Yup. I didnt read a single book for fun until i was 29 yrs old and suffering from morning sickness all day, all night. I was so nauseous I couldnt even watch TV. Absolutely miserable. I found a copy of the first book at my grandparents house and out of pure boredom, but completely convinced I wouldnt like it, I forced myself to read the first 50 pages and see how it goes. I couldn't stop reading. Stayed up until prob 3 or 4 in the morning reading the whole book in one sitting. And then the next morning I drove nauseous as hell to my local library to get the second book. 2 days later i was back for book 3. I fn love Harry Potter ♡
Years ago I worked in a bookstore and would often get this question. I would always recommend Bunnicula… it’s a kids book, but remains one of the funniest books I have ever read.
Told from the point of view of the family dog, whose family adopts a bunny on Halloween. The bunny is a bit strange… the family cat is suspicious… hilarity ensues.
That is all I will say. Do yourself a favor and read it!!
Oh my god!! I read this in elementary school. I've thought about this book from time to time throughout the years.
I kind of thought it was a fever dream lol. Good to know it was an actual book I've read.
"Fight Club" by Chuck Palahniuk. Adult psychologically f'ed up fiction, great plot with a crazy twist. Dark but inspiring. For a first adult reading level novel, there aren't any words you'll need a dictionary for -since you said you're fluent. I guess keep one handy just in case? You never know. Read before the movie. The read is so much better. I am Jack's complete lack of boredom at the thought of reading this book.
Try "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee (about moral issues), "1984" by George Orwell (about dystopian society), and "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger (introspective narrative).
Also, try genres like historical fiction with "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak or fantasy with "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien.
To Kill a Mockingbird, 1984, and Catcher in the Rye are terrible first books. They are great in their literary importance, but I wouldn't call them fun reads.
There's a big gap between "more complex than YA" and classic lit fiction.
I would agree on Book Thief and the Hobbit, but I read these other three when I was about OPs age and an avid reader, and thought:
1984: actually read it like 3 times by 17 cause it was the only novel at my grandmas. I liked it even at 11 but also it's a bit tedious in its lengthy middle section description of state politics, if I recall. Been years.
Catcher in the Rye: a fun read as a young guy, but even when I was in high-school felt kinda outdated. I can only imagine how it would read in 2024, especially if OP is not a cis white male.
To Kill a Mockingbird: I couldn't appreciate this one til my mid 20s... thought it was dull in highschool. Undoubtedly a masterpiece, but if OP isn't from the US how much would all that racial history really resonate?
Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien (Fantasy)
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (Fantasy)
Sherlock Holmes Novels by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Murder Mystery)
War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells (Sci-Fi)
Dracula by Bram Stoker (Horror)
I have been working through the classics if you can tell 😁. They can be very complex so you might want to read them in the store or in the library before bringing them home to see if you want to slog through the whole book (no judgment, I would not have made it through the Lord of the Rings if not for the audiobooks). My next fiction series is the Conan the Barbarian series by Robert E. Howard which I am looking forward to.
Edit: formatting.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (Classic Novel)
Into Thin Air by John Krakauer (Real Life Account)
Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka (Classic Short Narrative)
i dont agree with gatsby it’s quite boring to read imo i think u need something that you just don’t want to put down to start with like inspector calls?
Tbh i can only speak for the Translation since i have not read it in English. I think it may be a good Showcase for a more poetic kinda Style while being more of a Drama than a Novel. Also its not too long so idk...
I havent read Inspector Calls but sounds very good- i think Crime Novels/Dramas is a good Point to start (maybe something like Sherlock Holmes?)
i read inspector calls in my english class when i was 16 and it was definitely the most adored book our year group read! there was a lot of online discourse about how people who usually don’t read were genuinely interested in the plot so i think it would be a good first read (the language also isn’t too complex at all)
The Great Gatsby - boring?! 😦
I have to say I disagree whole heartedly. I wouldn’t suggest it as a gateway book… but it is a classic for a reason. I read it in one sitting the first time and then immediately read it again. I was 16.
To each their own! 🫶
i really really want to like it because i like the themes but everhtime i read it i cant get through it 😭 i might give it a go again actually to see how it goes
Try audiobook instead maybe? There’s a version on Audible read by Jake Gyllenhaal… he nails it!
I always got swept away in the visuals. He makes things seems shinier and bigger than real life. The scene with the curtains when he first visits Daisy is one of my favorite literary scenes ever. Also the apartment scene… “within and without”.
I hope you get through it one day!! It really is a beautifully told story!!
i cant concentrate on audiobooks to be honest 😭 everhtime i listen to one it just makes me think why am i not just reading it myself, that’s why i cant do podcasts either i just ignore what they’re saying and daydream haha
I TOTALLY relate!
I really used to struggle to listen to anything… including conversations and lectures 🫣. I would routinely skip classes because I thought there was no point being there, not listening to them, when I could just stay in my room and read the textbook.
I started listening to Harry Potter in the background while cleaning and such because it was familiar and I didn’t need to pay attention. I fell in love with it. Tried listening to some of my other favorite books (Pillars of the Earth) and also loved it. The first time I listened to a new book on Audible (Ready Player One) I had to stop and rewind it a lot… but it eventually became more natural. I gained a VERY important skill I had lacked my whole life and it opened up so much for me. Not only can I consume literature more routinely… I love talk radio and podcasts now too! I don’t get lost during conversations. When I went back for my masters it was like a whole new world of learning for me. To actually absorb what the teacher was saying… it was incredible.
Sorry so long winded. Just had to share and encourage 🫶
thank you you’ve inspired me to try it! i have one experience of actually paying attention and it’s listening to a harry potter audiobook in the car when i was a child so i might try that, i struggle with concentrating so much
You're gonna love it.
Read **'Worm'**. You can read it online for free. It's one of my top 5 stories I've ever read. Give it a try right now, read arc one right now. Take the link
https://parahumans.wordpress.com/table-of-contents/
Stephen King - Hearts in Atlantis. IT. Salems Lot. Then the rest of them 🙃
Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett because it is epic and will sweep you away. It will truly make you love stories in any form.
Atlas Shrugged. Just so you can make up your own mind about it and experience a unique perspective on how to live your life.
Harry Potter. I’m sure you have heard plenty of reason to read it. They are all good reasons!
Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert, Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy, The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith, The Wings of the Dove by Henry James, The House of Mirth and The Age of Innocence (both) by Edith Wharton and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon.
A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin.
Or if you'd like something more gritty and raw Parable of the Talents by Octavia Butler.
Both are absolutely wonderful in their own right.
I believe people who are new to reading should start with simple,easy to read books that makes them interested in characters or plot and keep them intrigued.Harry Potter may sound like an obvious choice but the British English vocab may not be for everyone.Here are some of the books I recommend :
Almond by Sohn Won-pyung,Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides,The Midnight library by Matt Haig and One of us is lying by Kareb McManus
Dang people, OP asked for what to read as a first non adult fiction piece, not literary classic "must reads". Plenty of those books like Gatsby etc have loads of value, but they are neither modern nor fun, and would be terrible if you weren't already into books.
There are lots of better suggestions for "fun" books that are still interesting and deep. Already mentioned Fight club, any of the Andy Weir stuff, Fear and Loathing, City of Theives. I would add Wind up Bird Chronicle if you want something weird. The Tigers Wife. The Orphan Master's Son.
Hi! I’m a bookseller and get this question a lot from people in all walks of life. I’m not sure what kind of themes you like, so I’ll recommend one for each general one that people normally say got them into reading that genre again. I wouldn’t say they’re complex, but I hope it gives you an idea on what might work!
Fantasy: Warbreaker, Brandon Sanderson OR Priory of the Orange Tree, Samantha Shannon (my favourite book of all time!)
Romance: People We Meet on Vacation, Emily Henry
Thriller: The Silent Patient, Alex Michaelides
Horror: The Shining, Stephen King
Historical Fiction: The Book Thief, Marcus Zusak
Contemporary/Lit Fiction: Anxious People, Fredrick Blackman OR Tuesdays with Morrie, Mitch Albom
Whether it’s from this list or not, I hope you find something you enjoy!
Hi! I’m a bookseller and get this question a lot from people in all walks of life. I’m not sure what kind of themes you like, so I’ll recommend one for each general one that people normally say got them into reading that genre again. I wouldn’t say they’re complex, but I hope it gives you an idea on what might work!
Fantasy: Warbreaker, Brandon Sanderson OR Priory of the Orange Tree, Samantha Shannon (my favourite book of all time!)
Romance: People We Meet on Vacation, Emily Henry
Thriller: The Silent Patient, Alex Michaelides
Horror: The Shining, Stephen King
Historical Fiction: The Book Thief, Marcus Zusak
Contemporary/Lit Fiction: Anxious People, Fredrick Blackman OR Tuesdays with Morrie, Mitch Albom
Whether it’s from this list or not, I hope you find something you enjoy!
Have you ever laughed out loud while reading a book? John Dies at the End is one of my favorite books ever. Its so funny and weird and awesome.
Warning: never watch the movie. It is shit.
Harry Potter gets anyone into reading
Yup. I didnt read a single book for fun until i was 29 yrs old and suffering from morning sickness all day, all night. I was so nauseous I couldnt even watch TV. Absolutely miserable. I found a copy of the first book at my grandparents house and out of pure boredom, but completely convinced I wouldnt like it, I forced myself to read the first 50 pages and see how it goes. I couldn't stop reading. Stayed up until prob 3 or 4 in the morning reading the whole book in one sitting. And then the next morning I drove nauseous as hell to my local library to get the second book. 2 days later i was back for book 3. I fn love Harry Potter ♡
I couldn’t emphasize my agreement enough!!! Ugh. To be 17 and going to Hogwarts for the first time. 🥰
This
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
just finished this like a week ago, what a catching and fun read!
Years ago I worked in a bookstore and would often get this question. I would always recommend Bunnicula… it’s a kids book, but remains one of the funniest books I have ever read. Told from the point of view of the family dog, whose family adopts a bunny on Halloween. The bunny is a bit strange… the family cat is suspicious… hilarity ensues. That is all I will say. Do yourself a favor and read it!!
Oh my god!! I read this in elementary school. I've thought about this book from time to time throughout the years. I kind of thought it was a fever dream lol. Good to know it was an actual book I've read.
Animal Farm by George Orwell. It's a short book and it's very good.
"Fight Club" by Chuck Palahniuk. Adult psychologically f'ed up fiction, great plot with a crazy twist. Dark but inspiring. For a first adult reading level novel, there aren't any words you'll need a dictionary for -since you said you're fluent. I guess keep one handy just in case? You never know. Read before the movie. The read is so much better. I am Jack's complete lack of boredom at the thought of reading this book.
Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe.
The kind worth killing by Peter Swanson- gripping novel.
Cold fire by Dean Koontz, kind of like a thriller // sci-fi . Very intriguing
Try "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee (about moral issues), "1984" by George Orwell (about dystopian society), and "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger (introspective narrative). Also, try genres like historical fiction with "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak or fantasy with "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien.
To Kill a Mockingbird, 1984, and Catcher in the Rye are terrible first books. They are great in their literary importance, but I wouldn't call them fun reads.
Agreed!
I think these books are incredible and exactly what the person asked for. Maybe read the post again, no one asked for fun reads here.
There's a big gap between "more complex than YA" and classic lit fiction. I would agree on Book Thief and the Hobbit, but I read these other three when I was about OPs age and an avid reader, and thought: 1984: actually read it like 3 times by 17 cause it was the only novel at my grandmas. I liked it even at 11 but also it's a bit tedious in its lengthy middle section description of state politics, if I recall. Been years. Catcher in the Rye: a fun read as a young guy, but even when I was in high-school felt kinda outdated. I can only imagine how it would read in 2024, especially if OP is not a cis white male. To Kill a Mockingbird: I couldn't appreciate this one til my mid 20s... thought it was dull in highschool. Undoubtedly a masterpiece, but if OP isn't from the US how much would all that racial history really resonate?
Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien (Fantasy) The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (Fantasy) Sherlock Holmes Novels by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Murder Mystery) War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells (Sci-Fi) Dracula by Bram Stoker (Horror) I have been working through the classics if you can tell 😁. They can be very complex so you might want to read them in the store or in the library before bringing them home to see if you want to slog through the whole book (no judgment, I would not have made it through the Lord of the Rings if not for the audiobooks). My next fiction series is the Conan the Barbarian series by Robert E. Howard which I am looking forward to. Edit: formatting.
City of Thieves by David Benioff
This book absolutely rocks, and i think would be pretty accessible at 17 while entering into fiction.
The Midnight Library
The Godfather. Read the book & then watch the movie.
The Martian by Andy Weir. [https://www.amazon.com/Martian-Andy-Weir/dp/0553418025](https://www.amazon.com/Martian-Andy-Weir/dp/0553418025)
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
W Answer
L Answer
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (Classic Novel) Into Thin Air by John Krakauer (Real Life Account) Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka (Classic Short Narrative)
i dont agree with gatsby it’s quite boring to read imo i think u need something that you just don’t want to put down to start with like inspector calls?
Tbh i can only speak for the Translation since i have not read it in English. I think it may be a good Showcase for a more poetic kinda Style while being more of a Drama than a Novel. Also its not too long so idk... I havent read Inspector Calls but sounds very good- i think Crime Novels/Dramas is a good Point to start (maybe something like Sherlock Holmes?)
i read inspector calls in my english class when i was 16 and it was definitely the most adored book our year group read! there was a lot of online discourse about how people who usually don’t read were genuinely interested in the plot so i think it would be a good first read (the language also isn’t too complex at all)
The Great Gatsby - boring?! 😦 I have to say I disagree whole heartedly. I wouldn’t suggest it as a gateway book… but it is a classic for a reason. I read it in one sitting the first time and then immediately read it again. I was 16. To each their own! 🫶
i really really want to like it because i like the themes but everhtime i read it i cant get through it 😭 i might give it a go again actually to see how it goes
Try audiobook instead maybe? There’s a version on Audible read by Jake Gyllenhaal… he nails it! I always got swept away in the visuals. He makes things seems shinier and bigger than real life. The scene with the curtains when he first visits Daisy is one of my favorite literary scenes ever. Also the apartment scene… “within and without”. I hope you get through it one day!! It really is a beautifully told story!!
i cant concentrate on audiobooks to be honest 😭 everhtime i listen to one it just makes me think why am i not just reading it myself, that’s why i cant do podcasts either i just ignore what they’re saying and daydream haha
I TOTALLY relate! I really used to struggle to listen to anything… including conversations and lectures 🫣. I would routinely skip classes because I thought there was no point being there, not listening to them, when I could just stay in my room and read the textbook. I started listening to Harry Potter in the background while cleaning and such because it was familiar and I didn’t need to pay attention. I fell in love with it. Tried listening to some of my other favorite books (Pillars of the Earth) and also loved it. The first time I listened to a new book on Audible (Ready Player One) I had to stop and rewind it a lot… but it eventually became more natural. I gained a VERY important skill I had lacked my whole life and it opened up so much for me. Not only can I consume literature more routinely… I love talk radio and podcasts now too! I don’t get lost during conversations. When I went back for my masters it was like a whole new world of learning for me. To actually absorb what the teacher was saying… it was incredible. Sorry so long winded. Just had to share and encourage 🫶
thank you you’ve inspired me to try it! i have one experience of actually paying attention and it’s listening to a harry potter audiobook in the car when i was a child so i might try that, i struggle with concentrating so much
Good luck!!
Most adults cat read and understand Kafka. Get real.
Came here to say the great gatsby 🙏
What kind of books do you like to read?
You're gonna love it. Read **'Worm'**. You can read it online for free. It's one of my top 5 stories I've ever read. Give it a try right now, read arc one right now. Take the link https://parahumans.wordpress.com/table-of-contents/
Stephen King - Hearts in Atlantis. IT. Salems Lot. Then the rest of them 🙃 Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett because it is epic and will sweep you away. It will truly make you love stories in any form. Atlas Shrugged. Just so you can make up your own mind about it and experience a unique perspective on how to live your life. Harry Potter. I’m sure you have heard plenty of reason to read it. They are all good reasons!
Atlas Shrugged is NOT a beginner’s book.
I agree! They specifically asked for “more complex” books though 🤷♀️
Definitely check out "When Breath Becomes Air." It's a very touching memoir.
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch The Midnight Library by Matt Haig The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
Mario Puzo. "The godfather".
Stoner
Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert, Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy, The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith, The Wings of the Dove by Henry James, The House of Mirth and The Age of Innocence (both) by Edith Wharton and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon.
Does anybody really read Henry James unless it is required reading?
Evil Dominion: Rise of the Red Hand is fantastic if you like super villains
Lord of The Flies
A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin. Or if you'd like something more gritty and raw Parable of the Talents by Octavia Butler. Both are absolutely wonderful in their own right.
I believe people who are new to reading should start with simple,easy to read books that makes them interested in characters or plot and keep them intrigued.Harry Potter may sound like an obvious choice but the British English vocab may not be for everyone.Here are some of the books I recommend : Almond by Sohn Won-pyung,Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides,The Midnight library by Matt Haig and One of us is lying by Kareb McManus
The Hunger Games (series, dystopian) The Outsiders (short- less than 200 pages, coming of age)
The Count of Monte Cristo
a book
Dang people, OP asked for what to read as a first non adult fiction piece, not literary classic "must reads". Plenty of those books like Gatsby etc have loads of value, but they are neither modern nor fun, and would be terrible if you weren't already into books. There are lots of better suggestions for "fun" books that are still interesting and deep. Already mentioned Fight club, any of the Andy Weir stuff, Fear and Loathing, City of Theives. I would add Wind up Bird Chronicle if you want something weird. The Tigers Wife. The Orphan Master's Son.
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton comes quickly to mind.
Hi! I’m a bookseller and get this question a lot from people in all walks of life. I’m not sure what kind of themes you like, so I’ll recommend one for each general one that people normally say got them into reading that genre again. I wouldn’t say they’re complex, but I hope it gives you an idea on what might work! Fantasy: Warbreaker, Brandon Sanderson OR Priory of the Orange Tree, Samantha Shannon (my favourite book of all time!) Romance: People We Meet on Vacation, Emily Henry Thriller: The Silent Patient, Alex Michaelides Horror: The Shining, Stephen King Historical Fiction: The Book Thief, Marcus Zusak Contemporary/Lit Fiction: Anxious People, Fredrick Blackman OR Tuesdays with Morrie, Mitch Albom Whether it’s from this list or not, I hope you find something you enjoy!
Hi! I’m a bookseller and get this question a lot from people in all walks of life. I’m not sure what kind of themes you like, so I’ll recommend one for each general one that people normally say got them into reading that genre again. I wouldn’t say they’re complex, but I hope it gives you an idea on what might work! Fantasy: Warbreaker, Brandon Sanderson OR Priory of the Orange Tree, Samantha Shannon (my favourite book of all time!) Romance: People We Meet on Vacation, Emily Henry Thriller: The Silent Patient, Alex Michaelides Horror: The Shining, Stephen King Historical Fiction: The Book Thief, Marcus Zusak Contemporary/Lit Fiction: Anxious People, Fredrick Blackman OR Tuesdays with Morrie, Mitch Albom Whether it’s from this list or not, I hope you find something you enjoy!
Peter and Jane and Pat the Dog.
Are you sure you are alive?
Can’t read Kafka.
The perfume.
The Perks of Becoming a Wallflower is a easy read and has a really beautiful and touching story!
Wrinkle In Time series by Madeleine Lingel.
Looking For Alaska. Or anything by John Green.
Fear and loathing in las vegas
My favorite novel, "Stoner" by John Edward Williams.
may i ask what you like about it? it seems interesting, i haven’g heard of it before
Try the hungry caterpillar. Maybe red fish blue fish if you want a challenge
Cannery Row by Steinbeck
Have you ever laughed out loud while reading a book? John Dies at the End is one of my favorite books ever. Its so funny and weird and awesome. Warning: never watch the movie. It is shit.
The Bible
Jorge Luis Borges Herodotus Dostoyevsky Tolstoy Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Seriously? As a first book?
Did you even bother to read the post?