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8 Books For People Who Just Don't Read Books

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Book Ideas for People Who Don't Like to Read

Non-readers. They lurk among us. Some people just don't read books. It's not that they have anything against them, they just aren't drawn to them. So why buy them a book? Because they would like it. Even if they aren't drawn to buying a book of their own, and even if they aren't traveling to the library, that doesn't mean that they won't enjoy a book.....if you pick the right one.

Now, don't go buying them a 500 page novel. That will scare them off, and they will roll their eyes at your gift (if only on the inside). Remember, you are getting them something they would enjoy, not a life lesson. It is not your job of place to try to turn them into a reader. Simply present them with something that would entertain them. It's best to go with a book that is on a topic they would really enjoy - one that is filled with great images as well as text, and one that is captivating.

Photo of guy reading by Joel Bedford used under CC 2.0

1. PostSecret: Extraordinary Confessions from Ordinary Lives

PostSecret: Extraordinary Confessions from Ordinary Lives

by: Frank Warren

Amazon Price: $8.44 (as of 05/29/2012)

The premise of the Postsecret books is simple. Author Frank Warren asked the public to send him their secrets, expressed on postcards. The cards he received were beautiful and fascenating. Each postcard is a piece of artwork, with a message that makes you reconsider society norms and your own emotions.

Why is PostSecrets a great gift?
- This book has immediate results. They can flip it open, read one page and you can see their reaction.
- This book is a quick read. You could probably fly through it in a half hour, but you could go back to it again and again and read more into it by examining the images more closely.
- This book can be read socially. It's something you can read with two friends alongside you (like on the sofa in the afternoon on Christmas Day)

2. Graffiti World Updated Edition: Street Art from Five Continents

Graffiti World (Updated Edition): Street Art from Five Continents

by: Nicholas Ganz

Amazon Price: $22.30 (as of 05/29/2012)

It's hard to not look through this book and not have a new appreciation of a form of art often looked upon with disdain. Graffiti is a true art. This book shows amazing graffiti from around the world. The different styles and subjects make this a fascinating book.

3. Regretsy: Where DIY Meets WTF

Regretsy: Where DIY Meets WTF

by: April Winchell

Amazon Price: $5.50 (as of 05/29/2012)

Every coffee table needs a great WTF book, right? This book is filled with some of the oddest items to pass through etsy. If you are unfamiliar with etsy, you may be living under a rock - it is after all, the marketplace of all things homemade.

4. Earth From Above

Earth from Above Tenth Anniversary Edition

by: Yann Arthus-Bertrand

Amazon Price: $34.95 (as of 05/29/2012)

Earth From Above is an extraordinary book by photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand. His photos are taken from airplanes high above the earth giving a perspective of our planet few have seen before. The photos are intermingled with information about their origin and with information about protecting the earth. You can view some photos and see more at pictureearth.org.

More About Earth From Above

5. Sh*t My Dad Says

Don't judge this book by the crappy TV show of the same name. This book is REALLY funny.

Sh*t My Dad Says

by: Justin Halpern

Amazon Price: $6.00 (as of 05/29/2012)

Based on the twitter feed of Justin, this book is filled with funny quotes from a man who passes on the wisdom he has gained like any foul mouthed old guy wants to.

6. The Mammoth Book of Tattoos

The Mammoth Book of Tattoos

by: Lal Hardy

Amazon Price: $10.19 (as of 05/29/2012)

If they are into tattoos at all, a book of amazing tats is a great gift. This one has a lot of awesome artwork in it.

7. Other People's Love Letters

Other People's Love Letters: 150 Letters You Were Never Meant to See

by: Bill Shapiro

Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 05/29/2012)

With voyeuristic intentions, much like PostSecrets, this book looks deeply into the lives of regular people, digging into the stuff they wouldn't want the whole world to know about. Bill Shapiro gathers a selection of love letters, text messages, and notes on napkins to make for a great exploration of love.

8. The Zombie Survival Guide

Friends don't let friends get killed by zombies.

The Zombie Survival Guide: Complete Protection from the Living Dead

by: Max Brooks

Amazon Price: $6.71 (as of 05/29/2012)

This one is purely for survival purposes. If you really care about your friend you will make sure they have the information needed to survive a zombie attack.

And, remember to sever the head.

More Fun Books

Comments?

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CornellRedhead Dec 22, 2011 @ 10:51 pm | delete

Love it!

Reply

jtmcwill Oct 29, 2011 @ 3:23 pm | delete

great Lens! Big fan of the Zombie Survival Guide.

Reply

rr_flint Aug 19, 2011 @ 9:14 pm | delete

What a fun lens! I'll be perusing the PostSecret books next time I'm in the bookstore.

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cducky Aug 19, 2011 @ 11:25 am | delete

Perfect! I'm not a reader, although I have no idea why. I always wanted to be the girl in the corner of the coffee shop reading a book. I find i'm solving math problems instead of reading but I would like to try a few of the books on here!

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chuckhodi Jun 25, 2011 @ 2:30 am | delete

These are all stupid!

Reply

JeremiahStanghini Jan 20, 2011 @ 2:04 pm | delete

I like this lens. These are a really great set of books for people who don't actually like to 'read.' I remember sitting in a coffee shop and spending some time reading through PostSecret.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jeremiah