Hi. My partner and I are trying to limit our time on screens and spend more time reading. However, we are finding it hard to choose our first book to read. We have this illogical fear that we will feel like “we wasted our time reading a book we didn’t enjoy”… which has made getting started on reading our biggest obstacle to overcome. I’m sure that it will get easier for us to read more once we get past that hurdle and find enjoyment from reading. That being said, are there any “entry level” books anyone would highly recommend that had them wanting to read more?
I tend to gravitate more towards fantasy. I was big on the Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and A Song of Ice and Fire books. I’m also a big sci-fi enjoyer when it comes to video games or board games, so I could also see myself enjoying sci-fi books as well (if it’s not too heavy on the tech side… think more like Star Wars, Mass Effect, Cyberpunk 2020/2077 vibes). I also consider myself to be progressive and left-leaning politically. I would be open to educational books in that sense (like The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander… I’m really considering starting with this, but not sure if it should be my first book).
My partner is the opposite of me in a lot of ways. She isn’t big in fantasy or sci-fi. Doesn’t like Star Wars or LotR at all but loved the GoT series and Harry Potter movies. She seems to gravitate more towards drama, thrillers, mystery, etc. Something that is more realistic but that has crazy twists and turns. Also interested in progressive values.
All that said, we are generally open to any and all genres if you consider a particular book to be a must-read entry-level book. Hopefully this opens our door to read more.
by chicharito14_FPL
3 Comments
Are you going to read together, aloud? If so, then you’ll want something fun.
The [Discworld series](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discworld) might make you happy, as might [Hitchiker’s guide](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hitchhiker%27s_Guide_to_the_Galaxy).
Learning real things, exploring, with a touch of humor? [Bill Bryson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Bryson).
Cops and robbers, capers, without blood and guns and terror? [Dortmunder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Dortmunder).
I say pick a nearly universally loved book. Project Hail Mary would be my recommendation.
A Brothers Price by Wen Spencer.
It’s a fun easy adventure, the gender flip makes it a great couples read