One of the worst things I find about learning a language is the fact that it is vitally important to read books in your target language. I love reading, but I find it really hard to find the time to read because I usually like to read quickly and as a Literature student it is important for me to understand every word. I find it even harder to decide which books I am going to read, as I don’t want one that is too easy and boring, but neither do I want one which is too difficult and which demotivates me. I’ve compiled a list of a few books which aren’t too difficult but are enough to challenge you when you read in English.
1. Swallows and Amazons, Arthur Ransome
This is a book I read when I was 10 years old, from a local author who lives in the Lake District. It’s brilliant and explores the lives of four children as they adventure around Lake Coniston.
2. The Notebook, Nicholas Sparks
An amazing, heart-wrenching read!
3. The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins
Set in a dystopian future, Katniss must fight to stay alive in a sadistic game show. There are three books in the series so if you enjoy the first one, there are another two to read and four films to watch too!
4. One Day, David Nicholls
A man and a woman meet at university, and the book follows their lives on the same date of every year.
5. The Fault in our Stars, John Green
A very real novel about two teenagers who fall in love while battling cancer. A major motion picture too!
6. Charlotte’s Web, E. B. White
A spider and a pig become firm friends!
7. To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee
This book is often studied in schools thanks to the hugely impacting themes it deals with, from racism to doing what is morally right.
8. A Series of Unfortunate Events, Lemony Snicket
This book, again the first in the series, actually explains some of the more complicated words it uses. It shows three orphans and how they battle against their conniving uncle to get their money back!
Note from editor: The books on this list are the blogger's personal selection.
Have you found any books which have helped you learn English? Have you read any of the books on this list? Which is your favourite English novel?