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What book would u suggest to introduce to a person who wants to try reading books for a hobby for the 1st time

A friend of mine wants to try reading books as a hobby. This is the first time he's going to try. He's now 21yrs. What book would u suggest me to introduce to him so that he's not scared off at the volume and high standard english of the book. Also. the book should be interesting enough for him to take up reading as a hobby. Any suggestions? Plz suggest some books that are universal. I live in India so not that many english books that are famous abroad do come here. I do have access to very famous ones though... Is harry potter part one a good idea?

Public Comments

1. you should try the Artemis Fowl series
2. It all depends on his tastes. What about detective novels? Classic ones: Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett.
3. Well Harry Potter might not be such a good idea. FIrst off the later books (4,5,6 and upcoming 7) WOULD be perfect for him. However the problem is that if he doesn't want to be lost he would need to read the previous books(1,2,3) which are somewhat childish. Therefore he could either weather through the first books or simply be lost in the later ones.
4. "Enders Game" by Orson Scott Card. I've suggest that one for many first time readers to get hooked and it always works! If you have trouble finding that one I'd suggest something by Stephen King, maybe "The Green Mile" or Dean Koontz "Watchers".
5. I agree with Nicky's suggestion about Enders Game"! That is a good one for a first time adult reader. I wouldn't suggest a first time adult reader start with Harry Potter. I'd stick with straight pop fiction before adding things like fantasy, though fantasy is my favorite. "Enders Game" is scifi but of a variety that goes over even with people who don't like scifi.
6. Some of Charles Dickens' famous works could be very good, such as: -Oliver Twist -David Copperfield -Our Mutual Friend -Nicholas Nickelby
7. I think that Harry Potter would be great. The first book is shorter, and the reading level is a little easy but it's still an enjoyable book.