/mom/core

[Anonymous No.15866989]

I told my mother that I’d pick out a fiction book for the two of us to read and discuss. I live in a different state and think it might give us something new to talk about. She doesn’t read much, or if she does, it’s very light non-fiction or magazines. I’m having trouble finding something subject to the following constraints:
1. Not too long
2. Not too complex
3. Not mind-numbingly simple
4. Of some literary value

Any anons have any recommendations? What do you typically recommend to family members who don’t read and aren’t particularly intense about it?

[Anonymous No.15867008]

john williams

[Anonymous No.15867015]

Jonathan Franzen

[Anonymous No.15867020]

>>15866989
"Growth of the Soil" by Knut Hamsun. My mother is coming to visit me soon, and I'm gonna hand it off to her.

[Anonymous No.15867025]

>>15867008
Buffalo crossing?

I don’t think she’d like Stoner

[Anonymous No.15867029]

>>15866989
death of ivan illich

[Anonymous No.15867037]

>>15867015
Which book?(s)

>>15867020
This would normally be a good recommendations, but I’m concerned about my mom’s ability to read non-English names. She’s an older woman and that alone might put her off

[Anonymous No.15867050]

>>15867037
They're like 2 syllable names, though. And there's not that many characters.

Alternatively I know my mom liked "Enchantment" by Orson Scott Card. Very nice light romantic fantasy novel.

[Anonymous No.15867054]

>>15867037
Actually, I take it back. I think all of his novels are at least 500 pages long. They fit the other categories though, and I've talked about a few of them with my mother.

[Anonymous No.15867060]

Maybe something by Atwood? Alias Grace or perhaps The Blind Assassin.

[Anonymous No.15867069]

>>15867054
His first book "Hunger" is very short. Although, it's kind of a frustrating read. The author himself acknowledges through another character that the main character (based on the author) is an idiot.

[Anonymous No.15867070]

>>15866989
Wuthering Heights?

[Anonymous No.15867073]

>>15866989
I would suggest something by Agatha Christie. They fit all your criteria and once she gets used to them she will likely be more open to a book that is a step up in literary quality. My mom loves them.

[Anonymous No.15867107]

>>15867050
I know anon :( it’s sad but it’s the constraints I’m dealing with

I guess I can narrow down the criteria more:
1. English or American names
2. No magical realism or things that can’t be understood using normal intuition

The Atwood books are a good start. Am I crazy for thinking something like Jane Austen could work?

[Anonymous No.15867118]

>>15867107
Christie or Jane Austen sounds fine.

[Anonymous No.15867131]

>>15867073
>>15867118
Any recommendations on where to start with Christie? This is a great idea. I’m afraid Jane Austen might give her flashbacks to high school English.

[Anonymous No.15867159]

>>15867131
And Then There Was None is a pretty traditional starting place.

[Anonymous No.15867177]

>>15867131
I would say The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, And Then There Were None, Murder on the Orient Express, Crooked House, or Dead Man's Folly. I believe my mom started with the first two and now she has read over thirty of her books.

[Anonymous No.15867195]

>>15867159
>>15867177
And then there were none seems to be it then, from a cursory look online it seems to be her most popular as well?

Let’s see if I can get my hands on the original British edition though

[Anonymous No.15867628]

Anthem by Ayn Rand

[Anonymous No.15867639]

>>15867628
It´s very easy to follow and refreshens the dystopia genre. Besides, I´m sure you can argue that this book represents our society nowadays

[Anonymous No.15867731]

>>15866989
The Girl on the Train is fun and mom-core

[Anonymous No.15868112]

>>15867073
>>15867118
>>15867131
>>15867159
>>15867177

Christie is a great pick--i think these anons are right on. And Then There Were None is a great intro, but it lacks one of Christie's major detectives (Marple or Poirot) that might add staying power to your rec. Murder of Roger Ackroyd/Orient Express might be better if you want to pursue this angle.