This week’s meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish asks for the Top Ten Books you would recommend to someone who says they don’t like to read. I have quite a few of those in my life.
Basically I’m choosing some of the best of the widest spectrum I can imagine, hoping that at least one sparks a flame for them. I really do believe that people who do not read are missing out.
The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult
This one is easy to read, but with many undercurrents and twists. The intermittent cartoons also add a fun element.
Chicken Soup for the Soul books
Any of these, depending on the person’s demographic. The stories are short and sweet, which helps especially for those who do not have the time to get caught up in a 300 page tale.
The BFG by Roald Dahl
…because if Dahl can’t get you hooked, then nobody can!
Like the Flowing River by Paulo Coelho
Different in theme and tone to Chickensoup – and more mature – but similar in that one can take your time and read a story a day.
A Century of Sundays South African Sunday Times Centennial
Glossy paper and interesting factoids on every page – what’s not to like? You don’t even realise you are reading…
Uncle John’s Bathroom Reader books
I particularly enjoyed […] Plunges Into History Again, but it depends on what one would think the person would enjoy most.
Thirteen Hours by Deon Meyer
An excellent thriller by an excellent South African writer. Although I am not entirely sure if I would offer it to a non-South African, as it may turn them off visiting me completely.
Joni by Joni Eareckson
Everybody needs a little inspiration, and I think this autobiography could do with a little more love too.
Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
People who don’t read (at all) often snort at the idea that books can be better than their movies. Harry Potter will prove that wrong and, hopefully, also be enthralling.
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
because everyone should have at least one book that makes them cry.
MAC Awake 
Oh, man, Bridge to Terabithia! Life-altering tear-jerker, ahoy!
Aww, the BFG!! I adored that book (and most other Roald Dahl of course) when I was young, my mom used to read it to me and my brother before bedtime. Wonderful memory.
And oh dear Bridge to Terabithia! I remember absolutely bawling my little girl eyes out at that book. How could they do that to him?! It is tragedy and torture at its absolute heart wrenching best.
Ashley
My Top Ten Tuesday
Harry Potter seems to make most lists this time. And you are right of course. Interesting choices!
Roald Dahl is great, isn’t he? Chicken Soup books are good too. And you’re right, Paolo Coelho is a more mature inspirational writer.
Great choices – I’ll have to check some of those out as I’ve only read a few!
My Tuesday Memes post
I think there must be something wrong with anyone who doesn’t love Dahl. Such a great pick, I love to reread his books even as an adult.
Bridge to Terabithia is a good choice. I notice that a lot of people who don’t read much tend to list middle grade classics as their favorites, so I think they would make great gateway books.