My 12 year old son want to buy his 22 year old brother a classic book for Christmas - any recommendations?

Question

I was going to suggest a book token, but he wants to write a dedication on the inside. His brother only reads classics or booker prize shortlisters and/or winners etc., he doesn't like thrillers or detective stories, gosh this is soooo hard.
I was thinking of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, what do you think.

Hi Amsterdam - he was reading On the Road a couple of months ago - thought it was great - you seem to think like he does - any more suggestions ? (please !!)

Dan - The Sea , that is an excellent suggestion, as we live not too far from Wexford in Ireland, and also live by the sea - now you have me thinking !!

Rash - Everyman by Philip Roth, - I think I will buy him that - but from me - thank you

Cranston - That's how I found out he only likes classics because of Yann Martel, The life of Pi - what a wonderful read.

Shirley B - thank you, yes they are good lads both into art, music and books, these things have always been gently encouraged and nurtured, never forced.
I do read myself - I find it stimulates the imagination which is essential in my line of work.

Answer 1

This is a toughie!
Frankenstein is certainly a classic! But the problem being is if he already reads/buys a lot of books, then he is likely to have it. Especially as it has been released in several editions, including some that are quite cheap. But, your son could always buy a hardback/illustrated/special edition. They often re-publish classics in limited editions, so it may be worth looking out for those. Depending on how much he wants to spend on his brother, it may also be worth trying to find rare or first editions in second hand and specialist shops.
Could always try some Doris Lessing, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature this year?

Answer 2

Life of Pi, by Yann Martel. It won the Booker Prize in, I think, 2003 or 2004, and they've just brought out an illustrated edition (although it might be a bit pricey - depends how much he wants to spend on his brother).

It's a fascinating book and makes you think, if nothing else, how a 16 year old survived in a lifeboat with a hyena, a zebra, and a 400 lb Bengal tiger named Richard Parker.

For me, it comes under the category of modern classic, but it isn't everyone's style - but if he likes the Booker winners, try it.

Answer 3

This is one of the hardest questions I have ever seen on Yahoo but what a nice couple of boys you have. I'm not sure The Sea would appeal if you mean Banville. You must know your boys best and know their interests. Do you read yourself. Have you come across Nial Williams " Four Letters of Love" set in rural Ireland and beautifully written. ( not a sloppy love story by the way) or if you want an accessible classic try James Joyce's " Portrait of the Artist". I just love Dylan Thomas's " A Child's Christmas in Wales" and my children could almost recite it, they read it so often. It would make a lovely Christmas present. If you want a more serious read try " Fugitive Pieces" this is a boy's, man's, story and one of the best things I've read in the last few years. Winner of the Orange prize. Good luck S

Answer 4

*To Kill A Mockingbird
*A Tree Grows In Brooklyn
*Oliver Twist
*Great Expectations
*East Of Eden
*The Grapes Of Wrath
*Of Mice And Men
*Call Of The Wild
*White Fang
*Treasure Island
*Adventures of Huck Finn
For short stories try Mark Twain or Ambrose Bierce. The book store has collected works that are great.
Good Luck and Happy Reading

Answer 5

There are many good on line book stores that help you choose the right book for the right person. It's also important to remember that if you are purchasing a classic as in antiqued then your son should not inscribe the inside of the cover as that would deminish the value, I suggest using a tissue paper in white or beige and having his message written on there and placed in the book, or a personal book marker that reflects his message. GOOD LUCK

Answer 6

Frankenstein is a good one. Some other suggestions:

"Robinson Crusoe" - Daniel Defoe

"The Count of Monte Cristo" or "The Three Musketeers" - Alexandre Dumas

"The Call of the Wild" - Jack London

"The Red Badge of Courage" - Stephen Crane

"The Old Man and the Sea" - Ernest Hemingway

Answer 7

'Shipping News' by Annie Proulx has just blown me away. She has quite a masculine way of writing, quite terse and not at all flowery. It's also very darkly humorous and full of great characters.

I would also recommend 'Baudolino' or 'Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco - once you get used to the way he writes, I hope you'll find they are really hilarious.

If you want to look for beautifully produced editions of classics, try the Folio Society - the books are specially printed for them in hardback, and are stunning collectors items. They are pricey, and I think there is a minimum number of books you'd need to buy, but it sounds as if your family is into books, so it may be worth a look:

www.foliosoc.co.uk

Happy bookworming!

Answer 8

Two suggestions:

2005 Man Booker winner, "The Sea" by John Banville.

Not a Booker short-lister, but by a Booker short-lister author, "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell. A british Catcher in the Rye, and my favorite novel of all-time.

Answer 9

Everyman by Philip Roth. It is a fantastic book. I have never felt the way this book made me feel after reading this book. I still cannot find words to explain what impact this book had on me.

Answer 10

George Orwell's "1984" is a very good classic. I know all the guys in my AP English class really liked it, as did my teacher, who's really into classics! You could also go with "The Great Gatsby", "Brave New World", or "Dracula", just off the top of my head. Good luck!