Apart from a few percentages, most men would rather watch or play a game than read a book. From “It’s too long” to “I don’t want to”, the reason for the lack of interest in reading can be anything. Although it is such a pleasant pastime, you cannot force someone who does not want to read to read. Perhaps this is why books are the last things that come to mind when thinking of the ideal masculine gifts.
It is not easy to buy books for someone who barely reads. Not only do you have to find a suitable genre for them, you also have to find a book that they actually enjoy reading. Here are some book titles, suggested for those non-reading men who reject books for the mere reason that they have no patience:
The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger
About: This is about the teenage angst and alienation of Holden Caulfield, who shares with readers his account of his 24 hours in New York City. Here he realizes that adulthood is nothing more than a farce and he hopes to preserve the innocence of childhood when he grows up.
For whom: First published in 1951, The Catcher in the Rye is one of the most outstanding works of fiction of the 20th century. Originally intended for adult readers, the novel eventually found its way to a more suitable audience, young adults. It was they, and also many adults, who felt that they could recount the agonies of adolescence that the protagonists went through. Brilliantly crafted by Mr. Salinger, the realistic themes and characters make for a believable story for everyone.
Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
About: Taken from Amazon.com, “Set in Italy during World War II, this is the story of the incomparable bombardier and simulator, Yossarian, a hero who is furious that thousands of people he has never met are trying to kill him. Without However, his real problem isn’t the enemy, it’s his own army, which keeps increasing the number of missions men must fly to complete their service, in violation of Catch-22.”
For whom: Men, who are die-hard fans of action, war stories, logic, and dark humor, would definitely treasure this book.
Short Stories of Rabindranath Tagore by Rabindranath Tagore
About: Written sometime between 1891 and 1917 by Tagore, this book compiles sixteen of his short stories, portraying the various human emotions as men and women grapple with the limits of contemporary Hindu society.
For whom: One of India’s greatest writers, poets, painters and musicians, Tagore captures Indian life in all his stories, and this is no different. He doesn’t judge in his stories and readers have to draw their own conclusions. This book is undoubtedly for those who are touched by simple beauty, depth of understanding, and compassion.
Children of Midnight by Salman Rushdie
About: “At the stroke of midnight…” on August 15, 1947, an independent India was born and also Saleem Sinai, the protagonist. He soon realizes that the time of his birth has a direct connection to the event that happens in post-independence India. He also realizes that he has telepathic powers, connecting him to thousands of other children born at midnight on August 15, 1947 and his special powers.
For whom: Filled with magical realism, this book will find instant interest in those who have developed a taste for historical fictions. Salman Rushdie’s vivid narrative method captivates the reader from start to finish.
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
About: Taken from Wikipedia, “Newspaper sports columnist Mitch Albom recounts the time he spent with his 78-year-old sociology professor, Morrie Schwartz, at Brandeis University, who was dying of ALS. … The resulting book describes these fourteen Tuesdays that meet, supplemented by lectures and life experiences by Schwartz and interspersed with flashbacks and allusions to contemporary events.
For whom: It is for men of all ages who have forgotten the true meaning of life and how to live it.
If you’re an avid reader yourself, depriving non-reading loved ones of the immeasurable satisfaction that comes from getting lost in stories doesn’t make you feel good, does it? So, next time you consider books as gifts for men too, which will keep you glued to them till the end. The market is full of ‘page turners’, a term used for books, that are fast, easy to understand and active.