The other day, I was texting with an old friend, who told me he reads only non-fiction but wants to read more fiction. So, I encouraged him to tell me three things he likes, generally, so I could give him a rec…

“I like something dramatic that makes me laugh rather than something made to make me laugh,” he told me. “I’m not above being on the edge of my seat. And people doing the right/selfless thing goes a long way with me.”

After thinking it over, my recommendation for him was James by Percival Everett — the 2024 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that retells the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim, the enslaved man who runs away with Huck. Have you read it? You’ll devour it in one big gulp; it’s funny at times but also serious and sad and thrilling; and there’s lots of morality/immorality baked in. (Plus, a runner up? An American Marriage.)

This book challenge was compelling, so I asked friends and family to give me their three things, so I could suggest a book for them, too.

My mom: “People’s inner lives, listening carefully, poetry.” Heating and Cooling. How About Now. The Correspondent.

My dad: “Focus on family; sailing and all that therein is; exploring new places.” A Marriage at Sea.

My friend Brooke: “Gardening, birding, nature, introspection. A career aptitude test I took in sixth grade said I should be a farmer.” The Vaster Wilds.

My friend Rob: “Flawed protagonists, huge plot twists, the teenage years.” Demon Copperhead. Educated. Shuggie Bain.

My friend Pri: “1990s sitcoms, relationship drama, books that pull you right in.” Sorrow and Bliss. Really Good, Actually. This American Woman.

What do you think? Now tell us: What are three things you like? Let’s recommend books for each other!

P.S. A darkly funny book I can’t stop thinking about, and what are your three favorite books?