Apart from a few percentages, most men would rather watch or play a game than read a book. Starting from "It is too long" to "I don't want to", the reason for lack of interest in reading could be anything. Although it is such a pleasurable pastime, you cannot force reading on someone who does not want to read. Perhaps, this is why, books are the last things, which come to mind when thinking of ideal manly gifts.
It is not easy to buy books for someone who hardly reads. Not only you have to find a suitable genre for them, you also have to find a book they will actually enjoy reading. Here are few book titles, suggested for those non-reading males who reject books for the mere reason that they do not have the patience:
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
About: It is about teenage angst and alienation of Holden Caulfield, who shares with the readers, his account of 24-Hours he spent in New York City. Here he comes to realize that adulthood is nothing but a sham and hopes preserve the childhood innocence when he grows up.
For whom: First published in 1951, The Catcher in the Rye is as one of the most outstanding work of fiction of the 20th Century. Originally intended for adult readers, the novel eventually made its niche amongst a more suitable audience, the young adults. It was they, and many adults too, who felt they could relate the agonies of adolescence the protagonists went through. Brilliantly crafted by Mr. Salinger, the realistic themes and characters make it a believable story for all.
Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
About: As taken from Amazon.com, "Set in Italy during World War II, this is the story of the incomparable, malingering bombardier, Yossarian, a hero who is furious because thousands of people he has never met are trying to kill him. However, his real problem is not the enemy-it is his own army, which keeps increasing the number of missions the men must fly to complete their service. Yet if Yossarian attempts to excuse himself from the perilous missions assigned to him, he will be in violation of Catch-22"
For whom: Men, who are diehard fans of action, war stories, logic and black humour, they would definitely treasure this book.
Short Stories from Rabindranath Tagore by Rabindranath Tagore
About: Written sometime between 1891 and 1917 by Tagore, this book compiles sixteen short stories of his, which portray the variegated human emotions, as men and women deal with the boundaries of contemporary Hindu society.
For whom: Tagore, one of India's greatest writers, poet, painter and musician, captures the life of India in all his stories, and this is no different. He does not judge in his stories and the readers have to draw their own conclusions. This book is certainly for those who are touched by simple beauty, depths of understanding and compassion.
Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie
About: "At the stroke of midnight... " on August 15, 1947, an independent India was born and so was Saleem Sinai, the protagonist. Soon he realizes that his time of birth has a direct connection to the event happening in post independent India. He also realizes that he has telepathic powers, which connect him to thousand other children born at midnight on August 15, 1947, and their special powers.
For whom: Full of magic realism, this book will instantly find takers in those who have developed a liking for historical fictions. Salman Rushdie's vivid storytelling method captivates the reader from the starting until the end.
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
About: As taken from Wikipedia, "Newspaper sports columnist Mitch Albom recounts the time spent with his 78-year-old sociology professor, Morrie Schwartz, at Brandeis University, who was dying from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)... The resulting book describes these fourteen Tuesdays they meet, supplemented with Schwartz's lectures and life experiences and interspersed with flashbacks and allusions to contemporary events.
For whom: It is for men of all ages who have forgotten the real meaning of life and how to live it.
