Welcome to November! Tis the season for cool weather, comfy, cozy blankets, hoodies, flannels, and hot tea. Well, I drink hot tea all year long. But still. Hot tea!

But why don’t you get flannels and blankets in October, you may ask? Well, I live in Texas. Fall starts in November. I mean, I guess fall started last week when a storm front brought in 65-degree weather with it. it also brought in raging winds that have knocked over trees and Burger King signs and put people’s trampolines into their neighbor’s backyard. Wind in Texas is no joke.

This has absolutely nothing to do with Top Ten Tuesday. But still, fall!

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl and originally created by The Broke and the Bookish. This week’s topic is books I would hand to someone who claims not to like reading.

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

This is an absolutely wonderful book. It’s so heartwarming and lovely. But it’s slow-paced and doesn’t have to be read in one sitting, although you probably will. It’s full of positive LGBTQ+ rep and has a lovely reminder that what society deems as “different” does not mean bad.

Under The Whispering Door by TJ Klune

Yes, another TJ Klune book. It’s also heartwarming and full of LBGTQ+ rep. But it also deals with death in a way that I haven’t seen before. It’s a medium-paced book that is sure to entertain you and make you cry along the way.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

The premise of this story is A+. The ending is amazing. The writing is fantastic. Another medium-paced book, but this one you won’t want to put down.

Naked in Death by J.D. Robb

This detective story set in the near future has long been a favorite of mine. The In Death series is a great, quick read. It has murder, it has romance, it has a colorful cast of characters, also a hint of sci-fi in the future tech and flying cars. Also, it’s a great way to get someone to read Nora Roberts without telling them they are reading Nora Roberts.

Moon Called by Patricia Briggs

An excellent start to another excellent series. It has everything. Vampires, werewolves, fae, romance, action, mysteries that need solving. These fast-paced books are quick easy reads that are sure to intrigue anyone who likes any of the creatures listed.

A Psalm for the Wild Built by Becky Chambers

This short novella is perfect for the thoughtful, introspective person. It’s slow-paced, sweet, and really does make you think about what it means to be human. And those last few paragraphs, whew.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Wier

Have a science lover in your life? Or how about a hardcore sci-fi fan? Project Hail Mary is for them. This book is heavy on the science jargon, but it is so, so very good. It’s medium-paced, with a lot of fantastic elements to it. It’s a weird one to recommend to be sure, but for someone who loves the science of it all, it’s perfect.

Let’s Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson

Absurd life comedy meets non-fiction in this memoir. You get it all. It’s one of my favorite books. In fact, if you want to ease someone into the world of non-fiction, have them try this as an audiobook. Sure, it’s missing the pictures, but it’s still a fun time.

This Place: 150 Years Retold By Various

Graphic Novels are a great way to get someone interested in reading. This collection of short stories told in word and art form are excellently done. The subject matter is very heavy and educational, but it’s a great place to really start with storytelling.

The Black Gryphon by Mercedes Lackey

Want to introduce someone to fantasy but aren’t sure how? Try anything in the Valdemar universe. It’s high fantasy, but not epic fantasy, so it won’t seem too daunting. Plus the stories are just the right mix of light-hearted and heavy. Some are heavier than others (looking at you, Last Herald Mage trilogy).

I know I didn’t put all of my favorite books on this list, like A Discovery of Witches, but that’s because I think it would be too much for a reader who doesn’t really enjoy the experience.

And hey, don’t forget to suggest audiobooks to your non-reading friend. Even if they don’t pick up a physical or e-copy of a book, they can find enjoyment with audio copies. Sometimes those are easier to digest. And audiobooks are real reading!