Offering dhammabooks to new buddhists

[Alobha]

Hey everyone,

it's a bit of a strange story: There is this Thai restaurant I go to now and then and one of the workers there is a young thai guy about my age. Last Saturday I was there with another buddhist friend and we were both wearing malas around our necks and we got into a short discussion with this young guy who works there since he noticed the malas. He told me he just became a buddhist too and was an atheist before that.
Though he just started to find out about buddhism and doesn't know which "school" to go in deeper etc.

We greet each other friendly and I don't have to pay for my meals upfront (unlike other customers) but we're not exactly close friends (I don't even know his name). I thought it would be nice of me to give him a book about the Dhamma as a present to encourage his inquiry, but don't know which. Do you think that would be okay or could it come across as too pushy? What book would be a good idea?

From my point of view it would be a nice chance for some Dhammaduta, since he already made clear that he wants to find out more about buddhism. Advice appreciated!

Best wishes,
Alobha

[Hanzze]

Do you think that would be okay or could it come across as too pushy?

Not at all if it is not seen as need to return the costless meal. (that would minder his Dana)

What book would be a good idea?

One which is near and at best your most beloved and desired. After that change the restaurant as he would think to need to give something back.

[Cittasanto]

Ajahn Chah books may be good?
he was quite open to other schools and techneques so from a Theravadan angly you couldn't go too wrong there.
and maybe suggest he also looks at MASTER HSU YUN'S DISCOURSE AND DHARMA WORDS found here http://www.sinc.sunysb.edu/Clubs/buddhi ... nmain.html
which isn't to dissimilar except for words. and is of the Chan tradition.

[Caraka]

I would highly recommend Buddhism Explained by Laurence-Khantipalo Mills. I bought it my self out of curiosity, it is small and in plain english it describe buddhism in an easy way. I read it tree times before I could put it away, and are looking forward to read it again.

I'm forever grateful to Laurence-Khantipalo Mills for teaching me through his book. It was my first real understanding about buddhism.