I would recommend 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. It's a classic that deals with themes of racial injustice, morality, and the loss of innocence in the American South. The characters are well - drawn, especially Atticus Finch, a symbol of moral integrity.
You could try 'Pride and Prejudice' if you enjoy classic romance. The story is charming and the writing is beautiful. There's a lot of social commentary too.
If you wanted to read a novel for free, you could try using some online novel reading platforms such as Qidian Chinese Network, Xiaoxiang Academy, Yuewen Group, etc. These platforms provided free novel download functions, but they needed to register an account and open a VIP membership before they could download paid novels.
In addition, he could also try to use some novel reading software, such as the APP on his mobile phone, such as Qidian Chinese Network, Xiaoxiang Academy, etc. These applications usually had free and paid categories of novels, which could be found by searching for keywords or browsing recommended lists.
However, it should be noted that some novels may include advertisements, pop-up advertisements, and other paid elements. Therefore, it is best to check the copyright status and payment status of the novel before downloading the novel to avoid unnecessary fees.
You can start by considering your interests. If you love historical settings, look for novels set in different eras like 'The Name of the Rose' which is set in a medieval monastery. It combines mystery, history, and philosophy.