My husband says that he cannot read a book because when he puts it down and then picks it up again the next day he can’t remember the story. I love reading and would like to show him that that really isn’t true with a well written book . I want to give reading a try . He likes watching the Lincoln Lawyer , Suits, CSI etc . ., I have Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. I haven’t read it yet but was thinking it may be a good start for him. Any book suggestions or thoughts of his reason for not wanting to read?
by AnnieRx
2 Comments
This is actually a really common issue, and it’s usually not about disliking reading — it’s about books that punish you for putting them down.
Project Hail Mary is a great instinct. Andy Weir writes in very short, clear sequences, and the book constantly re-orients you, so if you stop for a day or two you’re not lost. It reads almost like a TV series.
Based on his liking The Lincoln Lawyer, Suits, CSI, etc., I’d lean toward books that work well in short, restart-friendly chunks:
• The Lincoln Lawyer (Michael Connelly) – obvious pick, but for good reason. Tight chapters, procedural structure, easy to drop back into.
• True and Absurd Lawsuits – even though it’s nonfiction, it honestly reads like fiction. Each chapter is a self-contained legal case, so you can read a few pages, stop, come back days later, and you don’t have to remember anything. If he likes legal shows, he’ll probably enjoy the cases and the way they’re told — relaxed, clear, and often a bit humorous.
• The Firm (John Grisham) – very accessible, strong momentum, and chapters that naturally pull you forward without being dense.
• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time – short chapters, very focused voice, and extremely easy to re-enter after a break.
A lot of people who say they “can’t read” just haven’t found books that respect how they actually read. Once that clicks, the resistance usually disappears.
That would definitely be a good start. It’s quick and funny.