Book suggestions for a guy late 20's?

Question

I am looking for a book for a friend. He is in his late 20's and doesn't usually read, but is willing to read something I recommend. Considering he doesn't read, I don't really know what he might like. So I am looking for something you (a guy) might enjoy. Something easy, short, entertaining, but with a backbone. Thanks!

Thank you for all the answers.
Please any SHORTer suggestions 200 pgs maybe not 500 or 600.

Answer 1

There are a few books by John Steinbeck that are short (like maybe 120 pages or less), easy reads, and pack an enourmous amount of emotional context into them. Since he doesn't often read, they might be good choices as they waste very little time with straying plots, etc.

Also, these are considered classic literature (Steinbeck won both the Nobel and Pulitzer Prize for his writing) but aren't written in irritating, flowery, and difficult to understand language. So often authors seem like they're trying to impress you with their vocabulary and writing, rather than simply telling a story. Steinbeck is short, direct to the point, and powerful.

Many of Steinbeck's books have the power to change your outlook on certain things in life. My three favorties are:

The Pearl - This one really makes you think about what is valuable in life among other things like corruption in the marketplace, greed, etc.

The Moon Is Down - This is the only book I've ever sat down and read cover to cover, without stopping. The story is of the Nazi takeover of a small European town and really makes you think about several things.

Of Mice And Men - Sad, but great story. It was made into a great movie with John Malkovich, but of course the book gets much more in depth. There's an older movie too with Burgess Meredith I think. As a bonus, he'll also get all of the jokes in those old Warner Bros cartoons where the guy says, "This is my friend George. I like to hold him and love him and pet him..."

Answer 2

Lovey-dovey: Jacob Have I Loved, K. Paterson Bridge to Terabithia, K. Paterson Tree Shepherd's Daughter, Gillian Summers (trilogy) The Great Divorce, C. S. Lewis The Neverending Story, Michael Ende Momo, Michael Ende Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25, Richard Evans For Couples Only, Shaunti Feldhahn Hope Rising, Kim Meeder Hope's Boy, Andrew Bridge The Giver, Lois Lowry Expecting Adam, Martha Beck Sacred Psychology of Love, Marilyn Barrick.

Answer 3

I highly recommend Peace Like a River. It's told from an 11 year old boy's point of view. The book begins with the two brothers out hunting ducks in MN. Eventually, the older brother commits a crime and is on the run. The family attempts to find him. It's written very well - fast paced. And it's readable. I think your friend would like it.

Answer 4

I think the key is to think of the kinds of things that he likes. What kind of movies does he like? Mystery? Horror? Action? Comedy? That might give you a good idea of the type of book he would like (or dislike).

Does your friend like to fish? Or have a brother? Or like the outdoors? The novella "A River Runs Through It" by Norman Mclean is a book that my husband's best friend gave to him and my husband loves so much that he has given it to several of his friends. It's about fly fishing, Montana, the love between brothers, and how sometimes the people who need help the most won't accept it. It's very short and very wonderful. (And way better than the movie.)

It's really great that you're trying to find a book for your friend. I hope you find something he likes!

Answer 5

My husband suggests a book called "Einstein's Dreams." We both read it a few years ago, and it was easy to read, short, but gave you a lot to think about. I would recommend it for your friend. It is out of print, but on Amazon (below) the used copies are cheap.

The other book that comes to mind is "A Dog Year," which is newer and maybe easier to find. It's easy to read, longer, but not complicated. It is a dog story, but very funny and well written -- I'm not a dog person, but I really enjoyed it.

Answer 6

Aztec by Gary Jennings. It's an older book, but can still be found. It's longer than you asked for, but it is the kind of book the reader is sorry to see end. My husband wouldn't read books until I twisted his arm to read this. He couldn't put it down! Then he read whatever I thought he would like. (and he always did) Aztec has everything a man could want in a book, adventure, war, sex, and history. One of the all time greats!

Answer 7

Big Fish. Great book, that is extremely easy to read and targets about that type of reader. Fantasy, in a realistic way (hard to explain, but true). Around 200 or 250 pages, but a quick read.

Answer 8

"Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole. One review says this book is "a grand farce of overeducated white trash, corrupt law enforcement, exotic dancing and the nouveau riche in steamy New Orleans". The book was published post-humously by the author's mother after she made a heroic effort to get it in print. It is a hilarious "one of a kind" gem that almost anyone would enjoy. Supposedly they're making a movie of it, with Drew Barrymore and Will Farrel in the cast.

Answer 9

"Wild at Heart" by John Eldridge, designed to expose the inner workings of a man's thoughts and actions, is an excellent book for any guy. There is also a book with the same concept for women by Staci & John Eldridge called "Captivating". Both books are absolutely incredible!

Answer 10

My husband NEVER read a book in his life... UNTIL he read the da Vinci Code. Then he read all of Dan Brown's other books and loved them. Now he also likes Ted Dekker (Skin; House; etc) books. You can find all of those at Barnes and Noble. I think those will be great for any guy who doesn't like to read because they are easy to get into and they are really-fast paced so it will keep them really interested! It will also get them thinking and trying to solve it!