Darklord Rooke

When I introduced my sister to VNs, I used 'Second Reproduction'. It's a light-hearted, romantic, funny VN (with a plot which changes depending which route you take) that is short and feels exactly like a shoujo manga. It's all-ages too (I think). It was a great success, she ended up loving it. I couldn't recommend using Starry Sky in Spring, or Yojinbo - they're not as good. If you want to introduce someone to VNs, you should use the best ones you can get your hands on.

I know nothing about Boku no Shokora.

I also second Aaeru's suggestion concerning Hakuoki. Quality, QUALITY game!

Link to review of Second reproduction, contains spoilers - http://animeguyspl0x.wordpress.com/2012/06/07/the-second-reproduction/
VNDB site - http://vndb.org/v3319

I hold a similar opinion to Down on this one. To me, visual novels aren't games, they're books which are told in the first person with graphics and music. They're like a natural evolution of the 'Choose your own adventure' books you use to read.

I don't consider Visual Novels unique, interactive fiction has been around for a very long time and has recently made something of a comeback. I regard Visual Novels as an example of what the IF community could do with a little bit of backing and resources. Take a look at Emily Short's recent work of interactive fiction here: http://lizadaly.com/first-draft/

Now think of the work she could produce if she had a million dollars at her disposal...

Fans of 'Valkyria Chronicles' need to know about the kickstarter campaign for 'Warmachine Tactics' (on PC and Mac.) It's a turn based strategy game similar to Valkyria Chronicles... only it looks many hundred times better. There's a 5 minute video on the website linked below, be sure to check it out:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/409030043/warmachine-tactics