I overhear a lot of people say they hate reading.

This is an opinion I cannot comprehend. I do understand, however, that not everyone knows what they like to read, and, for this, I blame the American school system.

The books on American reading lists are both dry and unengaging. In some cases, such as with the “classics” students are not mature enough to appreciate the books when they are assigned.

Teachers also play a huge role in literary appreciation, as most schools are not gifted with brilliant English teachers. Honestly, nothing is worse than listening to Mr. What’s-His-Face drone on for an hour about a book you likely didn’t bother reading.

Thus, developing a healthy appreciation of literature in America is difficult at best. Some people disregard social stigma and poor English classes and educate themselves.

Most students, though, just stop caring.

When they should be developing a relationship with literature that will serve them for the rest of their lives, students are being pushed away from a veritable hoard of treasure.

The core of enjoying books is reading books you like. Yes, I know that sounds simple and self-evident, but in practice, it is more difficult to discover a book you might like than it would seem. The only way to discern your tastes is to experiment.

With that in mind, I offer 10 books, of varied subjects and styles, with the hope that someone out there will find a book that grabs them.

10. Biographies

In my experience, most of the people I meet who hate to read enjoy reading biographies.

Be it Eric Clapton or Michael Phelps, Dale Earnhardt or Abraham Lincoln, there is a bio out there for everyone. Just sit and think of the five people who interest you the most, then go see if they have biographies published. You might learn some shocking facts, or discover some obscure connection you have with the figure. Personally, I just fall asleep, but to each his own, right?

9. The Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom

I have had numerous non-readers tell me that this was an amazing book.

It is the story of an amusement park worker who dies and goes to heaven, where he meets five people he encountered during his life.

Each of them had some form of impact on his life, though he may not have known it at the time. This book is an interesting examination of not only the impact we have on others lives, but also the meaning of life itself.

8. The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

This book is similar to a Hollywood movie (which it is becoming next year) in that it has an interesting story and yet requires almost no thought to experience.

This book is told from the point of view of Susie Salmon, who was raped and murdered at 14. She watches the events of the book from heaven. Ultimately, the story is about how people cope with grief. Some people drift apart from others, some grow closer together, and some act as if nothing happened at all.

7. Chronicle of a Death Foretold by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

That this novel is a bit dark is a bit of an understatement, but any book list without Marquez is not complete. Easily the shortest novel on this list (my copy is roughly 118 pages with big print), Marquez manages to capture both the lively spirit of a small South American town, and the gross indifference that society is capable of.

The book is the story of a murder that was not stopped, even though the whole town knew it was happening, and even gathered to watch. The imagery is captivating and will stay with you for days afterward. For maximum effect, read this one in Spanish.

6. Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut

One of the late Kurt Vonnegut’s most widely-known works, Slaughterhouse-Five strikes a happy medium between science fiction and psychological analysis.

It isn’t too fanciful to bore a more serious individual, and it contains enough vivid imagery to entertain those with over-active imaginations.

The novel tells of the life of Billy Pilgrim, a man who has become unstuck in time, meaning that he can move forwards and backwards in time at will and relive any moment of his life he wishes. Vonnegut uses the book to condemn warfare, through the memorable descriptions of the firebombing of Dresden during WWII. If this book doesn’t sound interesting to you, then find one of Vonnegut’s other works that intrigues you. You won’t regret it.

5. Catch 22 by Joseph Heller

Satire is not for everyone. It is subtle humor. If you enjoy movies like Date Movie or Epic Movie or any of the other Scary Movie clones, then it may be best to skip this one all together.

That being said, Catch 22 is a remarkable novel. Despite what some fake news stations are likely to claim, bureaucratic red tape is a problem in America. Between pork-barreling and signing statements (Google that one), it is a wonder this country has gotten anything done over the past eight years. Some would argue that it hasn’t.

Catch 22 is a scathing critique of this kind of government, one that should be paid attention to. I know this book appears on a number of reading lists in American schools, but it definitely warrants a re-read.

4. Lies My Teacher Told Me by James Loewen or A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn

Both of these books should be required readings for all American schools. They detail the parts of American history not covered by history textbooks.

For example: Did you know that Helen Keller, after overcoming her physical disabilities, became a socialist public speaker? Most schools, especially those in poorer areas, like to teach students about Keller as a symbol of hope. If she can do it, so can you. Schools tend to gloss over her personal beliefs however, because she was clearly anti-American.

If you enjoy history and politics, or feel that something was lacking in your high school education, then take the time to look into these.

3. The Color Purple by Alice Walker

This book is ambitious to say the least. It tackles many issues, all of which are still relevant today: femininity, sexuality, discrimination, the abuse of power, civil rights, family…the list goes on. This is truly a work of art, one that no life is complete without having read. You will walk away from this book a changed person.

2. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

This book is a classic. It is also very easy to read and very short. If you enjoyed the movie, make sure you read this book. It really is much better.

The simplicity of the language is part of what makes this book shine. If you care to study it closer, you will find that The Hitchhiker’s Guide is loaded with social commentary, but you don’t need to read into the text that deeply to still be able to enjoy it.

British humor may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but don’t panic, most other Americans don’t get it either.

1. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Read this book as soon as possible. If you don’t know anything about it, then drop everything now and read it. Seriously, go to the bookstore and get it.