10 Books for People Who Don’t Like to Read

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While it may be hard for book lovers to fathom, there are quite a few people out there who don’t like to read.

This is actually understandable, since many of our first experiences with books are with the ones we’re forced to read in school.

Maybe you didn’t have a good experience with those, and never got around to exploring other books that are more in line with your taste.

Maybe you have a hard time visualizing stories or staying focused. But whatever your issues with reading are, I’m sure there’s a book out there that’s right for you.

Books for People Who Don’t Like to Read

In this post, we’ve rounded up 10 books to try if you don’t like to read, or to gift to a friend who doesn’t usually like reading.

1. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is a great pick if you enjoy sci-fi, fantasy, or comedy films. It’s a funny, witty, but also pretty simple and straightforward read.

The book follows Arthur Dent as he tries to navigate the galaxy after Earth is destroyed by aliens. Armed with a towel, a small yellow fish, and a book that’s aptly titled The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Arthur must find his way through a hostile universe.

2. The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway

If you were forced to read this in high school and almost died of boredom, feel free to move on. But then again, maybe you’ll find that this short book deserves a second chance.

The Old Man and the Sea is an easy read, in Hemingway’s classic, simple prose. It tells of an old Cuban fisherman and his relentless, agonizing battle with a giant marlin far out in the Gulf Stream. But, it can also mean a lot more if you want it to. Either way, it’s worth trying out, since it’s just over 100 pages.

3. Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris

Me Talk Pretty One Day is a collection of essays by David Sedaris as he hilariously recounts his attempts to learn French at the mercy of a sadistic teacher.

Since these are essays, the book is easy to read in chunks or short spurts, and Sedaris’ humor is sure to win over even the most reluctant readers.

4. Lies My Teacher Told Me by James W. Loewen

For anyone who was suspicious of the texts they were forced to read in school, Lies My Teacher Told Me explores how some historical myths continue to be perpetuated.

From the truth about Columbus’s historic voyages to 9/11 and the Iraq War, Professor James Loewen revives our history and aims to restore its relevance.

5. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist is often hailed as a life-changing book, and many even consider this novel a self-help book. It tells the magical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy whose prophetic dream send him to the Egyptian desert, where he seeks out an alchemist who will lead him to a secret treasure.

Along the way, he discovers the wisdom of listening to his heart, learning to recognize life’s omens, and following his dreams. It’s a perfect read for those who seek meaningful stories with lessons, or for those who are curious about self-help but find nonfiction boring.

6. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

If you think classic books are boring, you probably haven’t read The Great Gatsby. Full of drama, romance, and extravagant parties, there’s hardly a dull moment.

Fitzgerald tells the story of the mysteriously wealthy Jay Gatsby, his love for the beautiful Daisy Buchanan, and his pursuit of the elusive “American Dream” in 1920s Long Island.

7. Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur

If you’re curious about poetry but find it intimidating or don’t know where to start, this collection of contemporary poems by Rupi Kaur is a great introduction.

Spread across four chapters, these poems of life’s bittersweet moments are short, so you can easily read just a few at a time if you wish.

8. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Eleanor & Park is a book that will resonate not only with teens, but also adults who recall what it was like to fall in love the first time.

Eleanor and Park are two 16-year-old misfits who meet on a school bus in 1986. As they grow closer, Eleanor fears that Park will realize her problems at home. Both of them know that first loves rarely last, but they’re both brave enough to try.

9. Dear Martin by Nic Stone

If you’re looking for a novel that reflects current social issues, Dear Martin offers a gripping and thought-provoking narrative.

The book follows Justyce McAllister, an honor student who was trying to stop his ex-girlfriend from driving home drunk when he was arrested by a white cop.

To deal with the judgment from his peers, Justyce begins writing letters to the late Martin Luther King Jr. Later, Justyce and his best friend, Manny are involved in another altercation with a white off-duty cop, but this time shots are fired. In the media fallout, it’s Justyce who is under attack.

10. 50 Great Short Stories by Milton Crane (Editor)

Short stories are great for hesitant readers, since you don’t have to make a big commitment to one story.

In this collection, you’ll find 50 of the best short stories, from Edgar Allen Poe to Ernest Hemingway to Katherine Anne Porter.

How Do You Read a Book If You Don’t Enjoy Reading?

You might think you don’t enjoy reading, but I”ll bet you love a good story—whether it plays out on cinema screens, your TV, or in a song.

The key to learning to enjoy reading is finding the medium and types of stories that work for you. For example, with audiobooks, you don’t even have to technically read to get all the benefits of a great book!

The rest is about finding books that you enjoy, and not forcing yourself to suffer through a story that just isn’t working for you.

For more tips, check out our guides on how to enjoy reading and how to read more books.

Did you find this post helpful? Let us know in the comments below!

 

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