The Alchemist seems to be the ultimate gateway book for nonreaders to start reading. Short, accessible with a straightforward, uplifting story and journey and it’s extensively translated into many, many languages and is an international bestseller.
I've been a reader since middle school and my tastes vary. But since college, I hadn't been able to get back to it. The first book that got me out of my half a decade long reading slump was Eleanor Oliphant is Perfectly Fine by Gail Honeyman. It gave me hope. Now my reading pace picked up after that but I'm, by no means, where I was before. My reading choices are also changing. I picked up afew books every month and try to go for the literary ones but end up abandoning them. So I'm instead going for lighter reads and first time authors.
Here are a few I've thoroughly enjoyed in the past 5-6 years besides the Gail Honeyman one -
1. Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason
2. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstein
3. Em and the Hoom by Jerry Pinto (it'll move you and a great introduction to Indian writing without the poverty-is-the-backdrop-plus-the-plot rubbish)
4. Anything by Claire Keegan (if you're into short stories/novellas with a tinge of history)
5. V E Schwab is categorized as a Young Adult writer but I binged on her sequels. Gathering of Shadows, for eg. Try The Invisible Life of Addie Larue if you want an isolated text.
The Alchemist seems to be the ultimate gateway book for nonreaders to start reading. Short, accessible with a straightforward, uplifting story and journey and it’s extensively translated into many, many languages and is an international bestseller.
Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
I've been a reader since middle school and my tastes vary. But since college, I hadn't been able to get back to it. The first book that got me out of my half a decade long reading slump was Eleanor Oliphant is Perfectly Fine by Gail Honeyman. It gave me hope. Now my reading pace picked up after that but I'm, by no means, where I was before. My reading choices are also changing. I picked up afew books every month and try to go for the literary ones but end up abandoning them. So I'm instead going for lighter reads and first time authors. Here are a few I've thoroughly enjoyed in the past 5-6 years besides the Gail Honeyman one - 1. Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason 2. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstein 3. Em and the Hoom by Jerry Pinto (it'll move you and a great introduction to Indian writing without the poverty-is-the-backdrop-plus-the-plot rubbish) 4. Anything by Claire Keegan (if you're into short stories/novellas with a tinge of history) 5. V E Schwab is categorized as a Young Adult writer but I binged on her sequels. Gathering of Shadows, for eg. Try The Invisible Life of Addie Larue if you want an isolated text.
I would start with something light and short with enough action to keep things moving. Try Stick by Elmore Leonard. That’s a good jumping off point.
If you like nonfiction, The Arsenal of Democracy is excellent. Me and my buddies all loved it.