I have never read a book!

[owas]

I'm not joking, I am 26 years old and have never read a full novel/book other than a few children's book to my kids.
The reason is, the year I got to high school we moved to North Wales, where its first language Welsh, then I was diagnosed dyslexic. A lot of people don't realise dyslexia (which I had to google to spell) comes in different forms, it can be late time keeping, bad spelling, bad maths, fear of reading and righting etc.
So then going through high school, where I should be reading of mice and men, I was doing basic catch up stuff and leaning to speak Welsh.
Of course in my teens it wasn't cool to read, it was the x-box, then the kids came along and late nights working so never really got round to reading a full novel. I tried reading a book about MI5 stuff which I enjoy, but I soon got bored of reading it, ending up skipping lines, shimming through and didn't finish it. I know its really wrong, it may even help my spelling and grammar, and I am going in to town next week, to find a good book (and read it) so any suggestions?
I think I'm starting to worry about this stuff, and also the fact I cant do all my times tables as my daughter really enjoys reading and maths and shes only six.
I am not really ashamed by this, I figure what I am good at in life, do it good, do it hard and people wont notice the stuff I cant do.

 

[simon field]

Hi owas.

For a first read (and to get you hooked) I'd recommend George Orwell.

Either: 1984, Down and out in Paris and London, or Keep the Aspidistra Flying.

For comedy value : Vernon God Little by DBC Pierre or The Throwback by Tom Sharpe.

Enjoy!

 

[Nuno]

Barrington Stoke are publishers who specialise in printing books that are dyslexic friendly.
They have an adult range which might be worth looking at as a starting point.
You might also enquire at your local college and community centre about any reading groups for people in your position.
If you want more PM me as I have a friend who is a dyslexia specialist teacher, and she might well know where to look..
HTH

 

[trebor8]

Ahh, Of Mice and Men, I wouldn't mind reading that again

Not reading a book, you could be missing out.

A book I'd recommend 'A Million Little Pieces' unbelievably true?
or 'The Firm' - book and movie been out for a number of years.
Both are gripping reads and draws your imagination into the characters right to the end

The Ragged Trousered Philanthropist - not an easy read, esp, the earliest versions and is a big book but if you get into it, it will lift your heart and spirit a fair few notches.

Throughout school, my History was quite poor, it just didn't grab my attention (I was mostly asleep).
Knowing my History was poor, a friend bought me 'Our Island Story' . It's geared towards younger age groups, but this makes it an easy and fascinating read for Adults like me who couldn't be bothered with it at school

I believe you've a website, thus an interest in all things SEO? it maybe your knowledge of the subject matter is suffice but I thought 'The Art of SEO' was another easy, very informative read and still in the most part relevant today.

 

[Root 66 Woodshop]

Look for:

Slambash Wangs of a Compo Gormer


A cracking book, that will keep you inside all day.

 

[Henry Osadzinski]

I'd second the Orwell recommendation Down & Out is especially good - his writing is straightforward and easy to take in whilst still being inventive and entertaining. I find myself skipping over long passages in books when they lose my attention too but it wasn't a problem there. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley is similar in style if you're interested in some classic sci-fi.

Do let us know what you pick!

 

[paulyg]

The Phantom Tollbooth was one of my favourite books as a kid, maybe you could read it with your children?

I'd also recommend The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nightime by Mark Haddon.

 

[Root 66 Woodshop]

Trebor - you've thanked my post - Does that mean you've read it?

It's a belter, and for someone who has never read a book in their life I honestly think it's a good starter don't you think?

 

[Jeff FV]

A couple of other suggestions:

As you say you started reading a couple MI5 books, have you considered reading any of the James Bond books? They're better than the films - perhaps a little dated now, but 'romping good yarns' that'll keep you hooked.

The Flashman series are also a great read - light hearted, funny, exciting. They chart the life time of a Victorian Gentleman Cad. I think you'd enjoy them.

Paulyg above recommended "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime" - I can second that recommendation.

or, of course, the Harry Potter series. I'd start with first - numbers 4 & 5 are a bit bloated and could do with 150 pages being edited out - but they are readable, accessible and transcend age ranges: read equally by adults and children.

HTH

Jeff

 

[owas]

thanks for the recommendations. When I read the reviews of these books they all seem really good, and must haves. I have looked at the "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time" and have ordered this to start of with.

 

[Barnie]

i was in the same position as you, leaving school barely read anything, this was due to the fact i hated was was forced up me during school. 10 years later i found a book in my brothers bedroom. "Mr nice"howard marks. i couldnt put the book down. very clever bloke. this would be my recommendation.


i do not to read fiction at all, crime books based on true events i enjoy. some autobiography are great, some are **** though.

first book i read