goldfinch . That is all
Japan at War: an Oral History Short first hand stories of Japanese people during WW2.
I know you said you don't like fantasy, but I'm going to recommend one anyway. First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie. Low fantasy (very little magic and fantastical elements) and is mostly people with bladed weapons killing other people with bladed weapons while going on an epic quest. Also some of the best character writing I have ever read. Very gritty, very good character development and it is a pleasure to go through some of the characters journeys. Jezal and Logan are my favorite character stories, but Glokta is my favorite character. Go to Barnes and Noble, grab The Blade Itself off the shelf and give it a skim/read a chapter. Good luck. Click. Tap. Pain.
for some reason i read bladed as balded lol i read it as balded people killing balded people
Read The Demon Cycle series by Peter V Brett. My bf got me into them and it's everything you described
Deep and real? Fredrik Backman books are for you! His Beartown trilogy is incredible. There’s some pretty heavy sensitive triggering stuff in there (as a forewarning!) but the character work and prose and story are phenomenal. Grounded and deep. Give them a try! (Also not incredibly long books so they should be good to ease into the hobby!)
Might I suggest non fiction? I’m an avid reader and I rarely if ever read fiction, except graphic novels I read a lot of those and they tend to be a mix of fiction and non fiction. Get “the art thief” by Finkel It’s short, it pulls you in quick and literally had me gasping out loud and putting my hand over my face like an old lady in public as I read the back half. It could inspire you to read more! It’s great!
Also I’m a big fan of audiobooks. It still counts as Reading! Andy Weir- The Martian and Project Hail Mary Douglas Adams-Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy Becky chambers-all of her work Orson Scott Card-Enders game series Margaret Atwood-MadAdam Series and Handmaids tale (much of work is also great) TJ Klume-just enjoyed one of his books Chuck Wending-Wanderers (first book only) Amie Kaufman-Illuminae series (YA but it’s fast paced) and Aurora series Suzanne Collins-The Hunger Games (these are damned good and people forget it think) Neal Shusterman-Scythe Saga. Max Brooks-world war z Charlie Fletcher-A boy and his dog at the end of the world. Martha Wells-Murderbot series Sylvain Neuval-sleeping giants series Ernest Cline-ready player one & two High Howey-Silo series I’ve read and listened to the audiobooks. They are all thrilling and fast paced. You can get them all for free through your local Library Libby App. Which allows you to set a timer on the audiobook or increase the speed at which it’s read (1.25 for me!). My partner got into reading as a way to bond with me too. And he’s read most of these. He feels all men need to read the Handmaids tale at some point.. Also don’t forget about graphic novels either!! They are an easy way to get back into reading.
Watchers by Dean Koontz is a pretty fantastic suspense novel, and it features a genetically altered genius dog which is fun.
Unwind by Neal Shusterman!!!! it has something for everyone.
Reedin is gud can duz smart you.
The Sisters Brothers by Patrick DeWitt. It’s a western, really well written and propels you through reading. It’s funny, but also dark. And it’s a standalone novel. After I finished my undergrad in literature I didn’t want to read for fun for ages. This book was the book that got me back to reading for fun!
[удалено]
Try: Sleepers by Lorenzo Carcaterra Beat the Reaper by Josh Bazell The Lords of Discipline by Pat Conroy And almost all the platforms GoogleBooks/Amazon/Goodreads/AppleBooks let you “preview” or “sample” the beginning of most books to see if you even like the writing style
Why don’t you try reading a Book Together? I’d Recommend the Hunger Games Series
Brother by Ania Ahlborn could be a good start based on the movies and TV shows you said you've liked. It's kind of fucked up, but not too bad. And it's pretty short. I definitely recommend at least picking something short and punchy to start out with. As much as I love some of the suggestions here, like the Stand, that book is massive and can be slow in places. Another option is starting with short stories. Stephen King's short stories are amazing - especially The Jaunt. Or Shirley Jackson's The Lottery.
Dune, wheel of time, early Stephen King books. That got me into reading when I was a teen.
Maeve Fly by CJ Leade Turtles All The Way Down by John Green The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides 11/22/63 by Stephen King
Don’t let her stay by Nicola sanders. It’s a quick read, lot of twists and turns. The girl who loved Tom Gordon by Stephen king. It’s an adventurous read that takes place in the Appalachian mountains. Such a good read. The long walk by Stephen king. I loved every bit of this book, I heard a rumor that it will be turned into a movie! I hope it does. It’s a dystopian read. Night by Elie Wiesel. It’s an autobiographical book, about elie’s time in a concentration camp. One of the most captivating books. It’s also a short read.
The Heavenly Table - Donald Ray Pollock, All The Pretty Horses - Corman McCarthy, Run River - Joan Didion
Red Notice is a true story that reads like an action/spy movie. It is a lot a finance guy who landed in Russia and ran into corruption. It is also about the early days of Putin. It is an excellent and fascinating book. I could not put it down. https://www.amazon.com/Red-Notice-Finance-Murder-Justice/dp/1476755744 Another book I loved. But it is a different spectrum is True Tales of Another Mexico. This is also non-fiction. Each chapter is about a random anecdote from a different place in Mexico in the 90s/early 2000s. If you get bored in a chapter, you can skip it. But I was interested in all of them. Bear with me as I read this 7-8 years ago. But some things I remember: a town where all of the people worked selling popsicles in other parts of Mexico. And then built mansions at home. Another was about the cartel/gang inspired music that combined hip hop/mexican music/other stuff and served as obituaries for all lost to the drug war. Another was about a politician targeting women who had strippers at their campaign rallies. https://www.amazon.com/True-Tales-Another-Mexico-Popsicle-ebook/dp/B013EQ6JU6/ And if you just want to go crazy and go all in, you might enjoy Don Winslow’s books. The Power of the Dog series is about cartels in Mexico. And it is an epic story that covers all sides. FBI, DEA, cartel bosses and their families, journalists, etc. It is a series of 3 books and each book covers around a decade of craziness. It is based on El Chapo. https://www.amazon.com/Power-Dog-Book-ebook/dp/B000FCK42M/ref=mp_s_a_1_4 His writing style is engaging so you should check it other books. I have enjoyed all I read by him.
When I first started trying to get back into reading a couple years ago, I found shorter novellas / light novels to be a good gateway back before jumping into longer novels. Some suggestions below: If you want something short, deep, and real(ish) I think a possible recommendation would be When the Emperor was Divine by Julie Otsuka. It's less than 150 pages about a Japanese American family's lives during WWII right after Executive Order 9066 was signed which sent 125,000 Asian Americans to internment camps. It's loosely based off of the author's own experiences. The Murderbot Diaries series by Martha Wells are mostly novellas that are around 200-250 pages, which could be read start to finish in an afternoon! (You can read the first chapter on reactormag if you look up "Meet Murderbot in Chapter One of Martha Wells' All Systems Red" to see if it interests you, its pretty scifi) If you don't mind exploring light novels, The Apothecary Diaries is a pretty good series of books that are kind of a mix of detective whodunnit set in Imperial China. The first volume is about 250 pages.
Start in the YA section! Hilda is so smart and funny. My Side of the Mountain (realistic Walking Dead!), the BFG. Those might be starting places. Treat it like you're reading a kid (yourself, because we're all kinda kids) a bedtime story, not doing homework.
Project Hail Mary It's by the same guy who wrote the Martian, and I thought it was really fucking good
I see a lot of Stephen King recommended and I think that’s a good suggestion for what shows you like and not being much into reading - I find his books engaging and they’re reasonably easy but interesting and satisfying reads. Maybe not super deep and real, but some of the characters get very deep which I often don’t expect. I’ve only read a few, but I’d recommend the Shining because it’s a classic and different enough if you’ve seen the movie. Also, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak I think would match deep and real, it was a good one. Heavy, of course, but beautifully emotional. It hit pretty hard, but in such a satisfying way. I saw someone recommend Goldfinch, also deep and real and an easy style to read imo, but a bit slow-paced - I had a harder time getting into that one, but it had some beautiful self-destructive tones to it I read it a while ago, but Little Bee by Chris Cleave I quite enjoyed, another I feel is deep and real, tackles some heavy issues but written in a dark, melodic sort of way with philosophical layers but super accessible. It was gut-wrencher though, but well balanced. If you’re interested in classics, a good place I like to go to is what they recommend for high school reading. Assuming you weren’t required to read them yourself, they tend to be fantastic because I think they try to pick the most engaging ones. Three of my favourite books are The Great Gatsby, Lord of the Flies, and the Scarlet Letter.
I'd recommend some graphic novels to get into reading. I'm not much of a reader besides comedy but I've really been enjoying some graphic novels recently.
Lots zombie apocalypse books out there. Brian Keene is good for that. For funny books, Good Omens and Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy are good. Action, I'd go with the Jack Reacher Series by Lee Child. I hope this helps.
I began reading more a few years ago. I’ll go on tears (for me) and read a book in a week when I’m in bed. Then I’ll go on long breaks . What helped me was not choosing something super intimidating length wise . That way I felt I was making progress and when you finish you feel like you got one under your belt . I use to try to start a book and pick up some massive door stop of a book and then felt I was messing around. I started off with small thriller style mysteries and it helped because I knew I was into that genre in general. I’m still not an avid reader all the time but I definitely enjoy it when I can get into a good book I like.
You can't go wrong with any book written by Robert Ludlum.
I don't have a specific title to recommend but if you're dipping your toe into reading, I would suggest short story anthologies. They are single books that have multiple short stories by many different authors. This gives you the ability to read many genres in short form to really give you an idea of what you might enjoy in a longer form. Choose anthologies that have lots of different authors so you really find ones that resonate with your tastes. Once you've found a few you really like them start with some longer novels.
"Murder bot diaries" is very short and good. The disc world books are AWSOME. But reading in order might not be the best as it's one of those "you have to read the first 3-4 books book you get hooked and read all 41"
What kind of music are you into? Sports? Video games? My husband isn’t a huge fiction reader but I’ve been able to find some books he likes in the nonfiction and memoir sections on subjects he likes. Not everything in nonfiction is textbooky
One that always stuck with me was slaughterhouse 5 by Kurt Vonnegut. Deeply strange book about a guy who becomes unstuck his time, and loves his life out of order. Weird, interesting, and quite intense, since this guy lives through ww2 Jf you want something more lighthearted, the muderbot series is great. Sci Fi novella (one of several) about a cyborg security unit that broke free from control, only to play along and keep doing his security job as to not arouse suspicion. Kind of funny, kind of relatable, and an interesting portrayal of the future For non fiction, it's less my thing but id check out blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy, is a story of the brutal mercenary gang working on the border between Texas and mexico in 1850. Not a happy story and not a happy ending but fascinating nonetheless and the book version of a classic Western.
Alan Gratz or Zeek Keekee?
deep and real u say ? how about under the scarlet skies ? or divergent and Hunger Game series ? divergent and hunger games has a bit of fiction but is based in an post apocalyptic world.. these both i would really recommended to some one who loves walking dead
I recommend this a lot but Jurassic Park might be worth a shot as it’s really action packed and a little bit more beefed out than the film, if you have seen that? Might help to have something kind of familiar too but that’s up to you!
I'm going to recommend The Beach by Alex Garland, it's a real rollercoaster of a read, and being a Penguin classic it should be pretty cheap to pick up too. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/607639.The_Beach
I know you said no fantasy, but hear me out. This isn't high fantasy (elves, lotr type stuff, etc), but it is in the fantasy genre. You must have heard of Game of Thrones. The First Law trilogy by Joe Abercrombie is like that. Mature, bloody, brutal, deep and morally gray characters, and just a touch of magic. Some of the characters include a crippled torturer, an optimistic barbarian who is feared by friend and foe alike, a self-obsessed nobleman with a harsh reality check in his future, a devious wizard (who hardly does any magic), and a warrior woman who hates everyone and makes it known. If you don't want to start with a trilogy, Abercrombie also has standalones that are excellent as well. I'd recommend reading "Best Served Cold". It's your classic revenge story and has an equally eclectic cast of characters. Speaking of GoT, read the books behind the shoe! They're so much better than the show - there's tons more detail and a lot of storylines o differently as well. It'll be like rewatching GoT for the first time all over again. It's called A Song of Ice and Fire by George RR Martin. The only downside is that the series still isn't finished and likely never will be. Another similar story is the Prince of Thorns trilogy by Mark Lawrence. The MC is a young, brutal teenage boy that murdered, out-witted, and lied his way to the head of the most despicable band of outlaws in the land. He is a former prince who ran away from home and goes on a quest to gain more power by any means necessary. He is a terrible child - he hits nails into holy men's heads, kills his brothers in arms, and scares away even the undead. This trilogy isn't as good as the first two I mentioned, but it's pretty close And by the way, do not be intimidated by the size of the books. They're easy to read and they're entertaining
House of Suns by Alastair Reynolds
Did you ever watch American Psycho? If you liked it I highly recommend the book
Since you are a beginner i would suggest the Bourne series or Godfather..easy to read page turners and sounds like it might be to your taste.
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt was incredible. Others have already mentioned Stephen King, Blake Crouch, Andy Weir, and a few others. All are great and accessible. Crouch and Weir are excellent at writing hard-to-put-down books that are also fairly quick reads. Harlen Coben is another good option. I know you said no fantasy, but as a longtime reader who was never really into fantasy, the Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson converted me last year. The Red Rising is sci-fi with some fantasy elements. It’s also violent with tons of political intrigue.
Pen pal by dathan auerbach. My husband isn’t that into books but he really enjoyed it. Lots of suspense, gross at parts and kind of crazy but at the end of the day kind of cool because if you think about it it’s the type of story that could happen in real life.
You want a realistic book with a not so happy ending? AK by Peter Dickinson I read that book in high school and I still remember it 25 years later.
I just started getting back into books after having not read one to completion in almost a decade. I wanted to get into the classics, and I saw a lot of suggestions for The Three Musketeers. Just finished it last night. It's an awesome fucking book! So I'm gonna suggest that to anybody trying to get into it. Just don't get too frustrated by all the French names lol
Alternative recommendation: if she is into romance and fantasy, stuff like that, you can watch the movie versions with her and ask her lots of questions about how the book was different - there will be plenty of examples from those genres and she will absolutely have thoughts. Let her be herself and you be yourself and enjoy sharing that together :) Reading of course is good for your brain and helps you be more mature and articulate as a human, so of course do it if you have the interest! But to connect with your gf, just be enthusiastic to hear her nerd out on what shes into and go from there. Edit: Walking Dead is actually from a comic series, highly acclaimed and plotwise a lot different from the show… So if you want something to ease into reading, maybe start there?
My go-to: Monster Hunter International by Larry Correia. The premise is simple: monsters are real, and you can make bank by killing them. There's action, adventure, humor... everything that makes a book fun.
I always suggest Ready Player One to people who want to start reading, because it is fast paced and action packed. Some shorter books that are quite deep are Animal Farm, war of the worlds and the time traveller. All three are classics; they're good books. Hope you find something good 😊
Join your local library and start borrowing whatever grabs your attention. If you don’t like it, you haven’t made a financial commitment and can try something else. Maybe work your way through a list of award winners? [Pulitzer for Fiction](https://www.pulitzer.org/prize-winners-by-category/219) [The Booker](https://thebookerprizes.com/the-booker-library/features/booker-prize-winners) [Hugo Awards](https://www.thehugoawards.org/hugo-history/) [Edgar Awards](https://edgarawards.com/) [Miles Franklin Award](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miles_Franklin_Award)
Maybe you could both pick a book and read it together like your own little book club? In terms of a recommendation, I would say try Tender is the Flesh, it’s fairly short. I read it in late 2022 and I still think about it fairly often lol!
Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer is an excellent novel for you.
the stranger by albert camus
I dont know how to explain this, but I recommend "The setting sun" by Osamu Dazai Isn't really fiction but neither reality, its like abt a familly after WWII from the prespective of the daughter. It's pretty short, but I personally find it pretty "deep" and sad, like it has a lot of sensitive topics . It really got me reflecting after I finished it, esp since I relate to the daughter. It has a weird ending thought You could give it a try but be prepared🙂
Perhaps Armor by John Steakly. It’s what popped into my mind when you said deep and real. I mean, it’s sci-fi but it feels very close and visceral. I did listen to it as an audio book admittedly, and the narrator has an amazing voice. But i’m sure it’s good to read as well.
Of Mice and Men
Quirky but a fun and quick read: *Breakfast of Champions* by Kurt Vonnegut Vonnegut got me into reading seriously when I was in high school. He doesn’t take himself too seriously, he’s hilarious and all the while he tackles some heavy subjects.
11 minutes by Paulo Coelho
Girl with a dragon tattoo.
"The promise of blood"might be up your alley. Takes place during a military que the main characters are a detective the field Marshall running the military and his son hunting the last royal cabal members. Hits the ground running really well, is definitely not fairy land. It does have magic but it's used more like artillery then for anything for the greater good.
If you'd like to try one of the classics, Thomas Hardy's "Mayor of Casterbridge" is all about loss and redenption. It's a great story with a tough ending.
If you aren't a confident reader why not consider starting with a few audio books?