7 best books to improve your English
It’s never the perfect time to start being a reader. Once you pick up a book and begin reading, there’s no looking back! All you need is that one book to hook you in. Simple plots, writing styles, and universal themes usually help non-readers settle into reading and later, devouring books. By choosing books that are easy to understand and enjoyable, you’ll not only develop a reading habit but also improve your English vocabulary and comprehension skills.
We have quite the reading list for you today, ranging from easy-to-read classics and fiction to simple non-fiction and self-help. These selections are perfect if you are looking for good books to improve your English while enjoying a good story or gain insights.
Author: Chetan Bhagat
Chetan Bhagat’s engaging novel follows the lives of three friends—Govind, Ishaan, and Omi—in Ahmedabad. Their journey revolves around their dream of starting a successful business, their love for cricket, and the challenges posed by the political and communal tensions in their city. Bhagat’s writing style is straightforward and conversational, making it easy for readers to follow the story. The novel is filled with relatable characters and real-life scenarios that resonate with many readers.
Author: Ernest Hemingway
Ernest Hemingway’s classic novella tells the story of Santiago, an aging Cuban fisherman who engages in an epic battle with a giant marlin. Santiago’s relentless determination and the vivid descriptions of his battle with the marlin create a powerful and moving tale. The narrative is straightforward yet deeply profound, exploring themes of struggle, resilience, and the human spirit. Hemingway’s use of concise sentences and minimalistic style helps readers focus on the core elements of the story, making it easier to follow and understand.
Author: Sudha Murty
This book is a heartwarming collection of essays and stories drawn from the author’s own life experiences. The stories range from humorous anecdotes to inspiring tales of kindness and resilience, offering a diverse reading experience. Murty’s straightforward language and relatable themes make it an excellent choice for beginners. Each story is infused with moral lessons and reflections on life, providing readers with both entertainment and wisdom. The simplicity of Murty’s prose ensures that readers can follow along without difficulty.
Author: L.M. Montgomery
Montgomery’s classic follows Anne Shirley, an imaginative and spirited orphan, as she adapts to her new life with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert in the idyllic village of Avonlea. Anne navigates various adventures and misadventures, from academic challenges and rivalry with classmate Gilbert Blythe to forming deep friendships and finding a sense of belonging. The charming setting and Anne’s vivid imagination make it an engaging read and a very accessible classic for those intimidated by the size and contents of classic literature books.
Author: John Boyne
Boyne’s most famous novel tells the story of an unlikely friendship between Bruno, the son of a Nazi commandant, and Shmuel, a Jewish boy in a concentration camp. Although this deals with much heavier topics compared to the rest of the book in this list and is set amid the horrors of the Holocaust, the writing style is simple and does not use jargon, making it a fairly simple read if you’re looking to read something more heart wrenching. Avid readers deem this as a must-read historical fiction and place this alongside books like The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank.
Author: Ruskin Bond
Last but not least, we have a classic Ruskin Bond recommendation. So many people have become readers, thanks to his accessible literature. This simple yet captivating story centers around a young girl named Binya, who trades her lucky leopard’s claw for a beautiful blue umbrella. The umbrella becomes a symbol of envy and admiration in her village, leading to unexpected consequences. This is also a short story which makes it easier to read and doesn’t involve commitment to a larger plot.
Author: Khaled Hosseini
This gripping tale set against the backdrop of a changing Afghanistan follows the life of Amir, a young boy from a wealthy family, and his complicated friendship with Hassan, the son of his father’s servant. The story delves into themes of betrayal, redemption, and the enduring impact of childhood choices. Hosseini’s writing is both powerful and accessible, characterised by vivid descriptions and emotionally charged narratives that draw readers into the characters’ world. The book offers a mix of dialogue and descriptive passages in straightforward language that enhance vocabulary and comprehension.
Want more ideas for stories that are easy to read? Look up our recommendation here: 6 Short Stories To Help You Break Out Of Your Reading Slump