Suggested reading for teens?

[wtpclc]

My SIL (DH's sister) is almost 18 and just graduated. She plans on going to grad school eventually (yes, I know that's subject to change). She has never been a "reader". Her sister never was either and has taken the GRE at least 3 times to get her vocab scores up, and may take it again.

My thought is that if my SIL gets reading now, that it could help her by the time she gets to grad school.

I don't see her being a real romance person. I think a comedy would suit her well. Maybe sports related?

Any suggestions? I want to get her a book to get started and if I find a really good one, she may get hooked. (Am I dreaming?)

Any help is welcome.

 

[doxdogy]

I enjoy the mystery author Mary Daheim. I call them mindless mysteries (you really don't have to think to hard to read them). But she does throw humor into her stories. The two main characters are a Bed and Breakfast owner and her cousin. She has a continuing series of these books. Also, Diane Mott Davidson writes good mysteries. Her books include recipes in them too. As you can see, I mainly enjoy mysteries. Another good way to build up her vocabulary is through crossword puzzles.

 

[wtpclc]

Thanks doxdogy! I'll look for the books. I don't see her doing crosswords, but it's a good thing to keep in the back of my mind.

Thanks again!

 

[EsmeraldaX]

I always liked the VC Andrews books when I was in high school (I'm 27 now). Of course, I was also reading Poppy Z Brite and lots of horror/fantasy novels then too.

Has she read the Harry Potter books? They might seem a little big but they are fairly easy and engaging reads.

Another series geared at Teen girls is Daughters of the Moon and (if her parents will allow it) Gossip Girl.

Gossip Girl is kind of racy but geared towards older teens.

Christopher Moores books are hilarious if she wants comedy. (but be warnedm, if they are a religious family, LAMB may be very offensive; his other book's are not).

Sometimes people I know who don't like reading like non fiction books better. Is there a particular issue she is interested in? Or a person (actor, rock star, historical figure). Biographies can be good reading too.

 

[bentley483]

Louise Rennison has a series out about Georgia Nicholson that is kind of like a diary format. It is about a 14 year old English girl and her kooky adventures.

 

[Evil Princess]

I wouldn't so much ask for books for teens, but normal books that you would read, unless she's a REALLY weak reader. I was reading the "teen" books in middle school and outgrew them very quickly.

I'll assume she's read Catcher in the Rye in school, but if she hasn't you should pick that one up for her.

I loved "The Pact", it isn't a romance although it is about two high schoolers relationship. One of them turns dead in the beginning, and the story starts with the death and then goes to the distant past, every other chapter or so alternating going forward in time until you're catched up with the past and find out what happens at the end.

I myself loved the Nanny Diaries, Good in Bed, The Devil Wears Prada, and The Lovely Bones.

 

[mickeyboat]

I would recommend Dan Brown's Books - DaVinci Code, Angels and Demons - I am reading Digital Fortress now. Regardless of the subject matter, they are real page turners - and something a lot of people are talking about.

Denae

 

[JohnsPrincess]

I love All books but some of my favorites are by Stephen King (horror and a couple fantasy), V.C. Andrews, Anne Rice (Vampires mostly...), Piers Anthony (kind of humorous fantasy)...

 

[wtpclc]

Wow! Thanks everyone for all of your replies! It looks liek I've got some homework to do!

 

[southernclass]

When I was 13 my mom let me read Deenie by Judy Bloom. It was very educational about puberty. It discussed maturing in certain areas and that time of the month. It made me feel a whole lot better when my time came around. My fiance's daughter just started hers last week and can you believe her mother never told her anything about it. She was scared to death that she was dying. SHe is very young but mature for her age. I had to go through this with her and I am not the one who is supposed to do this. I guess it was practice though. Anyway, I reccomend the book for teenage girls.