Howdy! This might be a bit difficult but me and my girlfriend are looking to start reading some books together. We both read on our own but would like to spend our time winding down reading the same thing so we can have conversations about it.
For some help I really enjoy anything Brandon Sanderson, the dune series, LOTR, some philosophy books specifically in the vein of stoicism, and some self help books too.
My girlfriend really enjoys Harry Potter, some romance books (I know she specifically likes John greens books), and she has began reading some more self help books like how to win friends and influence people.
If there’s books that might overlap both our interests or genres please let me know! Thanks!
by Nanohance
7 Comments
Maybe try The Earthsea Cycle! The Atlas Six might be good if you guys want something a bit more recent too!
I really enjoy reading (audiobooks) with my partner that are kid/YA. My general taste lines up with yours (sans the self-help). I would probably try the Prydain Chronicles by Lloyd Alexander.
A Song for Arbonne, Guy Gavriel Kay
Starless, Jacqueline Carey
Spinning Silver, Naomi Novik (or perhaps A Deadly Education)
Elantris, Brandon Sanderson
are all adult fantasy that aren’t super hard reads, with a romantic element (my husband told me Brandon Sanderson is too romantic for him lol)
Not stoicism, but some philosophical books I have really enjoyed:
Who Knew: Responsibility Withotu Awareness, George Sher
Mortal Questions, Thomas Nagel
The Concept of the Political, Carl Schmitt
Legends and Lattes.
An {{Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green}}/{{A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor by Hank Green}}! It’s a sci-fi duology with aliens (?), AI, social commentary, mild philosophy, slight mystery, intertwining plot threads, lots of quirky characters. I think this could be a fun intersection of your taste in book and imo there’s a lot to discuss.
Since you mention some reflective leaning things for both of you, maybe you could try the following:
– before the coffee gets cold
– psalm for the wild built
– how to be perfect (especially if you have watched the good place)
Some other wildcard options based on both of your book vibes:
– the house in the cerulean sea
– Circe or Song of Achilles
– 7 and 1/2 deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle (it’s a mystery but there’s truly something for everyone)
– piranesi
The Book That Wouldn’t Burn by Mark Lawrence. Sci-fi/fantasy with a really interesting romance in the background.
My boyfriend has similar tastes as yours and we both enjoyed reading Blake Crouch together! It may seem out of the realm for your girlfriend (I thought it might be for me too) but we both loved RECURSION and DARK MATTER.
We also both have enjoyed the Lincoln Lawyer books (and series on Netflix!) which is more of a legal thriller.
It does sound like your girlfriend’s tastes may go more towards YA or new adult, so you could also try FOURTH WING by Rebecca Yarros which seems to blend both of your tastes.