How to get a non-reader back into reading

[Christina]

My dad recently told me that he wanted to get back into reading fiction. He is not that much of a reader, although he does enjoy it. He has read more non-fiction than anything else.

I suggested "World War Z" and he was hooked, thanking me profusely for recommending the right book.

What books do you suggest when coming across a similar situation with a friend or family member? We've all been there, we all know people who don't share our love affair with literature.

[Becky]

If he liked WWZ, he might enjoy Wastelands: Stories of the Apocalypse, which is an anthology of different apocalyptic stories. I own this, but I haven't read it yet. It has gotten good reviews though!

[Christina]

Oooh, thanks! I'm adding it to my own to-read list as well.

[Becky]

Anytime, Christina! What other types of books has he enjoyed in the past?

[Christina]

All he said was Fahrenheit 451, Animal Farm, and a variety of biographies and autobiographies of American Presidents. He says he may start with "modern techy" books, like Tom Clancy.

The reason he liked WWZ wasn't the zombies, but the politcal and social commentary.

[Anna]

Has he read The Stand by Stephen King? It is similar to WWZ in the idea that the military/gov't is keeping secrets and the world might end. It is pretty long though so it might seem a bit daunting.

[Tara]

Dan Brown has some of what I think are "modern techy" books like Digital Fortress. And for American Presidents, David McCullough has written tons of great stuff.

[Christina]

"The Stand" has been waiting on my bookshelf patiently for me to read it, however my dad doesn't like Stephen King and probably wouldn't even give it a shot.

I'll have to check the David McCullough books, thanks!

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

I think David McCullough is non-fiction, and he's an historian, so your Dad may very well have read those. Tom Clancy is an excellent suggestion. I haven't read much, but The Hunt for Red October should be high on the list. Your dad might also like John Grisham. Those are legal thrillers, usually the little guy going up against the big guys and (usually) winning, but a bit of social commentary goes along with it.

As a side note, a fellow recently told me that he rarely reads books written by women. He said women have such a different viewpoint than a man's and he has a very difficult time relating. That might be something to keep in mind when you're making recommendations.

[Christina]

I definitely agree with you on men reading women's fiction (although non-fiction may be a different story - I'm pretty sure my dad loves Ann Coulter's stuff, if that's any indication of his political leanings). Actually, maybe that would be good discussion for a different thread.

I would be hesitant to recommend John Grisham only because I don't think he's a good author, and I wouldn't recommend a book that I wouldn't enjoy, but who knows!

[Maria]

if he's very into the military storeis, suggest W.E.B. Griffin. he's written a ton of military novels, i think one set for each branch of the military.

ted bell and clive cussler are two other good ones, as is nelson demille.

[Hilary]

Maybe he would like books by Kyle Mills? Burn Factor, Sphere of Influence.

[Potjy]

Early books by Ken Follett, and all the books by John le Carré will do. They're kind of my high-school sweethearts. Talking about time flies... :-P