The 10 best books for learning English

Did you know that reading is one of the best ways to make progress in learning a language? Then discover our selection of the best books for learning English!

There’s nothing like a good book to familiarize you with a language. First of all, unlike films, reading has the advantage of adapting to your pace. No problem, then, if you need to reread a paragraph to fully understand its meaning. Secondly, it’s an excellent way to discover new vocabulary. Last but not least, you’ll certainly feel a great sense of pride when you finish your first novel in English!

From the classics to contemporary authors, Anglo-Saxon literature is full of nuggets. We’ve compiled a list of the best books for learning English, whatever your tastes. Our selection covers a wide range of genres and formats. So you’re sure to find a book to suit your level and the time you have available!

1. Animal Farm

George Orwell’s Animal Farm is a classic of satirical and dystopian literature. In this fable parodying the Russian Revolution, the animals on a farm revolt and seize power. The pigs quickly establish their domination over the other animals and set up a dictatorship.

So, beneath its often comic overtones, the book offers real political reflection. As well as being fascinating, this short, simple classic is an excellent book for learning English!

2. Fantastic Mr Fox

Roald Dahl’s boundless imagination and wicked sense of humor appeal to young and old alike. Although not his most famous book, Fantastic Mr Fox is a perfect illustration.

This short children’s novel follows the adventures of a family of foxes who are as devious as they are endearing. As an adult, we particularly appreciate the offbeat tone of this cult story.

It’s the perfect book for learning English at any age. And to extend the experience, you can immerse yourself in Wes Anderson’s excellent film adaptation!

3. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

How about rediscovering the most famous and gifted of investigators in the original version? Before the many adaptations, Sherlock Holmes was written in 1892 by Arthur Conan Doyle.

That’s the year he published a collection of short stories featuring a series of thrilling investigations. So plunge into the underworld of 19th-century London alongside one of fiction’s most exciting characters!

With its short, tasty stories, this so-British collection is, in our opinion, one of the best books for learning English.

4. Normal People

With two bestsellers to her name, young Irish author Sally Rooney is a rising star in English-language literature. It has to be said that she has a real gift for depicting the most disconcerting, moving and fascinating aspects of human relationships.

In Normal People, we follow the love story of Marianne and Connell from high school to university. With these endearing, flawed characters, you’ll explore all the nuances of English emotions. As you’ll probably find it hard to leave them behind, enjoy the excellent series based on the book.

5. The Handmaid’s Tale

The Scarlet Handmaid has also been beautifully adapted for the small screen. This is hardly surprising, given the particularly strong and atypical plot of the original novel.

Indeed, Margaret Atwood has imagined a dystopia in which a patriarchal, totalitarian regime has conquered the United States. In this hostile world, the heroine, Offred, belongs to an oppressed social class whose only role is to bear children.

This exciting novel is a great book for improving your English, whether or not you’ve seen the series!

6. Little Women

If you’re in the mood for a long book in English, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is an excellent option. Indeed, there’s a reason why this classic of English-language literature has been thrilling audiences since 1868!

We follow Doctor March’s four daughters from childhood to adulthood and their quest for independence. This lively, accessible novel is also an excellent book for learning English, for a summer, for example.

7. Harry Potter

In the late 1990s, the world of children’s literature was rocked by the publication of the first volume of J. K. Rowling’sHarry Potter. The bespectacled wizard quickly won over young and old alike, and his adventures at wizard school continue to enthrall to this day.

As well as being cult and accessible, this children’s series has the advantage of being multi-volume. In each one, Harry and his friends grow up, and the complexity of the plots increases. It’s the perfect series of books for learning English step by step!

8. The Old Man and the Sea

Who would have thought that a fishing story could turn out to be so exciting? Off the coast of Cuba, fisherman Santiago’s fight between man and beast is breathtaking and deeply moving.

In this very short novel, author Ernest Hemingway deploys a style of writing that is both simple and brilliant. Its format makes The Old Man and the Sea one of the best books for learning literary English!

9. And Then There Were None

Eight people arrive on an island in response to a mysterious invitation. One by one, they are killed, without anyone being able to understand why, or by whom. Needless to say, this detective story, arguably Agatha Christie’s most famous, will captivate you?

Thanks to its suspense, this is a great book for learning English. In fact, you’re quickly drawn into the plot, to the point of devouring the chapters despite the language barrier.

10. High Fidelity

With his contemporary novels and obsessive, endearing characters, Nick Hornby is one of Britain’s best-selling authors. Fluid and often funny, his books are perfect for learning modern English.

In High Fidelity, the focus is on music, as we follow a lost and passionate record shop owner. So, as well as working on your English, the novel will introduce you to some excellent new playlists!

You can hear them in the excellent serial adaptation of the novel, starring Zoë Kravitz!

We hope you’ve found inspiration in this selection of the best books for learning English. As you’ll have noticed, most of them have been adapted for film or TV, so you can extend the experience by working on your listening skills!