Top Ten Books You'd Hand To Someone Who Says They Don't Like To Read

 

1. The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery Because I loved this book and I think most people could like this. It is straightforward fiction though, which some people dislike, and some of the ideas in the book are weird and a tad confusing. This is a bit like Jumping into the deep end, even though the water's warm.
2. The Help by Kathryn Stockett Since I could draw them in using the great movie adaptation and then try to get them to read the book too! I actually did this with one of my friends who has never before read an entire book by choice. YAY!
3. The Night Circus by Erin Morenstern I think the person would have tobe someone who liked fantasy films/games but I do think this could be enjoyed by a lot of people. However, I admit that a handful of people might find it boring to read.
4. The Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling Do I need to explain? Huge, well-loved films but everyone thinks the books are better.
5. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Again, I could convince them to read using the trailer for the movie and even possibly use the movie after it is out. Then they will just get the craving to read the books and then happiness ensues.
6. Divergent by Veronica Roth Another book that is really well-loved in the blogosphere so I think it reaches out to and connects with a lot of people. This is definitely something most to all would like.
7. I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore Despite the infamous controversy over this book, it is a good book. It's action packed and extremely film like with its imagery and how one imagines the entire book. If I know someone who like Urban Fantasy films, I try to point them in this book's direction.
8. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams Seriously, they are some of the wittiest, most amazing books I have read. Everything said in the books makes perfect sense when you think logically, but it's all so unreal and bizarre. The person would have to be someone who liked the whimsical and can take things with a pinch of salt, but they are great. 
9. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson Very much an thriller/mystery/adventure/crime and it can appeal to anyone with even a little curiosity. There are some bits that are unpleasant to read, but the author is being honest- if brutally so. And, as a blogger reminded me the other day, Lisbeth really is one of the most amazing and unique heroines out there.
10. The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger I don't think I say how good this book is sometimes, and how much I love it. It's slightly barmy and sometimes slow-paced but it makes for a great read. It reminds me of Romantic Comedy films in the way it is written and I think I'd be safe to recommend it to a few people who would take me seriously. (They can't lend my copy though since my Grandmother has it!!!)

Friday Hop Seize

Q: Define what characteristics your favorite books share. Do they all have a kick ass heroine or is the hot love interest the Alpha Male?

I like books with at least a hint of the fantastical and slightly unbelievable. I do like, as the question asks, a kiss-ass heroine too! It's no fun reading about a meak one slowly struggling through life; someone with attitude, perserverance and willpower is much more interesting for readers. I tend to also like my romance to be slow- and I prefer watching a long period of falling in love then seeing the struggles they face after it. Falling in love is many time more engaging, for me, and the moment of realisation gives me a warm tingle up my spine.

Most books I like also seem to be reasonably long. Something about dedicating a lot of time to a book, and being able to be completely drawn in, are some important qualities. Other little things I like are: a whimsical side character who is humorous, clever and mysterious; the gruff 'teacher' role who helps the protagonist (this is kind of high fantasy exclusive, I think); and I like the main characters slowly learning to control and direct their abilities or skills towards another purpose (I thinking fantasy again here!).

Book Appeal: When you're browsing goodreads, the library, or another blogger's reviews, what grabs your attention to make you want to read it? 

Well, of course, the book cover is the best thing to grab my attention, followed quickly by the title of the book. I think the title is how the author or publisher has thought best to define a book; so it almost sums up the essence of that book in a short phrase or even just one word. For me the author isn't overly important- though I'm persuaded to try something if it is an author I know and like.

When it comes to goodreads or blogs, I also tend to look at the rating- and if it isn't a blogger I'm familiar with I'll scan their past review for books we've both read and see if I agree with what they say their. Goodreads has that handy comparison feature which I tend to utilise in this case. If I don't have much time, I'll also scan their introductory and final paragraph, since they tend to be more of a book overview than other more case-specific paragraphs.

Sometimes, reviewers also compare the books they read with other ones (such as when I've seen Legend compared with Divergent). This has been something that I've seen while going to leave the page, but has stopped me because I think if I liked one, maybe I'll like the other.