The Best Book To Read For Improving English | 10 Best Novels For Beginners!

Hey, you are looking for the best book to read for improving English. Aren’t you? Well, you can find your answers here! English is one of the most used official languages across the world. However, not everybody has English as their mother tongue. Right?! 

If you feel that you are not confident and happy about your English, don’t worry, I’m here to suggest some of the best books to read for improving your English effectively. Let’s get into the article and find out these book gems!

Best Book To Read For Improving English: The Top 10 List!

There are a lot of books that you can choose for improving your English. But I suggest you select a novel or a storybook that can make your reading more interesting. The below-listed are the top 10 books that can make your English perfect and improve your vocabulary as well.

1. The Wind in the Willows

While there are so many books that you can read to improve your English, the best one to start with is The Wind in the Willows. As the story is set in the English countryside, you can find the book with rich language.

Moreover, the book has themes like friendship, adventure, and the natural world. All these themes are enriched with similes and metaphors that can enhance your language comprehension.

• Engaging Plot: The adventures of Mole, Ratty, Toad, and Badger in the English countryside make readers engage with ease of language.
• Language Usage: The book’s wry humor and vivid descriptions enhance language comprehension and appreciation.
• Vocabulary: Exposure to rich vocabulary related to nature, animals, and British culture.
• Sentence Structures: Varied sentence structures help readers understand different writing styles.
• Cultural Context: Offers insights into early 20th-century English life and values.

2. Lord of the Flies

This is the best book to read for improving English and vocabulary as it has many complex themes such as human nature, morality, leadership, etc. As the main plot of the story is about the survival of a man on a deserted island, you can get to know the language comprehension of human behavior.

While reading the book, you will also come across imagery, symbolism, and allegory as well.

• Engaging Plot: A gripping story of survival and human nature on a deserted island.
• Language Usage: Descriptive language, symbolism, and allegory.
• Vocabulary: Introduces complex words related to power, fear, and morality.
• Sentence Structures: Varied sentence lengths and styles.
• Cultural Context: Reflects post-WWII British society and human behavior under pressure.

3. The Old Man and the Sea

If you are a person looking to enhance the idiomatic expression in English, then this is the right book for you. Ernest Hemingway’s words in this book reflect authentic language usage making it the best book to read for improving English.

You will also learn how to make sentences with a minimalistic approach that enhances the clarity of your language.

4. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

I guess there’s a person who doesn’t know about this wonderful story of Harry Potter. Yes? Here is the best book to read for improving English without much effort. It has an interesting story plot that doesn’t let you keep the book down.

The author J.K. Rowling’s choice of words is one of the main reasons that led to the huge success of her novel Harry Potter. So, why not try reading it instead of watching it on TV?!

5. A Moveable Feast

If you search for the best book to read for improving English on Google, I’m sure it shows at least a book written by Ernest Hemingway. This is a book written by him to enhance your English language usage.

The author has enriched the book with themes like hunger, friendship, and the artistic struggle for the readers to explore and improve their language.

6. Animal Farm

If you want to specifically increase your English vocabulary, then go for this book. George Orwell has done a great job by employing some of the finest words in English which you can use in your life in various situations.

While reading the book, you will explore themes like power, corruption, and propaganda can improve analytical skills and understanding of nuanced language.

• Engaging Plot: Allegory of the Russian Revolution.
• Language Usage: Simple language with powerful political messages.
• Vocabulary: Political terms, animal names as metaphors.
• Sentence Structures: Clear and impactful.
• Cultural Context: Satirical commentary on totalitarianism.

7. Tuesdays with Morrie

This is a book that talks mostly about complex human emotions and philosophical discussions that can encourage readers to comprehend the text within a broader context, enhancing their interpretive skills.

Moreover, there are so many instances where the book reflects natural spoken English and cultural references. If you want to gain valuable life lessons apart from improving your English, this is the right book for you.

8. Rich Man Poor Man

I would say that this is the best book to read for improving English and understanding nuances, idiomatic expressions, etc. The sentences that you find in this book will sharpen your English language and enhance your fluency while you speak.

I recommend you try the audiobook to get all the pronunciation live and make your reading more interesting.

9. The Giver

The Giver is the best book to read for improving English and teaches you how to make straightforward sentences. The book also provides opportunities for deeper literary analysis, themes, symbols, etc.

The character development in this book has been done so well that enhances critical thinking and language comprehension. There is also some imaginative vocabulary which you will find unique while reading.

• Engaging Plot: Dystopian world with controlled emotions.
• Language Usage: Precise, evocative language.
• Vocabulary: Concepts related to memory, emotions, and conformity.
• Sentence Structures: Clear and thought-provoking.
• Cultural Context: Explores individuality, memory, and societal control.

10. Fantastic Mr Fox

The last book that is on the list is Fantastic Mr Fox written by Roald Dahl. This book has almost everything that can help you improve your language. It has rich imagery and clever wordplay, introducing interesting adjectives and a wide range of grammar structures.

I’m sure this is the best book to read for improving English and getting into another world of reading. Try this book to learn English effectively!

• Engaging Plot: Roald Dahl’s clever tale of a cunning fox.
• Language Usage: Dahl’s playful language, humor, and wit.
• Vocabulary: Descriptive words related to animals, food, and mischief.
• Sentence Structures: Dahl’s signature style, is suitable for young readers.
• Cultural Context: Dahl’s imaginative world and themes of resourcefulness.

Best Novels For Beginners

Although massive technological developments have introduced more ways of entertaining than one can count in the past few decades, reading books has persisted as a timeless form of entertainment and education. Despite this, books have still managed to teleport you across timezones and eras! In addition, they’re still the best way to master any language, from vocabulary to colloquial expressions.

The Top 5 Novels & Books for Beginners will have you itching to turn the next page, no matter if you’re a novice reader or a non-native English speaker.

1. The White Tiger

A retrospective narrative from a rural child, Balram Halwai, examines Hinduism, caste, loyalty, corruption, and poverty in India through the lens of a darkly humorous novel.

Aravind Adiga’s “The White Tiger” offers a darkly comic yet critical look at India’s social and economic divides. Through the eyes of Balram Halwai, a servant-turned-entrepreneur, the novel delves into themes of corruption, class struggle, and personal ambition. Balram’s journey from poverty to power highlights the stark realities and injustices within Indian society.

2. The Alchemist

The Alchemist is a classic novel in which a young man named Santiago sets out to discover treasure in the Egyptian pyramids after having recurring dreams about it. In the process, he meets a Gypsy woman, falls in love, and learns how to value himself and focus on what really matters.

Paulo Coelho has beautifully portrayed a profound and inspiring tale of Santiago, a shepherd who dreams of finding treasure in the Egyptian pyramids. His quest takes him through various trials and encounters with mystical figures, each imparting lessons about destiny, personal legends, and the pursuit of one’s dreams. The novel emphasizes the importance of listening to one’s heart and following one’s dreams.

3. The Outsiders

Any beginner will enjoy reading this short novel. Ponyboy Curtis, a teenage gang member, is the protagonist of the novel. It describes several fights between their gang and rival gangs, as well as how he tries to survive. A trial in the courtroom will determine the boy’s fate. The story is based on modern themes and describes typical teenage problems. There are only a few cultural notes in the book, so there is no need to research background information.

S. E. Hinton provides a gripping portrayal of teenage angst and social conflict. Through the eyes of Ponyboy Curtis, readers experience the intense rivalries between gangs, the struggles of growing up, and the search for identity. The novel’s authentic depiction of youth culture and its timeless themes make it accessible and relatable for readers of all ages.

4. Number the Stars

If you have a little bit of knowledge about World War II, the book might be very interesting for you. It is one of the realistic novels that are based on history. In the heroic story, a girl reforms herself as a result of the problems at that time and joins the resistance party to fight the Nazis. Your interest will be piqued until the very end.

5. Animal Farm

The story revolves around the rebellion of animals against their human masters in a farmyard plot set in the Soviet era. It is an allegorical novel about the Russian Soviet state. The writer has used simple rules-based writing, making the work even more impressive. In the novel, the writer has demonstrated clarity and brevity. It is clear that any reader will be captivated by the story plot and appreciate the straightforward language used.

George Orwell has explained the powerful allegory of the Russian Revolution and the rise of totalitarianism. Set on a farm where animals overthrow their human farmer only to find themselves under a tyrannical regime, the novel critiques the corruption of ideals and the nature of power. Its clear and straightforward narrative style enhances its critical commentary on political systems and human behavior.

6. One Day, Life Will Change

A novel by Saranya Umakanthan, One Day, Life Will Change, is about finding inspiration when you least expect it. Everyone has highs and lows; it is during the lows that we learn, grow, and become mature and reasonable.

It is one of the best novels for beginners which delves into the unexpected moments that redefine our lives. The narrative explores how individuals navigate their struggles and triumphs, revealing that true growth often emerges from the challenges we face. It’s a reminder that transformation is a continual process of adaptation and learning.

7. The Palace of Illusions

Draupadi’s story takes her from her birth amid fire as the daughter of a king to her lively balancing act as a lady with five husbands who were duped out of their father’s country.

This novel explores her complex emotions and struggles as a queen and mother. Through her journey, readers gain insight into the personal and political conflicts of ancient India, highlighting her resilience and strength.

8. Harry Potter

Written by J.K. Rowling, “Harry Potter” is an enthralling tale that transports readers to the enchanting realm of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Embark on a journey with Harry Potter, a young wizard who discovers his magical abilities on his eleventh birthday.

Joined by his loyal companions Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, Harry delves into the enigmas of Hogwarts, unearthing secrets about his past and confronting Voldemort.

Through Rowling’s spellbinding narrative, timeless themes of friendship, courage, and love are brought to life, captivating millions worldwide. With its incantations, mystical creatures, and riveting setting, this beloved series continues to captivate readers of all ages and leave an indelible mark on literature.

9. Things Fall Apart

As the story unfolds, the Nigerian community of the 1890s is depicted. This is a time when European missionaries were attempting to invade Africa. These missionaries interfered with the livelihoods of the Igbos. In this example, the author used blunt and short sentences, which emphasized the natural setting and drew the reader’s attention.

The novel paints a vivid picture of pre-colonial Igbo society and its dramatic upheaval under colonial rule. Achebe’s concise prose and direct narrative style capture the essence of a culture on the brink of change, highlighting the tension between traditional values and foreign influences.

10. High Fidelity

In this novel, Rob is the main character who is a heartbroken vinyl record store owner. It is a great novel for music lovers, and they will find it extremely captivating. The story is set in North London, and it is packed with humor and short conversations between characters.