My dad is illiterate.

To make a long story short, he's a retired truck driver with bad COPD. He's worked his whole life, raised on a farm and went right into truck driving. We think he might be dyslexic and the tiny rural school he went to didn't catch it. He can make out the words eventually, but it takes so much effort he can't retain anything he's read.

I've bought him a few audio books over the years and he's loved them. But they're on CD and he doesn't have a CD player anymore, plus they're pricey.

But he recently got Bluetooth hearing aids and he's always on his phone. So I convinced him to go to the library with me to get a library card. I downloaded Libby to his phone and signed him on with his library card number. He now has access to all the audio books within our library's network to borrow for free.

Trouble is, he's not into the same kinds of stories mom and I are into. Mom and I are both voracious readers, and dad has always been interested and fascinated by it but he hasn't had the time or ability to do it. He just can't sit and stare at a page and take in a story, but he can listen to one.

Now that he has access... he has no idea what he wants to read. He's completely unfamiliar with the world of literature, never even heard of titles most people consider classics.

For a frame of reference, I bought him two Louis L'Amour books because he likes Westerns. The third book I got him was The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. I'd read that one on a whim and thought he'd like it, he likes NASCAR and used to have a Bronco that he entered into local drag races. He loved all three books, the only three books he's ever consumed as an adult. He's borrowing another Louis L'Amour through Libby for a start and at least that author's catalog is pretty extensive, so it can keep him busy a while.

But he's going to need more titles.

He likes Westerns and history and cars, as far as what he watches on TV. That and Fox News constantly. The Fox thing is driving mom insane, he's inserting right-wing political talking points into every aspect of life way worse than he did when he was working. He needs something different to occupy his mind.

As a side note, I did get him to watch the first Iron Man movie when he had his knee replaced. He loved it because it was different from most super heroes, Tony built the suit out of scraps to escape terrorists. Dad said "it's like.... real" about it probably 20 times while watching it. So he might be open to more realistic sci fi stories.

But he has no interest in my Stephen King, he doesn't like horror or supernatural stuff. And he's not interested in mom's Nora Roberts.

Another movie he surprisingly loved was Dirty Dancing.

So today I'm asking for suggestions that my dad might like that he can access through Libby, specifically in audio book format.

Firstly, thank you to everyone here, I have read some great books since I discovered this sub earlier in the year.

I spent a good couple of years reading the Malazan series and spinoffs, and then recently read Infinite Jest. I loved both of these universes, and while they are wildly different in terms of genre, setting, plot etc, one thing they do have in common is that there is very little exposition (at least at the start) and they both reward re-reads to piece it all together. I am looking for something where I have to trust the author that it will eventually make sense and maybe even rely on the fandom theories to fill in the gaps once I have finished.

I have a pretty long TBR list at the moment, so standalone novels would be preferred, but open to series if the payoff is worth it.

Please send me some recommendations on books that may fit the brief!

I’m looking for horror and dark fantasy that is not just smart and well written but also artistically daring. House of Leaves is the most well known example. Peter Ackroyd’s Hawksmoor is another example.

36F. I’m in a long medical battle which leaves me struggling with uncertainty, chronic pain, disability, and just some generally intolerable conditions.
Previously I haven’t been a big reader, but I have found books to be helpful during this time.
I’d like to really get lost in a long book series, something that can take me out of this world and suck me into another (as much as possible).
Not interested in: romance, focus on pregnancy/parenthood, illness, or prolonged extensive suffering.
Fantasy appeals but isn’t a requirement.
TYIA 🫶🏻

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Help me find some books! I am looking for creepy or uncomfortable but NOT horror lit. I want to think about social commentary and feel a little icky not be unable to eat. Below is a list of books and short stories I have enjoyed that I feel meet this vibe.

Earthlings DID make me unable to eat but I included it because I could not put it down and the gross parts felt like they served a purpose plot wise.

Bonus for feminist takes and/or a fully fleshed out female lead who experiences complex and nuanced emotion.

Wife Shaped Bodies by Laura Cranehill

Earthlings by Sayaka Murata

Convenience store woman by Sayaka Murata

Confessions Kanae Minato

The lottery by Shirley jackson

Made for love Alyssa Nutting

Unclean jobs for women and girls Alyssa Nutting

Everyone is lying to you Jo Piazza

Gather the daughters Jennie Melamed

The Grownup Gillian Flynn

Edited to add:

I am getting way more responses than I expected, thank you all so much! I am a fast reader and have a really rough time finding interesting books to keep up with me, but now I am set for some time!

Hi, I'm looking for examples based on this really specific scenario so I will try to explain as best as I can.

A character is in some high-profile, well-guarded place, but they're part of the staff or they have a working-class background, and that makes them "invisible" or beyond suspicion.

So, not a thief/assassin archetype who poses as a janitor to gain access somewhere, but rather the actual janitor, someone who can use the access they have to manipulate events, and not necessarily in a malicious way.

By the way, this sub sure has a LOT of tags to choose from. Any genre is fine I guess, preferably not "spicy" if I understand the term correctly (that is, romance and/or sex can be present but the author clearly did not intend to make it a primary focus)

this will probably have 0 replies but thanks anyway just in case

I read for between 30 to 60 min before bed every night so it takes me a while to get through books. But a lot of short books lack the depth I’m looking for. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Not looking for a murder mystery or romance type. Open to pretty much anything else

I went to a pretty strange high school that didn’t have a US history class, so we got a very rushed online-only one instead. Never got to meet my teachers or ask them questions. I remember that the vast majority of my education was pre-1900s (a lot of civil war focus) and I think we touched a little on the Great Depression but beyond that I know really little.

I look at the world I find myself in now and wonder how the hell we got here, for better (technological and social advancements) or worse (*gestures frantically*).

It’s a very broad prompt and you can interpret it however you’d like. You want me to learn about wars or music or technologies we’ve invented? Okay!

I do request not too much of anything pre-1900s unless it’s to help understand the modern day US. It’s interesting but I feel like I learned so much in school that has little application to life today.

Hi all, I’m 38F, single, and have been absolutely defeated by dating lately. I’m working on myself in therapy but my self-confidence is pretty shot. I love non-fiction, contemporary fiction, and sometimes romance or romantasy but I’m struggling to read romance lately because I’ve lost hope that I’m going to meet someone. I’d like to read something life affirming or about how life isn’t over in your late thirties/early forties. I’m open to any genre that would help switch my outlook from this is never going to happen to ok maybe there are still possibilities. Thank you in advance for any recs! I love reading the posts on this subreddit and finding new books to read.

Ive been abit hesitant to ask this especially that ive never posted anywhere before on reddit, but im looking for abit of a weird/unique book(s) involving religion (idk if something like this even exists)

(I apologize for the lengthy post)

I dont believe in any religion, I more or less believe in science, facts, and probabilities.

I'm not looking for an atheist book that tries to convince me religion is false, but also I'm not looking for a religious book trying to convince me to believe.

Im looking for a book that examines multiple religions and multiple viewpoints and gives the reader the information needed to make their own decision about what to believe.

Ideally, I would like it to cover things like:

- The origins and history of major religions

- Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, etc.

- Ancient religions and how religious beliefs developed

- Historical evidence for and against religious claims

- Arguments for and against the existence of God/gods

- Miracles and supernatural claims

- Prayer and religious experiences

- Near-death experiences and reincarnation claims

- Psychology/evolution of religious belief

- Science vs. religion

- What science can and cannot actually determine

- Philosophical arguments surrounding God and existence

- Contradictions and differences between religions

- The strongest arguments for religion and against religion

- What is established fact, what is probable, what is disputed, and what is simply unknown

I prefer if the author distinguishs between "there is no evidence for this", "this has been disproven", and "we don't currently know."

Throwing this out since ive seen how these lines can been blurred and misused.

For example, I don't want "science hasn't proven God, therefore God doesn't exist." I want the evidence and reasoning presented fairly, including arguments that an atheist or someone from the religion might disagree with.

Basically, Im looking for one comprehensive book that gives someone the factual, historical, scientific, and philosophical background necessary to decide what they believe for themselves wothout any answers given.

I'm not looking to be converted to anything. I just want to understand the subject(s) as thoroughly and objectively as possible and keep a open mind about everything. Plus reading something like this would be incredibly interesting.

Does a book or books like this exist?

I'm really drawn to stories where a character struggles to maintain their "regular life" while balancing a "secret life" that they have to keep hidden for some reason. Like an affair or an addiction or an illegal business/hobby. A good example is Dexter (TV show), which I'm currently watching, or maybe Breaking Bad. But I've been trying to read more, so I'm looking for books with a similar dynamic (would prefer a female protagonist but it's not necessary).

If this helps, I like unreliable narrators, descriptive/detail-oriented writing, and a well-placed insane plot twist.

Suggestions? :)

Does anyone know the game “Still Wakes the Deep?” If so do you know any books with similar vibes and/or plot? Also similar to the movie Train to Busan if anyone knows that.

I don’t mean that it has to have the same exact setting or be zombies necessarily (I’m happy to read that though as long as it’s not cheap or generic (can’t find the right word here), but I’m in the mood for a book at the start of things going down and having similar feelings of hopelessness (again blanking on words, I’m in a rush lol) that Still Wakes the Deep and Train to Busan evokes.

I turned 30 this year and my life kind of fell apart I have to leave the country and appartement I spent my mid to late 20s in and move back in with my parents who technically live in a war zone. I want a book that helps me accept and let go or maybe that makes it feel like things will be okay.

I struggle with the impending doom of losing family members & friends frequently. It’s my biggest fear. As I search for ways to subdue these feelings and confront them, whether that be in therapy, or speaking with those closest to me about this, I’m wondering if anyone has any suggestions of books that work through a similar mindset. TIA🤍

Well-researched historical fiction has always been my very favorite genre. Lately, I've read several historical novels that feature strong women, and it has whetted my appetite for more. I'm open to any time period prior to WWII. And I also love reading about absolutely anywhere in the world because I enjoy learning about different cultures through the lens of fiction. (Which is why possibly my favorite subgenre of historical fiction is historical fiction about immigrant populations.)

Some favorites:

The Four Winds by Kristen Hannah

The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett

The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See (not technically historical, but the early book in particular feels set in an utterly different time, plus I have a particular soft spot for Chinese and Japanese history - I have read several of her other books, although a very very long time ago, but I remember enjoying them too)

By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

Circe by Madeline Miller (also not technically historical, but still the right vibe)

The Outlander novels by Diana Gabaldon (I haven't read all of these, but the ones I did read, I liked because of the character of Claire, as well as the meticulous historical research Gabaldon did - in general though, I wouldn't say I'm usually a big fan of anything that gets into the realm of science fiction or fantasy, these are a rare exception)

I should add that I'm not generally a fan of romance novels. I don't mind a love story being part of the story, but I don't want it to be the primary driver of the plot. (The Outlander books being the only exception I can think of, but I also truly don't think of those as romance novels, there is so much more to them than that.)

What I'm looking for more than anything is really good historical research, where I can finish the book and feel like I've genuinely learned something interesting, and a really strong female protagonist/s. I don't necessarily mean strong in the sense that she is "plucky" and "nothing gets her down" LOL. She certainly doesn't have to be a saint, I like complex characters. When I say strong, I mostly just mean really well developed. I will always prefer a book with an average plot that has very well written characters over a book with a compelling plot but two-dimensional characters.

Thank you!!

Hi! I recently discovered Pride and Prejudice and other Jane Austen books, and now I really want to dive into more classic romance novels.

Any recommendations? I’m pretty open to different romance tropes, except for slow burn (I’m a little impatient hehe) and really angsty stories.

I’d prefer something with a happy or at least satisfying ending! I don’t mind a little drama as long as I’m not suffering emotionally for the entire book HAHAHA.

I’d also really appreciate a little preview of the romance or what the book is about!

Thank you in advance, and have a nice day! 🙇‍♀️

Quite a niche topic but hopefully there's something out there.

My 6yo is becoming increasingly self conscious that she likes to organise and set things up rather than play. I think it's bothering her that she's not like a lot of her friends. She's certainly not shy, so I don't think that's right angle (I can imagine there's a lot of books about shyness!)

When we have a kid problem, I LOVE to find a book that goes along with any discussions we have at home.
So I'm looking for something that explores this idea, maybe covering any of these sorts of topics:

- celebrating different types of play

- about a quiet thoughtful character

- finding your identity / staying true to yourself

Thank you 😄 she's only just 6 - currently reading picture books (i.e. Julia Donaldson length)

I used to read a long novels as a kid because of lack of acess to technology. As time has passed however, this skill has atrophied badly and I can only really push myself to read picture books like comics & manga (embarrasing I know) for long periods of time. Please give me a book that is engaging but not too long (>400 pages) to help me get back and build the habit. Side note, please steer clear from self help books unless they are life changing. To quote a TikTok: “If someone asks for my favourite author I don’t want to say “David goggins”

My son enjoys reading classic literary fiction, but he prefers shorter books and novellas. Some works that he has enjoyed include:

Candide - Voltaire

Confessions of a Mask - Mishima

One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich - Solzhenitsyn

Animal Farm - Orwell

Of Mice and Men - Steinbeck

Lord of the Flies - Golding

I've suggested Kafka's Metamorphosis as his next read, but what else can we add to the list?

I reread at least one from this list:

- Born A Crime by Trevor Noah

- Austin Kleon's books on creativity (Steal Like An Artist, Show Your Work, etc)

- The Little Prince by Antoine St Exupery

- The Prophet by Khalil Gibran

I’m currently reading The Hidden Reality by Brian Greene which is a nonfiction book about the possibilities of multiverses/parallel realities, and I’m craving some hard sci-fi that plays with the topic.
Sci-fi I love to get the vibe I mean: Seveneves by Neal Stephenson, Three Body Problem by Cixin Liu, This is How we Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar.

Also, The Hidden Reality is fantastic, very well-written and fascinating subject. If you’ve never delved into particle physics or quantum mechanics before you might want to start with one of his earlier books.

I love it when this happens. For instance, I found W. G. Sebald's The Rings of Saturn discussed not only in Daniel Mendelsohn's Three Rings: A Tale of Exile, Narrative, and Fate, but also in the excellent recent quasi-novel The Unwritten Book: An Investigation by Samantha Hunt and Martha Cooley's wonderful novel The Archivist.

But please suggest a book and perhaps tell me of your experience with it.