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What to get for the girl who doesn’t read?
Posted by Denise on November 29, 2009 under Books, LifeIt’s almost beyond me to imagine a life without the pleasure of books - fiction, non-fiction, whatever. But there’s someone who is very dear to me who doesn’t read - AT ALL! Never has and doesn’t intend to start.
Yeah, I know - the mind absolutely boggles.
I swear black and blue, I’m going to get her reading, make her One of Us. Imagine me burning with missionary zeal.
Every year at Christmas, I buy the young people in my life books. So what will I get for Ms Twenty-One, who doesn’t read? So far, I’ve ordered a copy of the first Stephanie Plum. I reckon that will help.
But what else? What do you all think?
It has to have “instant grab” or she’ll put it down. It also has to appeal to her age group. What do you all think of manga? An anthology? An audio book? Even Twilight? *shudder*
Do you have one book in particular that turned you on to reading? Puhleeese, your recommendations?
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Well first you have to know in what area her interests lie. After that uh…use you imagination….?
All my kids, including neices & nephews, have been encouraged to read from the time they were babies. We (the parents) read to them, took them to libraries, bought books for them….never had a kid who had no desire to read.
I LOVED wind in the willows. Because it was a fanciful, make believe and set in these beautiful meadows.
I remember reading about historical stuff.
We had this old set of Encylapedias and I could be found in a corner with my nose stuck in a volume.
DD who has the love of books flowing in her veins as moi.
DS who loved being read books/stories from day dot but trying to teach him to read was like pulling out figernails.
UNTIL I found that the little I/T munchkin would read anything to do with computer games or how the PC worked. Different story. (excuse the pun)
PC mags and games with instructions was the go.
Now at 25 will BUY and READ his own Novels, and is quite proud to tell.
Yay… the grounding was in there it just took awhile.
Moral of story….. Find out what her interests are first and go from there.
Maybe Ms. Twenty-One just isn’t ready to read yet. I know, that’s a sacrilege to say, but when I was that age I wasn’t a big reader either. *shock, gasp* Me the proclaimed ‘I can’t get my hands on enough books’ didn’t want to touch a book with a ten foot pole (but being made to read and do book reports made me hate it). I was into music and movies. I did read on my own terms sometimes, but the book really had to scream at me. I actually got started reading like a fiend about 4 years ago (yeah, it’s a scary thought I know), but I love it. It may take some time for her to come around, but she will. Put a few different types of books (paranormal, contemporary, urban fantasy, historical, sci-fi and fantasy) in front of her and see which ones she likes best.
If she likes historical stories I would go with a classic like The Bride by Julie Garwood. If she likes a little mystery maybe the In Death series by JD Robb. If she likes paranormal she could try Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh. She may also like JR Ward’s Brotherhood series. There is also the Charlaine Harris Sookie series. She may enjoy the book’s story lines verses the loose adaption TV storylines. I didn’t mention anythinhg by Joey Hill or Tailspin because I figured you may already have considered those options. Suzanne Brockmann has a good line going with her Navy SEALS stories if she doen’t like paranormal. The Eve Duncan series by Iris Johansen are good reads as well.
I buy the “don’t read” types non-fiction. Is she into fashion? maybe a gift subscription? I even gave my nephew a book on diabetes one time. He actually read it - 5 years later - so don’t give up hope.
Same here, Meg. Neither of the kids are quite the bookaholics their parents are, but they do both read. Thank heavens.
Mary, we’re clearly cosmic twins! I adored The Wind in the Willows, in fact, I’m currently rereading it. And yes, I read our encyclopaedias cover to cover too!
Clynax and Jenny both have great suggestions. One of those books should catch her attention and if she like clothes, jewelry, make-up or all of these, a subscription to Vogue, Cosmo, Elle, etc would be just the ticket. There are not many young women who would sneer at looking for great clothes every month for free. Personally, for me a book trumps almost anything, but whatever floats her boat. Good luck with this.
Dani -
Four years ago? Really? 
I’m such an old fuddy-duddy former teacher type, it’s beyond me to imagine someone not reading. But yes, giving her a selection sounds like a good idea.
Thanks, Clynax - a pile of great ideas. JR Ward might be the go, but the idea of the tie-in to a TV series is downright brilliant. Thanks! As for Joey, no don’t think she’s ready for that amazing intensity. And as for my own work - that would squick her out completely, the poor kid!
The True Blood Season 1 box set is a great idea
The character Sookie’s brother Jason, is an actor from Oz - Ryan Kwanten. He’s a hottie - I’d unwrap him any time of year!! 
Jenny, she likes clothes. A sub to a fashion magazine is something I’m seriously considering.
Hi Donna! Yep, think you’re right on the fashion mags. I’ve only seen Ep1 of Season 1 of True Blood and there was so much beefcake I had a hard time concentrating on the story! And ERic hadn’t turned up yet either! Had no idea Kwanten was an Aussie. Ah, we make ‘em good down here!
Let us know how it turns out. I’m sure she will be thrilled with whatever you choose. It is after all, the thought that counts.
If she’s not a reader, don’t hit her with anything long. An anthology of short stories could be a good thing. I’d go for Neil Gaiman - a lot of his stories are off the wall. Also try the steam-punk field. It’s really popular with that age group as well.
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