1. “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, Roald Dahl
"Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" is a classic of children's literature. The book follows the adventures of a group of children who win a visit to the chocolate factory of the eccentric Mr. Willy Wonka. Among the lucky ones is Charlie Bucket, a big chocolate lover from a very poor family. The guys on the excursion do not listen to Willy Wonka's warnings, as a result they end up in unpleasant situations and leave the factory without the main prize. Common sense and attentiveness help Charlie receive some special prize that can change the life of his entire friendly family.
The secret of the story's success lies in the author's extraordinary ability to captivate children. The book has everything that children love so much: chocolate, magic and adventure. Roald Dahl's simple and clear language is sure to appeal to young readers.
2. “House at World’s End”, Monica Dickens
The great-granddaughter of the famous English writer Charles Dickens hated injustice and especially injustice towards children and animals. The main characters of the book are children left without parents. Their trustees - the insensitive Uncle Rudolf and his extravagant wife - send their nephews to live in a half-abandoned house in the countryside, showing little interest in them future fate. The guys show their best qualities and they make a real Noah’s Ark out of the house, giving shelter to all the animals they meet who have suffered at the hands of evil adults.
Classic English language and a touching plot will ensure that it absolutely gets into the minds and hearts of those who are just starting to live and learn a foreign language.
3. "Railway Children" by Edith Nesbit
A touching story of a family left without a father and forced to move from a big city to countryside, has been adapted many times for film, radio and television. Love, devotion, friendship and mutual assistance help a family not only reunite, but also gain many faithful assistants. They have to learn a lot: to take care of themselves without the help of servants, to see beauty in the ordinary and to appreciate intangible things. New life is associated with the daily express train, which children watch at the same time.
This is a story that everyone can understand and a good option for getting to know the English language. There are no tricky turns of phrase in the book, but there is an excellent plot and bright characters that captivate you from the first page.
4. “Winnie-the-Pooh”, Alan Miln
Anyone who goes to visit in the morning and begins to learn English together with the good-natured Winnie the Pooh and other company is doing wisely. Alan Milne literally came up with funny stories for his son Christopher Robin about the adventures of the boy's favorite teddy bear. Gradually, a whole world developed around the toys, in which the main characters live carefree and happily, as children should.
The book will certainly appeal to young readers, if only because it contains an incredible number of poems, counting rhymes and other rhymes, with the help of which learning English turns into an exciting and not at all boring game.
5. “Jungle Book”, Redyard Kipling
“The Jungle Book” is a classic children's work on which more than one generation has grown up. A boy raised by wolves in the jungle learns to be human from the example of his four-legged friends. This book is timeless: the stories, published in 1894, have not lost a bit of relevance. The main characters are taught to distinguish good from evil, enemies from friends, truth from lies.
Colorful descriptions of nature and the animal world will enrich the vocabulary of little readers, who will empathize and sympathize with Mowgli, who is so similar to all children, until the last page.
Books for teenagers
6. “The island of Doctor Moreau”, Herbert George Wells
The chilling story of the mad Doctor Moreau, who decided to turn a secluded island into a laboratory. Unthinkable experiments are being carried out here on unfortunate animals. Sincere indignation and worry for the fate of those whom the doctor managed to tame will not leave readers until the last pages of the book. The ethical issues of the human right to complete control over the lives of animals will be a reason for reflection.
A suitable addition for English learners will be the author's precise classical language, not overloaded with flowery sentences.
7. “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”, J. K. Rowling
A modern classic, which several generations of young people have already grown up with, is the story of the adventures of Harry Potter, a young wizard with enormous potential. The first book in the series is Harry Potter and philosopher's Stone"- will introduce readers to the world of Harry and magic. First year at school, new friends, wonderful teachers - it’s impossible not to get carried away by the universe of wizards, which JK Rowling masterfully described.
The vocabulary of a student of English will be greatly expanded as he reads the book: magic spells, telling names and surnames - this is the case when you want to figure everything out yourself. It is all the more interesting to compare your translation of certain things with what readers could hear from television screens.
8. “The Hunger Games”, Suzanne Collins
American writer Suzanne Collins wrote a trilogy that captivated the entire planet. The action takes place in a post-apocalyptic world, where, according to the laws of the genre, the rich enjoy life at the expense of the poor, forced to lead a half-starved existence. In memory of the war, an entertaining survival reality show is organized every year. Katniss Everdeen, a voluntary participant in the games, becomes the winner, but her adventures do not end there.
Simple story line, emotions understandable to teenagers and spoken language make reading the book enjoyable and easy. You can always take a break from the love story and focus on descriptions of the game and its accompanying attributes.
9. “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children,” Ransom Riggs
At the very moment when 16-year-old Jacob Portman was ready to admit the absolute mediocrity of his life, the most extraordinary events began to happen to him. It all started with the tragic death of his beloved grandfather: while sorting through old archives, Jacob finds extraordinary photographs of strange children and recalls old stories about the childhood of the head of the Portman family. The boy's search for his roots leads him to an ominous island in Wales, where the main events of the book take place.
Teenagers learning English will definitely enjoy the author's uncomplicated language, which easily describes the emotions, doubts and worries typical of many teenagers. Readers will be interested to know what he chooses in the end main character- a calm existence in the bosom of a family or a life full of amazing adventures.
Books for adults
10. “The Hound of the Baskerville”, Arthur Doyle
The classic work is written in classical English with its certain heaviness. The plot is familiar to many: London detective Sherlock Holmes, together with his faithful friend Dr. Watson, solves another cunning crime in the county of Devonshire. Fans of the genius Sherlock Holmes will appreciate the opportunity to get closer to their idol by reading the book in the original language. Along the way, you can compare the original text with the classic translation into Russian, many phrases from which have become catchphrases for us.
11. "Bridget Jones's Diary", Helen Fielding
The heroine of the book - the resilient Bridget Jones - is similar to millions of women around the world. She is also trying to lose weight, build a career, find love and be happy. The unadapted original text is read in one breath, the author Helen Fielding speaks in such an easy and accessible language. For those who are not entirely confident in themselves, the second part of the book contains a classic translation into Russian with exercises and comments.
12. “The Godfather”, Mario Puzo
The history of the family of the Sicilian emigrant Vito Corleone has become a reflection of the latest American history. The author honestly described the world that he saw with his own eyes from early childhood, since he grew up in a disadvantaged area of New York. Mario Puzo moved away from the classic gangster novel with its shootouts and car chases. The writer was more interested in intra-family relationships, the formation of hierarchy and management mechanisms. In a sense, he managed to create a real family epic.
Without any doubt, readers will be interested in immersing themselves in the world of the Corleone family, experiencing their characters, not distorted by translation, even the most impeccable one. The novel's short and simple phrases promote understanding and make you want to quickly find out the ending.
13. "Forrest Gump", Winston Groom
A true American fairy tale about a man who was able to withstand many of life's troubles, maintain his kindness and character, and change the people around him. Forrest Gump, the main character, had a chance to be in various troubles. The reader will be surprised to note slight differences in the events of the book and the film, which has become a favorite for many. For example, it turns out that Forrest Gump was able to visit space and be captured by a real tribe of cannibals.
The book is narrated from Forrest’s point of view, and even those who are just starting to learn English will be able to note the narrator’s special style, style and spelling. However, these moments only add to the atmosphere of the novel.
14. "Theatre", William Maugham
"The Theater" is the most famous and popular novel by the English writer William Somerset Maugham. A subtle and ironic work tells about the life of a brilliant and very intelligent actress. Play and theater become a reality both for her and for those around her. Classic English perfectly frames the plot and serves as good practice for beginners to immerse themselves in the world of a foreign language.
15. “Street Cat Named Bob”, James Bowen
"A Street Cat Named Bob" - true story friendship between a desperate street musician and a homeless red cat. Two lonely souls found each other in noisy London to change their destinies forever. Thanks to Bob the cat, the author was able to quit drug addiction and start new life. The touching story immediately became a bestseller in the UK and USA.
The book is written in modern English, which is especially important for beginners learning English. The slang expressions encountered will be a useful addition to the readers' vocabulary.
16. "The Old Man and the Sea", Ernest Hemingway
Hemingway received the Pulitzer Prize for his story “The Old Man and the Sea” in 1953. This is the story of the confrontation between man and nature, the hunter and the elements, strength and weakness. Old man Santiago entered into a fight with a five-meter marlin on the open sea. If not for the voracious sharks, Santiago would have been able to bring the most big fish, dream fish. However, even the skeleton of a marlin inspires respect from the residents of the fishing village, for whom old Santiago becomes a hero.
Ernest Hemingway's laconic style penetrates to the very heart. There is nothing superfluous in his works; each phrase is self-sufficient and all the more valuable for readers.
Treasure Island is an adventure novel by Scottish writer Robert Stevenson about "pirates and buried gold." First published in book form on May 23, 1883, it was originally serialized in a young men's magazine between 1881 and 1882 under the title "Treasure Island" or "Mutiny on Hispaniola" under the pseudonym Captain George North.
Download the most famous book about treasures in English for the Elementary level.
Original description
Treasure Island is an adventure novel by Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson, narrating a tale of “buccaneers and buried gold”. First published as a book on May 23, 1883, it was originally serialized in the children’s magazine Young Folks between 1881 and 1882 under the title Treasure Island or, the mutiny of the Hispaniola with Stevenson adopting the pseudonym Captain George North. Traditionally considered a coming-of-age story, Treasure Island is a tale noted for its atmosphere, characters and action, and also as a wry commentary on the ambiguity of morality – as seen in Long John Silver – unusual for children’s literature. It is one of the most frequently dramatized of all novels. The influence of Treasure Island on popular perceptions of pirates is enormous, including such elements as treasure maps marked with an “X”, schooners, the Black Spot, tropical islands, and one-legged seamen bearing parrots on their shoulders.
Anonymous
"King Arthur" is one of the greatest legends of all time. From the magical moment when Arthur frees the sword in the stone in search of the Holy Grail and the final tragedy of the final battle, the author brings the enchanting world of King Arthur and stunningly brings it to life.
Download a book about King Arthur in English for the Elementary level.
Original description
King Arthur is one of the greatest legends of all time. From the magical moment when Arthur releases the sword in the stone to the quest for the Holy Grail and the final tragedy of the Last Battle, Roger Lancelyn Green brings the enchanting world of King Arthur stunningly to life. One of the greatest legends of all time, with an inspiring introduction by David Almond, award-winning author of Clay, Skellig, Kit's Wilderness and The Fire-Eaters.
Neil Philip
Tells the story of the life and adventures of Robin Hood, who, along with his group of followers who lived as outlaws in Sherwood Forest, devote themselves to the fight against tyranny. Illustrated notes throughout the text add historical background to the story.
Download interesting book about the legendary Robin Hood in English for the Elementary level.
Original description
Recounts the life and adventures of Robin Hood, who, with his band of followers, lived in Sherwood Forest as an outlaw dedicated to fighting tyranny. Illustrated notes throughout the text explain the historical background of the story.
Robert Louis Stevenson
Kidnapped is a novel by Robert Louis Stevenson that he wrote in early 1886. The work is narrated from the first person perspective of the protagonist, who recalls incidents during his adventures.
Original description
Kidnapped is a novel by Robert Louis Stevenson written in early 1886. The work is narrated in first person by the protagonist, who remembers the incidents of his adventure.
Edith Nesbit
When their father's business collapses, the six children decide to restore the family fortune. But although they cannot come up with many clever ways to do this, they decide on a method that will either bring more pleasure than benefit, or will lead to disaster...
Download an interesting book about little treasure hunters in English for the Elementary level.
Original description
When their father’s business fails, the six Bastable children decide to restore the family fortunes. But although they think of many ingenious ways to do so, their well meant efforts are either more fun than profitable, or lead to trouble…
Vicky Shipton
London is the largest city in the UK and in Europe. In 1900, it was the largest city in the world. In this book you will find a lot interesting information about this city. You will read about his story. You will learn about famous people, palaces and museums of this exciting city.
Download an interesting book about London in English for the Elementary level.
Original description
London is the biggest city in Britain and in Europe. In 1900, it was the biggest city in the world. In this book you will find a lot of interesting information about London. You will read about its history. You will learn about its famous people, museums and palaces of this exciting city.
John Whitman
Damn bracelet. Angry Mummy. Buried Warrior. And a majestic civilization...
Complete with over 100 photos and interesting facts about ancient Egypt. The Mummy Returns is the ultimate guide to cinema. Read action-packed stories in English, watch your favorite scenes, and discover the wonders of Egypt - the pyramids with mummies.
Original description
A cursed bracelet. An Evil Mummy. A Buried Warrior. And a magnificent civilization…
Filled with more than 100 photos and fascinating facts about ancient Egypt, The Mummy Returns Scrapbook is the ultimate guide to the movie. Read the action-packed story, see your favorite scenes, and discover the wonders of Egypt - from pyramids to mummies. Here’s an exciting look at a thrilling film and an extraordinary place.
Books by famous writers in English. You can download it to your computer or phone.
Wuthering Heights, Emily Brontë (Wuthering Heights, Emily Brontë)
Wuthering Heights is the most famous work of the 19th century English writer and poetess Emily Bronte. The novel takes place on the moors of Yorkshire, which thanks to this novel became one of the tourist attractions in England.
Treasure Island, Robert Louis Stevenson (Treasure Island, Robert Louis Stevenson)
A novel by Scottish writer Robert Stevenson about the adventures of finding treasure hidden by the pirate Flint on a desert island. First published in 1883, before that, in the period 1881-1882, it was published in series in the children's magazine “Young Folks”.
The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde (Portrait of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde)
The Picture of Dorian Gray became Oscar Wilde's most successful work. After its publication, a scandal erupted in society. Critics called the work immoral and demanded that it be banned and the author of the novel be subject to judicial punishment. For this novel, Wilde was accused of insulting public morals.
The Name of the Rose, Umberto Eco (Name of the Rose, Umberto Eco)
Eco's novel includes several semantic layers accessible to different readership: it is a complex detective story in historical settings, a historical novel with a lot of unique information about the era, and a philosophical reflection on the difference between the medieval worldview and the modern one.
The Devil Wears Prada, Lauren Weisberger (The Devil Wears Prada, Lauren Weisberger)
Lauren Weisberger is an American writer, journalist and screenwriter, columnist for Vogue magazine. The novel takes a semi-fictional but highly critical look at the fashion obsession of Manhattan's elite. It is believed that the image of one of the main characters was copied from the editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine - Anna Vin
One flew over the cuckoo's nest, Ken Kesey (One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Ken Kesey)
The novel was published in 1962. Ken Kesey created a work that has no analogues in modern literature, which has become a cult favorite for several generations of youth around the world. Considered one of the main literary works of the beatnik and hippie movements.
They have long been part of teaching a foreign language. What if you are interested fiction in English?
Those who learn English often complain about the high cost of original books. Moreover, getting a certain original English book is extremely difficult, if not impossible, in a small city.
“You can't hold a computer in your hand like you can a book.You put it in your pocket and you walk with it. And it stays with you forever.”
“You can't hold a computer in your hand like you hold a book. You can put the book in your pocket and walk with it. It stays with you forever.”
Let us disagree with Ray Bradbury that modern computer cannot fully replace printed book. In the age of tablets and mobile phones it is so easy to find what you are interested in book in English and read it online by installing the required smartphone application.
In this case, you need to know sites that offer not only download books in English in electronic version, but also read in the original online on the site itself.
Download or read online books in English by level
Ebooks (translated as electronic books) were originally used to refer to tablet devices for reading books in pdf format. Now this term is also used for fiction in electronic form.
If you read the article, you noticed the links for downloading books in pdf format.
But can you read the beloved “Catcher in the Rye” or “Pride and Prejudice” in English if you are traveling armed only with a mobile phone, and the downloaded books are left on the computer?
Let's try to figure out whether it is necessary to download books or whether it is better to read them online. And also is it worth it? read books in English with translation .
Read books in the original online or download to your gadget?
Read your favorite book on your phone- a great way to learn English if you are stuck in a traffic jam in a big city for a long time or it takes several hours to get to work. The main thing is to take a comfortable seat and not be distracted by the passengers standing next to you.
Bookmark a couple of sites offering English literature in the original and read it. when there is free time. Regardless of the size of the SD card or your phone's memory, necessary book always available online even if you have mobile Internet or free Wi-Fi networks.
The average mobile Internet speed, sufficient for viewing and downloading books in English, can vary from 2 to 5 Mbit/sec. How the higher the Books load from websites better and faster.
Another undeniable advantage that your phone will appreciate is that you do not need to install additional applications to open and read e-books. This work is usually done by the browser, easily reading the formats pdf, doc, java, fb2 or txt .
Despite the obvious advantages (your phone or tablet is not overloaded with old forgotten and unnecessary files), reading books online has a huge disadvantage: if the connection is lost, there are blind spots, in a word, there is no Internet, the ability to read the original is not available, like any site.
In our opinion, downloading a book and then reading it is a more convenient way to read books in English than reading online. Just make sure that your device has the program. with which you can read.
Books in English for different levels with translation
In this satya, we outlined the advantages and disadvantages of books in English with parallel translation into Russian.
Let us only note that they will be of great benefit mainly to those who learns English from scratch. If we talk about an advanced level, then it is much more pleasant to plunge into fiction in English on your own and without anyone’s prompts, and sometimes the quality of the translation is questionable.
Speaking about reading books in English, it is worth remembering that there are adapted versions for Elementary and Pre-Intermediate levels. Beginners will also find it easier to read O. Henry's short stories in English than Galsworthy's weighty novels.
In any case, if your level is not yet Advanced, it is better to consult with your teacher about what level of books will be most useful for you.
Sites where you can read and download English books in the original
Bookmark 10 sites for reading books in English so that you have them at hand when you want to read in the original.
In this article we bring to your attention 10 sites that host books in English in the original of different levels and for every taste .
u4ienglish
The u4ienglish website has a wide range of English literature for all levels.
Resource Abundant educational materials in English for all levels and is a great helper in learning the language!
In addition, the site offers literature as artistic and journalistic and you can choose a work according to your taste and knowledge.
Just click on the tab on the left “literature” and you will see the tabs “fiction”, “review of textbooks for children”, “review of textbooks for adults” and “books in English for different levels”.
English E-Books
The English E-Books website offers a simple search for books in English with descriptions.
The English E-Books website presented to you is very easy to use, the interface is clear and its simple design is not striking and does not distract, in general, nothing unnecessary.
The resource is in English, at the top you can find language levels from elementary to advanced and choose a book that interests you from the catalogue.
Each book has a description, also in English. You can read online or download a book in English absolutely free, which makes this resource extremely attractive for those who do not plan to sign up for a paid subscription.
Qoutev
Excellent sorting by genre on the Qoutev website will help you choose a book of any direction in English
If you prefer a certain genre of literature, then the Qoutev website will help you a lot with this.
Here all the works are sorted into different genres, which makes navigation on the site incredibly convenient and reduces the time spent searching for a book in the original. The main thing is that you must know the title of the book in English, or at least the author.
This is a great resource for teachers to motivate students at different levels. Useful for both full homework, and for additional material during lessons via Skype.
If you prefer stories rather than long books, there are a huge number of them here, even more than full-fledged large books.
Read Print
Read Print offers you a convenient option: bookmark the book you plan to read in the original
Read Print offers a convenient search by book title and author, and you can also keep track of what you have already read and what you are planning to read.
The site has created various groups where you can communicate with people around the world and thereby improve your English writing skills. Don't worry that you won't be understood, there are many here who started learn English from scratch and solves the same problems as you.
You can even create your own personal group and invite people to discuss a book they read that made an impression on you.
Classic Short Stories
The Classic Short Stories website presents stories and essays by contemporary writers in English
The online resource Classic Short Stories is dedicated to short stories and for those who do not like long works.
The site contains a huge number stories in English of different genres and various writers - classics and contemporaries.
A user-friendly interface that is not conspicuous will help you quickly navigate and find what you like. You can search by title or author.
BookRix
You can download original books from the BookRix website for free in different formats or read them online
Perhaps one of the few resources where you can find everything: read the book online and for free at different languages world, download, buy and even publish yours!
BookRix presents a selection of topics ranging from romance novels to gardening books. You can save most works in English to your computer, phone or e-book.
However, dividing all books into different levels you won't find the language and you should have a little patience and look for a work that suits you in terms of the complexity of what is written.
ManyBooks
Manybooks supports any browser on mobile phones for reading English books online
It’s not for nothing that Manybooks bears such a name (translation: Many books). It's huge digital library, which can provide its readers with more than 33 thousand free books in English and other languages.
The site is well developed and has many fans, as it has been operating for quite a long time, since 2014. Most of the works are presented in English.
You can sort books by genre, author, popularity. The main advantage of this site is that all books are available free download in more than 20 formats, that is, you can read the work from any device, be it a smartphone or tablet.
PupilGarage
The PupilGarage website offers educational literature in English in various areas.
PupilGarage website is perfect option for those looking for scientific and professional literature.
Section of textbooks for preparing for English exams Exams Corner is under development, but soon you will be able to find the literature you need to pass successfully.
DailyLit
DailyLit is the largest online library where you can find almost any book in English in the original.
DailyLit is the largest online library with thousands of books. To read the book, you need to register on the site, this process will take you less than a minute. After selecting a book, click “Read online” and enjoy your favorite work!
This resource has a very interesting feature: if you don’t have a lot of time to read, then you can subscribe to the book. After this, you will receive another excerpt of the work by email on the days you select, the length of which you determine.
To do this, on the book page, click the big button on “Read”, then select the days on which it will be convenient for you to receive and read excerpts of the work, as well as the length of the excerpt. After that, click “Create Subscription”.
Loyal Books
Audiobooks in English are widely available on the Loyal Books website. You can download free original audiobooks to your phone or computer from this site.
Do you like audiobooks? And rightly so: they help practice pronunciation.
Loyal Books is an absolutely free and free resource where you can listen to audiobooks not only in English, but also in almost all languages of the world.
Each work is divided into chapters - it is very convenient to listen to. Also, each book has a long description and discussion about what you read, which you can read after.
If you are not very comfortable listen to audiobooks in English online, then you have the opportunity to download them to your computer.
Finally:
We hope that our article was useful to you and you immediately added several of the proposed sites to your bookmarks so that at a convenient time for you, read or download books in English in the original.
Not only will your language level improve rapidly, but you will also be able to enjoy an interesting book.
In contact with
English prose, adapted for beginners and intermediates, from A2 to C1: books with which you will reach a new level!
Many people find reading to be a slow and rather tedious process. Learning English from TV series or songs is much more fun. But this is only at first glance! After all, if you delve deeper into the question, the advantages of this approach to learning a foreign language will become noticeable; We will begin our article with these advantages.
Why is it important to read English books in the original to effectively master the English language?
“The more that you read, the more that you’ll know.” The more that you know, the more places you’ll go.” -Dr. Seuss
“The more you read, the more you learn. The more you learn, the more large places you will visit” - Dr. Seuss, American children's writer and cartoonist
Any English-speaking child will confirm: Dr. Seuss will not give bad advice. If you love to read, but are afraid to start with a long and full-length English novel, don't worry. There is a great variety of literature adapted specifically to your level of English proficiency. Yes, you will get a full idea of the work of fiction a little later, but you can congratulate yourself on the first English book you read already starting at the Elementary level!
Reading is a great way to expand your vocabulary
Reading on foreign language enriches vocabulary, even if we ourselves do not realize it. Of course, in order for new vocabulary to be absorbed more effectively, it is better to read a book, writing down unfamiliar words and memorizing their translation. When choosing books to read, be guided by your learning goals: if necessary Speaking, pay attention to modern “light” prose, if you want to master special vocabulary, the most obvious advice is to read literature from the area of your professional interests.
Reading improves spelling
English spelling is full of mysteries and surprises. The spelling of many words defies logic: you just have to memorize them. AND The best way to do this is to read more English-language literature so that the images of words are stored in memory.
Reading broadens your horizons
E-books and blogs, news sites and social media feeds: reading in the twenty-first century has reached a new level. A single information space makes it possible to learn about what is happening in the most remote corners of the world and to become familiar with the world’s cultural and scientific heritage.
The first book read in a foreign language is a powerful incentive to conquer new linguistic peaks
Listen to how you feel when you finish the last page of your first English novel: a wonderful feeling. “She reads Orwell in the original” - sounds proud! Any psychologist will tell you: motivation is important when performing any task. So don’t miss an opportunity to praise yourself once again, this one is not superfluous at all! :)
How to choose a book to read
- Select literature adapted to your level (see the list of recommended books for levels A2-C1 later in the article).
- Choose works according to your strengths: start with short stories, gradually moving on to larger literary forms.
- The more exciting the learning, the more effective it is: try to find books that are interesting to you. Suitable detective stories, thrillers, mysticism - or any other topic that awakens your imagination and makes you read the book to the end.
Children's books
If you only know a few hundred words in English, pay attention to children's literature: many children's books are also interesting for adults. In addition, children's literature, as a rule, is generously supplied with illustrations, which helps to understand the plot.
Interesting fact: the famous children's writer Dr. Seuss, who was discussed earlier in our article, wrote his best book The Cat in the Hat(“The Cat in the Hat”), using only 220 words. This list of children's first words was compiled by the publisher, obliging the author to use them in his work: everything to earn the love of the target audience!
Free English-language children's books can be found on the following resources:
Comics
Like children's literature, comics are a great way to start reading in an unfamiliar language. There are a great many genres of comics: there are comics for children, for adults, entertaining and educational.
Film scripts
One of the proven and effective methods learning a new language, recommended by many polyglots, is to read books in the target language that are already familiar in translation. The same applies to film adaptations: it is useful to read the scripts of the films you have watched. Advantages: the context is known, the plot is clear, you can guess the meaning of new words as the story progresses.
Books on personal development and professional literature
By reading books about personal development and professional specialized literature, you kill two birds with one stone: you study vocabulary that is relevant to you in English and learn new things on a topic that is important to you. If you are keenly interested in something, why not read about it in English? Another advantage of such literature: it is easier to read than fiction novels. The style is simpler, the vocabulary is limited to the topic under consideration.
3 “life hacks” for beginning readers of English literature
What to do if you don't understand 100% of what you read?
Calm down, this is quite natural. It is not necessary to understand every word, because context is king(king - context). If you have grasped the main idea of the story, that is quite enough. Moreover, if you understand everything you read, most likely you took a book of too low a level for yourself. Try to find books where about 70% of the vocabulary will be familiar (the rest will have to be written out and learned).
Read aloud
It may seem strange, but reading has proven itself to be excellent in improving pronunciation and listening comprehension - if it is reading aloud. By reading aloud, you tune in to the sounds of the language you are learning. However, it is important to work on pronunciation in addition to reading, otherwise the incorrectly “guessed” pronunciation of a particular word can annoy you for years later.
Listen to audiobooks while reading
When learning English, in which the same combination of letters can be pronounced in a dozen different ways, it is very important to pay attention to the correct pronunciation of new words. We have already written about the book + audiobook format: when reading an English-language book, you listen to its audio version, voiced by native English speakers. Very convenient for learning pronunciation!
Books adapted for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels of English (A2-C1)
Level A2 - pre-threshold level (waystage level, elementary level)
The Hound of the Baskervilles
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Level: elementary
Genre: detective
Volume: OK. 45000 characters
English version: British
The well-known story, filmed dozens of times, about how a pet can become a real curse for a noble family. It's time to read it in the original!
The Fisherman and His Soul - The Fisherman and His Soul
Oscar Wilde
Level: elementary
Genre: romantic fairy tale
Volume: OK. 30000 characters
English version: British
A poignant romantic tale about the mad love of a dolphin fisherman and a mermaid.
Dracula - Dracula
Bram Stoker
Level: elementary
Genre: mysticism, horror
Volume: OK. 50000 characters
English version: British
A chilling story about eternal love and eternal damnation: that's where all the vampire sagas of our time come from.
The Million Pound Bank Note
Mark Twain
Level: elementary
Genre: adventures, humor
Volume: OK. 25000 characters
English version: American
A witty and instructive story about the exploits of a poor man with a million pound note in his pocket.
Mr Bean is in town - Mr. Bean In Town
Level: elementary
Genre: humor
Volume: OK. 20000 characters
English version: British
Mr. Bean will always find adventures for his wild little head! The eccentric eccentric continues to surprise and make the reader laugh.
Level B1 - threshold or intermediate level
FANTASTIC MR FOX
Roald Dahl
Level: average
Genre: fairy tale, humor
Volume: OK. 45000 characters
English version: American
Foxes and farmers are eternal enemies. Who will win this time?..
The Picture of Dorian Gray - The Picture of Dorian Gray
Oscar Wilde
Level: average
Genre: fiction
Volume: OK. 80000 characters
English version: British
What is more important, the beauty of the face or the beauty of the soul? Incredible story about a beautiful mask and the terrible essence of a person. Mr. Grey, weren’t you the prototype for the hero of “Fifty Shades of Grey”?..
Appointment With Death
Level: average
Genre: detective
Volume: OK. 125000 characters
English version: British
Christie, Poirot, detective. A must read!
Forrest Gump - Wikiwand Forrest Gump
John Escott
Level: average
Genre: drama
Volume: OK. 45000 characters
English version: American
A book about a man whose fate makes you believe in the impossible.
Three Men In a Boat
Jerome K. Jerome
Level: average
Genre: humor
Volume: OK. 50000 characters
English version: British
Three cheerful friends decided to go on a trip. What came of it - read in the original.
Intermediate level of English (intermediate, B1-B2)
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Francis Scott Fitzgerald
Level: average
Genre: drama
Volume: OK. 45000 characters
English version: American
A fantastic story about a man who “lived in reverse.” But you've probably already seen the movie?..
George Orwell
Level: average
Genre: prose
Volume: OK. 150000 characters
English version: British
A landmark work of English literature that should definitely be included in everyone's reading arsenal. modern man. So that you don’t have to blush in polite society.
2001: A Space Odyssey - 2001: A Space Odyssey
Arthur Clarke
Level: average
Genre: Science fiction
Volume: OK. 150000 characters
English version: American
Spaceships, interplanetary travel, mysterious artifacts... Science fiction at its finest!
Gladiator - Gladiator
Dewey Gram
Level: average
Genre: historical novel
Volume: OK. 100000 characters
English version: American
This book will tell about the difficult fate of the Roman gladiator. That's who had a really difficult job!
Four Weddings and a Funeral - Four Weddings and a Funeral
Richard Curtis
Level: average
Genre: romance, humor
Volume: OK. 100000 characters
English version: British
The best way to understand the culture of a people is to study their customs. A funny, touching, slightly frivolous book by Richard Curtis tells about the love between a British man and an American against the backdrop of four weddings and, alas, one funeral. Is there hope for a happy ending? Read about it for yourself.
B2 - intermediate-advanced level (vantage or upper intermediate)
Misery - Misery
Stephen King
Level:
Genre: novel, thriller
Volume: OK. 120000 characters
English version: British
A novel about the relationship between a writer and an admirer of his talent, so eccentric that it’s even scary. The plot develops like in a fairy tale: the further it goes, the scarier it gets. But this is precisely why we love King.
A Murder Is Announced
Agatha Christie
Level: upper-intermediate
Genre: detective
Volume: OK. 140000 characters
English version: British
And again the grandmother of an English detective with a novel about a mysterious newspaper ad that indicates the exact day and hour of a future murder. Will it be possible to prevent the fatal event? You will read the answer to this question in clear English.
Airport
Arthur Hailey
Level: upper-intermediate
Genre: thriller
Volume: OK. 180000 characters
English version: British/Canadian
A disaster novel based on real events, fascinating even after half a century.
The Bourne Identity
Robert Ludlum
Level: upper-intermediate
Genre: thriller
Volume: OK. 100000 characters
English version: American
Off the coast of the Mediterranean, fishermen caught a wounded man who had completely lost his memory. This is the beginning of an exciting novel, which became the basis of one of the most successful film thrillers of our time.
The Talented Mr. Ripley
Patricia Highsmith
Level: upper-intermediate
Genre: detective, drama
Volume: OK. 130000 characters
English version: American
Tom Ripley is a 25-year-old young man who grew up without parents in an atmosphere of hatred and fear. Is it any wonder that his attitude towards the world and people is not particularly tender?..
British
A classic English novel about the life of a poor orphan with remarkable strength of character, and about love that can overcome any adversity. A book dearly loved not only in England, but throughout the world.
Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen
Level: advanced
Genre: romantic prose
Volume: OK. 40000 characters
English version: British
Elizabeth is one of five daughters in the noble but impoverished Bennett family. She is smart, beautiful, but will she be happy? When two single gentlemen move in next door, something new enters the lives of the Bennett girls: sighs, worries, furtive glances, secret dates. Will the object of her affection appreciate Elizabeth's virtues? Read on and you will find out for yourself.
Death On The Nile
Agatha Christie
Level: advanced
Genre: detective
Volume: OK. 20000 characters
English version: British
And again the magnificent Agatha, and again a fascinating detective story, now in the surroundings of the Egyptian pyramids. Hercule Poirot solves the mystery once again the most difficult puzzle, exposing the insidious plans of criminals.
East of Eden - East Of Eden
John Steinbeck
Level: advanced
Genre: novel
Volume: OK. 150000 characters
English version: American
An American classic, a deep and serious novel that tells about the relationship between two families and the fact that everyone has the right to choose their own destiny. Steinbeck considered this book his most outstanding work.
Brave New World
Aldous Huxley
Level: advanced
Genre: dystopian novel
Volume: OK. 180000 characters
English version: British
Before you is a dystopian novel: find out what it is by reading the book.
Read it, it's useful
