Set in the 1930s depression era, very funny depictions of the activities of bums, tramps, and down-and-outs. Although written as fiction, it is actually a collection of dramatised true stories taken from the time he lived and worked in Cannery Row in Monterey, California.
Don't be put off by Steinbeck's reputation. This is a very easy book to read, very entertaining, yet if you read it several times over you will keep finding little nuggets of joy you missed earlier. It is not written for young readers, it is written for anyone and everyone.
If you want anything more serious you can gravtitate to his other works afterwards.
Failing that, go round the charity shops, experiment with whatever they've got on the shelves. It's cheaper than paying full price to get them brand new and then discovering you don't like them. (I've done that too damned often).
Go into a book shop and the first one that you are attracted to will have a great message and lesson for you. Your instinct never lets you down.
Cannery Row by John Steinbeck.
Set in the 1930s depression era, very funny depictions of the activities of bums, tramps, and down-and-outs. Although written as fiction, it is actually a collection of dramatised true stories taken from the time he lived and worked in Cannery Row in Monterey, California.
Don't be put off by Steinbeck's reputation. This is a very easy book to read, very entertaining, yet if you read it several times over you will keep finding little nuggets of joy you missed earlier. It is not written for young readers, it is written for anyone and everyone.
If you want anything more serious you can gravtitate to his other works afterwards.
Failing that, go round the charity shops, experiment with whatever they've got on the shelves. It's cheaper than paying full price to get them brand new and then discovering you don't like them. (I've done that too damned often).
Goodluck
AR
Everybody has their own favourites, and one person's favourite might be another person's most HATED.
But, since you asked, I'd recommend {for your age} the Earthsea books by Ursula K. Le Guin and any book by Sharon Creech.
And if you haven't read Lewis Carroll, DO SO!!!