Books for a non-native English speaker

[Steve Rindsberg]

We have a young guy from Japan living with us. He's just passed the test he needed to pass in order to get into the local university. The phrase "skin of teeth" leaps to mind, however. His oral/listening skills are fairly good but reading/writing has a way to go before he's really college-ready, IMHO.

He won't start school until winter semester and will be back in Japan until then. I'm thinking of giving him homework:

- A couple of required reading books
- A few writing assignments concerning the books
- The occasional Skype chat (can you say "Orals"? Sure ya can)

And maybe in the spirit of carrot and stick, telling him he has to pass MY test if he wants to live here when he comes back. Muah, Ha, and Ha.

So to finally arrive at the chase after that warmup:

Book suggestions? I'm thinking of short books that might appeal to a 19-year-old guy. Simple, direct English.

First thought was Hemingway, Old Man and the Sea.

I'd like to give him half a dozen or more, let him choose.

Thoughts?