12 Perfect Book Recommendations for People Who Don’t Like Reading

There is something inherently scary about recommending books to friends who don’t LOVE reading. It feels like the hypothetical future that consists of them possibly enjoying reading, rest’s entirely in your hands, and if you don’t pick the perfect book for them…well, then they’re doomed. I don’t make the rules.

We will never be able to ALWAYS pick the perfect book for our non-reading friends but I have personally had a lot of success with recommending the following. If you are a non-reader who is looking for a recommendation for themselves, please let me know if you enjoyed any of these, or comment down below if you are looking for more suggestions! I would love to talk books!

YA Books for people who don’t like reading

The Hunger Games

This is a YA classic for a reason. This book essentially launched the careers of hundreds of YA authors after it, and helped solidify the YA dystopian genre. The emotion is palpable throughout the whole book which helps readers make a connection to the characters. You can’t help but want to know what happens next in this intense dystopian thriller based around pitting children against each other in a killer “game show” arena.

The Fault in Our Stars

This is another book that draws on your emotions and whether you are a book fanatic, or just getting into reading for pleasure, you will connect with this book. I am warning you now that you will need tissues with you while reading. This is the story of one teen girl’s journey with cancer, and the connections she makes.

Crave

This is a fast moving, imaginative, purely here for entertainment purposes YA Fantasy series. I think it’s safe to say that everyone has had either a vampire, werewolf, or supernatural phase of some kind at least once in their life and this will speak to that phase. Sometimes you just need to read something fun. 

*Related Post: Books to read if you love Twilight

We Were Liars

There is an underlying mystery in this book that you will feel compelled to figure out, and the plot twist is amazing. I have heard some criticism, saying that it was “predictable”, and maybe it was, but if you aren’t actively reading mysteries every day then I think this one will surprise you. 

Related Posts: Booktok Popular Books

Harry Potter

This series touched the hearts of millions of readers and it is one of the most creative fantasy worlds to ever exist. The greatest thing about this series is that it is perfect for all ages. It will literally touch on every single emotion and will have you laughing one second, and then sobbing uncontrollably the next.

If you are wanting to start this series but do not want to support J.K Rowling by purchasing the books then consider buying them from your local used bookstore.

Adult books to read if you don’t like reading 

Gone Girl

This book, and then movie, took the world by storm and was a bestseller for quite a while. The drama and intrigue is INTENSE here and you won’t be able to look away. Meaning, this is a very bingeable book. I personally didn’t feel like it was the most unique thriller ever written, and my favorite Gillian Flynn book is Dark Places, but there is just something mainstream about this thriller that appeals to a large variety of readers.

It Ends with Us

Colleen Hoover has become extremely popular over the last year with Booktok, but I do believe that there is a reason for that. I have read 5 of her books, some I liked a lot and some I didn’t. This is the one that I feel is most universal, and is best suited to non readers. Just like the Fault in Our Stars, you should bring tissues. I do want to admit that this is NOT my favorite Colleen Hoover book though. I would personally recommend both Verity and Reminders of Him over It Ends with Us.

The Hating Game

This is the first contemporary romance that I ever read and It helped launch me into the genre. It’s got an enemies to lovers trope, office romance, amazing banter and it’s just pure fun! It is steamy, but the steam doesn’t take up the whole plot and I feel like a lot of people will enjoy reading it.

*Related Post: Steamy Contemporary Romances

A Court of Thorns and Roses

This is one of the books that most “bookstagrammers” will attribute to getting them back into their love of reading. It’s got action, romance, a classic fairytale vibe, witty characters, witty dialogue, and a cast of characters you can’t help but fall in love with. This is for fans of the movie The Princess Bride.

*Related posts: smutty fae Fantasy books and What to read after binge reading A Court of Silver Flames

Dial A for Aunties

I absolutely love this book! It’s part mystery, part rom com and it’s completely ridiculous in all the best ways. The characters are hilarious and endearing and it’s a book you can read in one sitting if you have the time. Meddelin will need all the help she can get with trying to hide a body while at a wedding…

*Related posts: Unique Murder Mysteries with a twist

The Time Traveler’s Wife

This book is timeless in my opinion and perfect for people who want a little of everything in their reading. This book is a fictional memoir of a time traveler and his wife. It has moments of comedy and moments of heartbreak, but it is one of the most beautiful books I have read to date. Check out both the movie and the new tv series to make comparisons too!