Top Ten Books I'd Recommend to Someone Who Doesn't Read

As always, Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week's Top Ten is meant to be the "Top Ten Books I'd Recommend to Someone Who Doesn't Read X", that is to say, to someone who doesn't read a certain genre like YA or Fantasy or Horror... but the thing is I know a number of people who, for whatever reason, just don't read books. And so these are the books I would recommend should they wish to pick up a book, should they seek my opinion for something to read that will move apace, keep them interested, and be fulfilling.

1. The Star Rover, by Jack London

This one is not an obvious choice, and for people who have heard of Jack London, The Star Rover is not one that often comes up in discussion. Most people think of Call of the Wild, or The Sea-Wolf, or The Iron Heel, or even Martin Eden. But The Star Rover (published as The Jacket in the UK) is one of my favorites. I'd have never heard if it if it hadn't been for Professor Furer. Told in first person narrative, it can swing wildly between focuses at times, but some of the writing is simply glorious.

2. Jane and the Damned, by Janet Mullany

On a lighter note, this one is both an easy and fun read. Whether you love Jane Austen, or you hate her, or you don't care either way, this is an undeniably fun book. And if you do love Jane Austen, there are so many nuances for you to appreciate!

3. The Kingdom Keepers: Disney After Dark, by Ridley Pearson
It's fun, it's an awfully quick read, and it's YA Fiction so really all ages will enjoy it - even my 10-year-old cousin, who pretty much hates reading, loves this book. And if you're like me and basically grew up in Disney World, it's extra special.

4. French Leave, by Anna Gavalda

A short and sweet read, full of some stupendous banter. It's the kind of book that engenders camaraderie and sister/brotherhood. One of those novels about screwed up families that doesn't end up making you want to tear your eyes out or jump off of a bridge.

5. Big Sur, by Jack Kerouac
Okay, I may be asking for a little much with this one. If you've maybe decided to stop reading for good because of Kerouac, then maybe this is not the book for you. If you've maybe decided to stop reading for good because of Marcel Proust, then maybe Kerouac is not the author for you. I hate Proust as much as the next Frederick Harris student, but Kerouac...oh Kerouac. This book is, to me, a little more accessible than On The Road or Dharma Bums - anyone can identify with the ravages of drunkenness, right? There's also Kerouac's glorious onomatopeic poem "Sea" - Sounds of the Pacific Ocean at Big Sur - which contains one of my favorite passages in poetry:

No human words bespeak

the token sorrow older

than old this wave

becrashing smarts the

sand with plosh

of twirléd sandy

thought--Ah change

the world? Ah set

the fee? Are rope the

angels in all the sea?

Ah ropey otter

barnacle'd be--

Ah cave, Ah crosh!

A feathery sea

6. Nocturnes, by John Connolly

You have to be in the mood for some dark stuff. This collection of short stories is dense, but extremely fulfilling. And, because it's not a whole novel (I would have suggested The Book of Lost Things, but that's more for you actual book-lovers) you can put it down between stories! Besides, doesn't everyone love dark stuff these days? I mean actually dark stuff, not Twilight. 

7. The Daydreamer, by Ian McEwan

This is a nice light read for those who would love to say that they've read McEwan but don't have the constitution to withstand the hot air balloon scene in Enduring Love or any of the scenes in Atonement. I love those books, but you've really got to have the emotional fortitude of a...I'm not sure what...but some killer emotional fortitude to get through those books with your sanity. But The Daydreamer is great if you want something kind of cheery or something, even, that you could read to your kids - McEwan did! If you're looking for some McEwan thats maybe a little less cheery, but which is not going to make you curl up on your bed and sob, my suggestion would be In Between the Sheets.

8. M*A*S*H: A Novel About 

Three Army Doctors, by Richard Hooker

This one really needs no explanation. If you've ever seen the film or the TV series, then you know what this book is. And if you've never seen the film or the TV series, don't speak to me. I do want to say however that, as amusing as the TV cast really and truly is, the film cast (Donald Sutherland, Elliot Gould and Tom Skerritt) is also fantastic, and you should watch the film at least once...and read the book. 

9. Tabloid City, by Pete Hamill

Pete Hamill is an incredible NYC author, an his novels move along quite quickly, without too much fuss, without too many character arcs. His dialogue is realistic, his prose is simple but beautiful, and this novel would be pretty engaging I think, even for those who don't care to be too engaged too often. 

10.  The Princess Bride (S. Morgenstern's 

Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure), 

by William Goldman

You probably love this movie. I don't actually know anyone who doesn't love this movie on some scale. My mother doesn't remember watching most of it, but she can quote Inigo Montoya with the best of 'em. It's a classic.  Bear with William Goldman's silly "I didn't write it, Morgenstern did" hullaballoo, and try to get past the differences between the novel and the movie - there aren't too many, but it might confuse you at first. But try you best. The story is totally worth it.