Updated Jul 06, 2025

10 Good Books For People Who Hate Reading

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— Discover the undeniable charms of literature with our beautifully curated list of 10 good books for people who hate reading - tailored to charm even the most reading-averse individuals. Dive in and let these compelling tales reignite your textual tango!

Combining magic, mysticism, wisdom and wonder into an inspiring tale of self-discovery, The Alchemist has become a modern classic, selling millions of copies around the world and transforming the lives of countless readers across generations. Paulo Coelho's masterpiece tells the mystical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure. His quest will lead him to riches far different—and far more satisfying—than he ever imagined. Santiago's journey teaches us about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, of recognizing opportunity and learning to read the omens strewn along life's path, and, most importantly, to follow our dreams.

Our favourite quote from The Alchemist

When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.

A true classic of twentieth-century literature, this edition has been updated by Fitzgerald scholar James L.W. West III to include the author’s final revisions and features a note on the composition and text, a personal foreword by Fitzgerald’s granddaughter, Eleanor Lanahan—and a new introduction by two-time National Book Award winner Jesmyn Ward.The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s third book, stands as the supreme achievement of his career. First published in 1925, this quintessential novel of the Jazz Age has been acclaimed by generations of readers. The story of the mysteriously wealthy Jay Gatsby and his love for the beautiful Daisy Buchanan, of lavish parties on Long Island at a time when The New York Times noted “gin was the national drink and sex the national obsession,” it is an exquisitely crafted tale of America in the 1920s.

Our favourite quote from The Great Gatsby

So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.

They are an unlikely pair: George is "small and quick and dark of face"; Lennie, a man of tremendous size, has the mind of a young child. Yet they have formed a "family," clinging together in the face of loneliness and alienation. Laborers in California's dusty vegetable fields, they hustle work when they can, living a hand-to-mouth existence. For George and Lennie have a plan: to own an acre of land and a shack they can call their own.

When they land jobs on a ranch in the Salinas Valley, the fulfillment of their dream seems to be within their grasp. But even George cannot guard Lennie from the provocations of a flirtatious woman, nor predict the consequences of Lennie's unswerving obedience to the things George taught him. "A thriller, a gripping tale . . . that you will not set down until it is finished. Steinbeck has touched the quick." —The New York Times

Our favourite quote from Of Mice and Men

Maybe ever’body in the whole damn world is scared of each other.

The first rule about fight club is you don't talk about fight club.

In his debut novel, Chuck Palahniuk showed himself to be his generation's most visionary satirist. Fight Club's estranged narrator leaves his lackluster job when he comes under the thrall of Tyler Durden, an enigmatic young man who holds secret boxing matches in the basement of bars. There two men fight "as long as they have to." A gloriously original work that exposes what is at the core of our modern world.

Our favourite quote from Fight Club

It's only after we've lost everything that we're free to do anything.

The "brilliant, funny, meaningful novel" (The New Yorker) that established J. D. Salinger as a leading voice in American literature--and that has instilled in millions of readers around the world a lifelong love of books.

"If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you'll probably want to know is where I was born, and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don't feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth.

"The hero-narrator of The Catcher in the Rye is an ancient child of sixteen, a native New Yorker named Holden Caufield. Through circumstances that tend to preclude adult, secondhand description, he leaves his prep school in Pennsylvania and goes underground in New York City for three days.

Our favourite quote from The Catcher in the Rye

What really knocks me out is a book that, when you're all done reading it, you wish the author that wrote it was a terrific friend of yours and you could call him up on the phone whenever you felt like it. That doesn't happen much, though.

Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning masterwork of honor and injustice in the deep South—and the heroism of one man in the face of blind and violent hatred.

One of the most cherished stories of all time, To Kill a Mockingbird has been translated into more than forty languages, sold more than forty million copies worldwide, served as the basis for an enormously popular motion picture, and was voted one of the best novels of the twentieth century by librarians across the country. A gripping, heart-wrenching, and wholly remarkable tale of coming-of-age in a South poisoned by virulent prejudice, it views a world of great beauty and savage inequities through the eyes of a young girl, as her father—a crusading local lawyer—risks everything to defend a black man unjustly accused of a terrible crime.

Our favourite quote from To Kill a Mockingbird

You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.

The first novel in the worldwide bestselling series by Suzanne Collins!

Winning means fame and fortune. Losing means certain death. The Hunger Games have begun. . . .

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before-and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

Our favourite quote from The Hunger Games

You don’t forget the face of the person who was your last hope.

A bestselling modern classic—both poignant and funny—about a boy with autism who sets out to solve the murder of a neighbor's dog and discovers unexpected truths about himself and the world.

Christopher John Francis Boone knows all the countries of the world and their capitals and every prime number up to 7,057. He relates well to animals but has no understanding of human emotions. He cannot stand to be touched. And he detests the color yellow.

This improbable story of Christopher's quest to investigate the suspicious death of a neighborhood dog makes for one of the most captivating, unusual, and widely heralded novels in recent years.

Our favourite quote from The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

I think prime numbers are like life. They are very logical but you could never work out the rules, even if you spent all your time thinking about them.
Join the adventure with "The Bad Beginning" by Lemony Snicket, the first book in the groundbreaking "A Series of Unfortunate Events". It sets the stage for the tumultuous ordeal of the Baudelaire siblings, who face the cruelty of Count Olaf after losing their parents. Perfect for children and adults alike seeking depth amidst delightful darkness, this captivating series offers profound life lessons woven within its twists and turns. The book masterfully balances humor with tragedy, questions innocence, and explores complex themes like resilience, hope, and the quest for truth. Expect a challenging emotional journey, unforgettable characters, and a taste of Snicket's unique narrative style. Experience a profound narrative that's not just about enduring life's hardships, but about finding the strength to succeed against all odds. Dive into this irresistible, intriguing world—your journey with the Baudelaire siblings is just a page away.

Our favourite quote from The Bad Beginning

If you are interested in stories with happy endings, you would be better off reading some other book.
Dive into J.K. Rowling's "Very Good Lives", a life-changing exploration of overcoming failure and finding personal power. This inspiring gem, filled with Rowling's enlightening wisdom, is derived from her classic commencement speech at Harvard University. Unearth indispensable lessons about embracing challenges, cultivating resilience, and unlocking the limitless potential within you. Perfect for Harry Potter fans and self-help readers alike, this powerful narrative serves as a beacon of hope. Rowling's captivating prose will propel you forward into a bright future, armed with the strength to create your very good life.

Our favourite quote from Very Good Lives

It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all - in which case, you fail by default.

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