So, my (28f) mom (60s) has never read fiction before. She’s Persian, so English isn’t her first language, but that doesn’t really matter because she’s very fluent. It only matters with a book that is difficult for even native English speakers to read.
She has really only read self-help/spiritual books (like Wayne Dyer, Eckhart Tolle…etc) until now. I’ve been trying to get her to read fiction for forever because I think she’ll really enjoy the experience and new world it opens up!
She finally agreed today and asked me to find her something. For her first book, she wants to read something that is ADVENTURE with ROMANCE and maybe some MYSTERY (if possible). Even better if it has some depth/meaning.
Something like Romancing the Stone (1984), for example!
Any good recommendations?
P.s. I’m open to 2nd and 3rd book recommendations that are not in the exact category as listed above. With movies, she also loves murder-mysteries and likes fantasy.
by Shirinf33
8 Comments
The Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon
Also, if she would want to read a futuristic mystery romance, the In Death series by J.D. Robb (who also writes some contemporary romantic suspense as Nora Roberts) is good.
The Princess Bride by William Goldman
Warning: my suggestion might be controversial, so please preview the book and consider how your mother is likely to receive it.
Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows, by Balli Kaur Jaswal. The story follows a young woman who expects to teach a class on writing short stories, but instead discovers she’s been hired to teach basic literacy to a group of older, isolated women. Yes, the women are interested in writing about romance, and even sex, but there are also deep themes about the female experience, about traditional values in a modern setting, and of mother-daughter connections. For me, it was very much a book about communities. And yes, it has both mystery and romance!
Please preview the book before giving it to your mom…. but if you do think she’d enjoy it, it could be a wonderful one to read together. It was popular with book clubs, too…
https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/32075853
#1 Ladies Detective Agency (series), by Alexander McCall Smith
Anything by Frieda McFadden — psychological thriller/mystery, easy and fun to read
Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters. The start of a mystery series set at the turn of the century (1890s-1920s), where a single lady with a love of Egyptian history uses her inheritance to travel to Egypt. There she stumbles into a murder mystery. Along the way, she makes new friends and meets her future husband. After the first book, they work as a team to solve crime and do archeology.
These are light-hearted, easy to read, and mix mystery, romance, and adventure. They also teach you some things about the ancient Egyptians.
A dangerous fortune by Ken Follett
Can’t go wrong with Agatha Christie and her books have been translated and can be found in 100+ different languages 🙂
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is a classic
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë is a great read as well!
Definitely seconding the Outlander suggestion
Georgette Heyer also has quite a few books with both adventure and mystery that she might enjoy