Books in English for beginners. Books in English for beginners: which book to choose

There is a myth that only English speakers can read original books. But today you will be convinced that even a beginner is able to master a literary work and understand its meaning (especially if it is adapted books in English for beginners). In addition, you can always click on an unfamiliar word and see its translation.

Why is it so important to read books at an elementary level?

• First, reading books guarantees a deeper immersion in the language than texts from textbooks.
• Secondly, this is a huge plus for self-esteem and motivation, which is very important for further language learning.
• And finally, it is one of the easiest and interesting activities if the appropriate literature is selected.

That's why we found for you the best adapted versions of foreign works(just follow the links). All books have been rewritten by professional linguists and significantly reduced: the average volume of a simplified version is about 10-20 pages, which is quite realistic to read in one evening.

A story about the friendship of two smart mice from France and Great Britain, who are concerned about the fate of Shakespeare's cultural heritage. This book uses direct speech a lot, which means you won't have problems speaking English in the future.

by Mark Twain (beginner - 7 pages) It's hard to find someone who hasn't heard about the thrilling adventures of Tom Sawyer. And reading about them in the original is even more fun. The vocabulary of the story is suitable even for those who "yesterday" began to learn English.

by Sally M. Stockton (elementary - 6 pages) An ageless tale of a brave archer who fights for justice. After reading the book, you can watch one of the many film adaptations.

by Andrew Mathews (elementary - 6 pages) A beautiful story about a teenage girl, Susie, living in the shadow of her more attractive friend Donna. Susie hates her freckles and thinks they make her look ugly. Find out how the story ends and whether Susie's attitude towards herself will change.

by John Escott (elementary - 8 pages) In our selection there was a place for a story about ghosts. The author has a very bright style of narration, so it is difficult to break away from the story. So, you can easily master 8 pages in one go.

by Mark Twain (elementary - 9 pages) Another work of Mark Twain in our selection will delight you with the story of Huckleberry Finn. A great chance to remember your childhood. The adapted version of this children's book is a real boon for the beginner!

More than ten pages - success! Simple books in English for beginners

by Peter Benchley (elementary - 12 pages) An adapted version of the famous "Jaws" - a novel about a great white shark attacking vacationers in a resort town (brrr, horror!). Long, common sentences can make the book difficult to read. elementary level, but we believe that 12 pages is not a problem for you.

by Lewis Carroll (elementary - 13 pages) A wonderful opportunity to once again be in Wonderland and learn the names of the characters in English. The book is read very quickly and easily - tested on my own experience in elementary school.

by Jack London (elementary - 15 pages) A heartbreaking story about the life of a dog during the gold rush. The book focuses on the relationship between man and animals. In my opinion, this work is one of the best in our selection in terms of plot and style of writing.

by Roger Lancelyn Green (elementary - 16 pages) A great opportunity to get acquainted with the exploits of King Arthur and the famous knights round table. Welcome to the era of the English Middle Ages.

For those who are serious. Reading books in English for beginners

The second story by Arthur Conan Doyle, dedicated to the investigations of Sherlock Holmes. In the simplified version of the work, the beauty of the story and the mystery of this detective story are perfectly preserved.

by Elizabeth Gaskell (pre-intermediate - 51 pages) The novel "North and South" describes the confrontation between manufacturers and aristocrats during the industrial revolution in England. The book will appeal not only to fans of the romantic classics performed by Jane Austen, but also to those who like historical works.

Books in English with translation for beginners

English prose adapted for "beginners" and "advanced" from A2 to C1: books that you will come out with new level!

Many people find reading to be a slow and rather tedious process. Learning English from TV shows or songs is much more fun. But this is only at first glance! After all, if you delve deeper into the issue, you will notice the advantages of this approach to learning a foreign language; with these advantages we will begin our article.

Why is it important to read English books in the original for effective learning of English?

“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 know, the more places you will visit.” - Dr. Seuss, American children's writer and cartoonist

Any English-speaking child will confirm: Dr. Seuss will not advise bad. If you love to read, but are afraid to start with a voluminous and full-bodied 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 complete picture of the work of art a little later, but congratulate yourself on the first read English book You can already from the Elementary level!

Reading is a great way to expand your vocabulary

Reading in a foreign language enriches vocabulary, even if we ourselves do not realize it. Of course, in order to learn new vocabulary more effectively, it is better to read a book, writing out unfamiliar words and memorizing their translation. When choosing books to read, be guided by your learning goals: if necessary colloquial speech, pay attention to modern "light" prose, but if you want to master special vocabulary, the most obvious advice is to read literature from the area of ​​\u200b\u200byour 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. 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 expands your horizons

E-books and blogs, news sites and feeds social networks: 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, to join 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: the sweetest feeling. "She reads Orwell in the original" - sounds proud! Any psychologist will tell you that motivation is important when performing any task. So do not miss the opportunity to praise yourself once again, this one is not at all superfluous! :)

How to choose a book to read

• Choose literature adapted to your level (see the list of recommended books for levels A2-C1 later in the article).
• Choose works according to your ability: start with short stories, gradually moving to larger literary forms.
• The more exciting the learning, the more effective it is: try to find books that are interesting for you. Detectives, thrillers, mysticism - or any other subject that awakens your imagination and makes you read the book to the end will do.

Children's books

If you know only 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 provided 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 the first children's 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 at the following resources:

Comics

Like children's literature, comics are a great way to start reading in a new 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 of 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 in the course of the story.

Personal development books and professional literature

Reading books about personal development and professional specialized literature, you kill two birds with one stone: you study the vocabulary that is relevant to you in English and learn new things on an important topic for you. If you are keenly interested in something, why not read about it in English? Another advantage of such literature is that 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 novice readers of English literature

What to do if you do not 100% understand what you read?

Relax, it's completely 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 enough. Moreover, if you understand everything you read, most likely you have taken a book of too low a level for yourself. Try to find such 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 in the tasks of improving pronunciation and listening - if it is reading aloud. By reading aloud, you tune in to the sound range of the language being studied. However, it is important to work on pronunciation in addition to reading, otherwise an incorrectly “guessed” pronunciation of a particular word can annoy you for years afterwards.

Listen to audiobooks while reading

Learning English, in which the same combination of letters can be voiced by a dozen different ways it is very important to pay attention correct pronunciation 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 handy 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 - The Hound of the Baskervilles

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Level: initial (elementary)
Genre: detective
Volume: OK. 45000 characters
English variant: British

The well-known, dozens of times filmed story about how a pet can become a real curse of 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: initial (elementary)
Genre: romantic fairy tale
Volume: OK. 30000 characters
English variant: British

A poignant romantic tale about the crazy love of a fisherman dolphin and a mermaid.

Dracula - Wikiwand Dracula

Bram Stoker

Level: initial (elementary)
Genre: mysticism, horror
Volume: OK. 50000 characters
English variant: British

A chilling story about eternal love and eternal damnation: this is where all the vampire sagas of our time came from.

Million Pound Bank Note - The Million Pound Bank Note

Mark Twain

Level: initial (elementary)
Genre: adventure, humor
Volume: OK. 25000 characters
English variant: American

A witty and instructive story about the adventures of a poor man with a million pound note in his pocket.

Mr Bean in the City - Mr. Bean Bean In Town

Level: initial (elementary)
Genre: humor
Volume: OK. 20000 characters
English variant: British

Mr. Bean will always find adventure for his wild little head! The eccentric eccentric continues to amaze and amuse the reader.

Level B1 - threshold or intermediate level (threshold or intermediate)

Fantastic Mr. Fox - FANTASTIC MR FOX

Roald Dahl

Level: medium (intermediate)
Genre: fairy tale, humor
Volume: OK. 45000 characters
English variant: 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: medium (intermediate)
Genre: fiction
Volume: OK. 80000 characters
English variant: British

What is more important, the beauty of the face or the beauty of the soul? An incredible story about a beautiful mask and the terrible essence of a person. Mr. Grey, are you not the prototype of the hero of Fifty Shades of Grey? ..

Appointment With Death - Appointment With Death

Level: medium (intermediate)
Genre: detective
Volume: OK. 125000 characters
English variant: British

Christie, Poirot, detective. A must read!

Forrest Gump - Wikiwand Forrest Gump

John Escott

Level: medium (intermediate)
Genre: drama
Volume: OK. 45000 characters
English variant: American

The book is about a man whose fate makes you believe in the impossible.

Three Men In A Boat - Three Men In A Boat

Jerome K. Jerome

Level: medium (intermediate)
Genre: humor
Volume: OK. 50000 characters
English variant: 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 - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Francis Scott Fitzgerald

Level: medium (intermediate)
Genre: drama
Volume: OK. 45000 characters
English variant: American

A fantastic story about a man who "lived the other way around". But have you already seen the movie?

George Orwell

Level: medium (intermediate)
Genre: prose
Volume: OK. 150000 characters
English variant: British

A landmark work of English literature, which must be included in the reader's arsenal of every modern person. To not have to blush in a decent society.

2001: A Space Odyssey - 2001: A Space Odyssey

Arthur Clarke

Level: medium (intermediate)
Genre: science fiction
Volume: OK. 150000 characters
English variant: American

Spaceships, interplanetary travel, mysterious artifacts... Science fiction at its finest!

Gladiator - Wikiwand Gladiator

Dewey Gram

Level: medium (intermediate)
Genre: historical novel
Volume: OK. 100000 characters
English variant: American

This book will tell about the difficult fate of the Roman gladiator. Here's someone who had a really hard job!

Four Weddings and a Funeral - Four Weddings and a Funeral

Richard Curtis

Level: medium (intermediate)
Genre: romance, humor
Volume: OK. 100000 characters
English variant: British

The best way to get to know the culture of a people is to study the 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 any hope for a happy ending? Read about it yourself.

B2 - medium-advanced level (vantage or upper intermediate)

Misery - Misery

Stephen King

Level:
Genre: novel, thriller
Volume: OK. 120000 characters
English variant: British

A novel about the relationship between a writer and an admirer of his talent, so eccentric that it even scares. The plot develops like in a fairy tale: the further, the worse. But that's why we love King.

Murder Is Announced - A Murder Is Announced

Agatha Christie (Agatha Christie)

Level: medium-advanced (upper-intermediate)
Genre: detective
Volume: OK. 140000 characters
English variant: British

And again the grandmother of the English detective with a novel about a mysterious newspaper ad that indicates the exact day and hour of the future murder. Will the fatal event be prevented? You will read the answer to this question in the purest English.

Airport - Airport

Arthur Hailey

Level: medium-advanced (upper-intermediate)
Genre: thriller
Volume: OK. 180000 characters
English variant: British/Canadian

A disaster novel based on real events, fascinating even after half a century.

The Bourne Identity - Wikiwand The Bourne Identity

Robert Ludlum

Level: medium-advanced (upper-intermediate)
Genre: thriller
Volume: OK. 100000 characters
English variant: 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 romance that became the basis of one of the most successful film thrillers of our time.

The Talented Mr. Ripley - The Talented Mr. Ripley Ripley

Patricia Highsmith

Level: medium-advanced (upper-intermediate)
Genre: detective, drama
Volume: OK. 130000 characters
English variant: 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 to the world and people is not distinguished by special tenderness? ..

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 all over the world.

Pride and Prejudice - Pride and Prejudice

Jane Austen

Level: advanced
Genre: romantic prose
Volume: OK. 40000 characters
English variant: 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, excitement, furtive glances, secret rendezvous. Will the object of her sighs appreciate the dignity of Elizabeth? Read on and you will find out for yourself.

Death On The Nile - Wikiwand Death On The Nile

Agatha Christie (Agatha Christie)

Level: advanced
Genre: detective
Volume: OK. 20000 characters

English variant: British

And again the magnificent Agatha, and again a fascinating detective story, now in the entourage of the Egyptian pyramids. Hercule Poirot once again solves the most difficult puzzle, exposing the insidious plans of criminals.

East of Paradise - East Of Eden

John Steinbeck

Level: advanced
Genre: novel
Volume: OK. 150000 characters
English variant: 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 to be his most outstanding work.

Oh brave new world - Brave New World

Aldous HuxleyAldous Huxley

Level: advanced
Genre: dystopian novel
Volume: OK. 180000 characters
English variant: British

Before you is a dystopian novel: find out what it is by reading the book.

Read it is helpful

"Harry Potter" in English is read not only very easily, but much more interesting than in Russian. There is nothing to say about Alice in Wonderland: no matter how many talented translations there are, all puns can only be fully appreciated in the original. In general, reading in English is correct and useful. And we will help you choose a book for your level, so that it is also pleasant.

In contact with

The more that you know, the more places you'll go.

Dr. Seuss

Any English-speaking child will confirm: Dr. Seuss will not advise bad. If you love to read, but are afraid to start with a voluminous and full-bodied English novel, don't worry. Especially for educational purposes, publishing houses produce adapted books in English: for beginners, for the intermediate level, and so on. Yes, you will get a complete picture of the work of art a little later, but you can congratulate yourself on the first English book you read already starting from the Elementary level!

1. Reading in English increases vocabulary

Reading in a foreign language enriches vocabulary, even if we ourselves do not realize it. Of course, in order to learn new vocabulary more effectively, it is better to read a book, writing out unfamiliar words and memorizing their translation. When choosing books to read, be guided by your learning goals: if you need colloquial speech, pay attention to modern “light” prose, but if you want to master special vocabulary, the most obvious advice is to read literature from your professional interests.

2. Reading improves spelling

English spelling is full of mysteries and surprises. The spelling of many words defies logic: you just have to memorize. And the best way to do this is to read more English-language literature so that the images of words are stored in memory.

3. Reading expands your horizons

E-books and blogs, news sites and social media feeds: reading has reached a new level in the twenty-first century. A single information space makes it possible to learn about what is happening in the most remote corners of the world, to join the world's cultural and scientific heritage.

4. Reading in the original language boosts self-esteem

Listen to how you feel when you finish the last page of your first English novel: the sweetest feeling. “She reads Orwell in the original” sounds proud! Any psychologist will tell you that motivation is important when performing any task. So do not miss the opportunity to praise yourself once again, this one is not at all superfluous! :)

How to choose a book to read

• Choose adapted books in English for your level (see the list of recommended books for levels A2-C1 later in the article).
• Choose works according to your ability: start with short stories, gradually moving to larger literary forms.
• The more exciting the learning, the more effective it is: try to find books that are interesting for you. Detectives, thrillers, mysticism are suitable - or any other topic that awakens your imagination and makes you read the book to the end.

Children's books in English

If you know only 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 provided 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 the first children's 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 at the following resources:

Comics in English

Like children's literature, comics are a great way to start reading in a new language. There are a great many genres of comics: there are comics for children, for adults, entertaining and educational.

Film scripts in English

One of the proven and effective methods of 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 in the course of the story.

Books in English about personal development and professional literature

By reading them, you kill two birds with one stone: you study the vocabulary that is relevant to you in English and learn new things on an important topic for you. If you are keenly interested in something, why not read about it in English? Another advantage of such literature is that 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 novice readers of English literature

It is not necessary to understand every word

Context is king(context - king)! If you have grasped the main idea of ​​the story, that is enough. Moreover, if you understand everything you read, most likely you have taken a book of a too low level for yourself. Try to find such books where about 70% of the vocabulary will be familiar (the rest will have to be written out and learned).

Read English aloud

It may seem strange, but reading has proven itself to improve pronunciation and listening - if it is reading aloud. By reading aloud, you tune in to the sound range of the language being studied. However, it is important to work on pronunciation in addition to reading, otherwise an incorrectly “guessed” pronunciation of a particular word can annoy you for years afterwards.

Listen to audiobooks while reading in English

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 format. When reading an English-language book, you listen to its audio version, voiced by native English speakers. Very handy 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 - The Hound of the Baskervilles Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Level: initial (elementary) Genre: detective Volume: OK. 45000 characters English variant: British A well-known, filmed story 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: initial (elementary) Genre: romantic fairy tale Volume: OK. 30000 characters English variant: British A poignant romantic tale about the crazy love of a fisherman dolphin and a mermaid.
	Dracula Bram Stoker Level: initial (elementary) Genre: mysticism, horror Volume: OK. 50000 characters English variant: British A chilling story of eternal love and eternal damnation: this is where all the vampire sagas of our time came from.
	Million Pound Bank Note - The Million Pound Bank Note Mark Twain Level: initial (elementary) Genre: adventure, humor Volume: OK. 25000 characters English variant: American A witty and instructive story about the adventures of a poor man with a million pound note in his pocket.
	Mr Bean in the city Bean In Town Level: initial (elementary) Genre: humor Volume: OK. 20000 characters English variant: British Mr. Bean will always find adventure for his wild little head! The eccentric eccentric continues to amaze and amuse the reader.

Level B1 - threshold or intermediate level (threshold or intermediate)

	Fantastic Mr Fox Fox Roald Dahl Level: medium (intermediate) Genre: fairy tale, humor Volume: OK. 45000 characters English variant: American Foxes and farmers are eternal enemies. Who will win this time?..
	The Picture of Dorian Gray Oscar Wilde Level: medium (intermediate) Genre: fiction Volume: OK. 80000 characters English variant: British What is more important, the beauty of the face or the beauty of the soul? An incredible story about a beautiful mask and the terrible essence of a person. Mr. Grey, are you not the prototype of the hero of "Fifty Shades of Grey"? ..
	Appointment With Death Level: medium (intermediate) Genre: detective Volume: OK. 125000 characters English variant: British Christie, Poirot, detective. A must read!
	Forrest Gump - Forrest Gump John Escott Level: medium (intermediate) Genre: drama Volume: OK. 45000 characters English variant: American The book is about a man whose fate makes you believe in the impossible.
	Three Men in a Boat Jerome K. Jerome Level: medium (intermediate) Genre: humor Volume: OK. 50000 characters English variant: 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: medium (intermediate) Genre: drama Volume: OK. 45000 characters English variant: American A fantastic story about a man who "lived the other way around". But have you already seen the movie?

George Orwell Level: medium (intermediate) Genre: prose Volume: OK. 150000 characters English variant: British A landmark work of English literature, which must be included in the reader's arsenal of every modern person. To not have to blush in a decent society.

2001: A Space Odyssey - 2001: A Space Odyssey Arthur Clarke Level: medium (intermediate) Genre: science fiction Volume: OK. 150000 characters English variant: American Spaceships, interplanetary travel, mysterious artifacts... Science fiction at its finest!

Gladiator - Gladiator Dewey Gram Level: medium (intermediate) Genre: historical novel Volume: OK. 100000 characters English variant: American This book will tell about the difficult fate of the Roman gladiator. Here's someone who had a really hard job!

Four Weddings and a Funeral - Four Weddings and a Funeral Richard Curtis Level: medium (intermediate) Genre: romance, humor Volume: OK. 100000 characters English variant: British The best way to get to know 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 any hope for a happy ending? Read about it yourself.

B2 - medium-advanced level (vantage or upper intermediate)

Misery Stephen King Level: Genre: novel, thriller Volume: OK. 120000 characters English variant: British A novel about the relationship between a writer and an admirer of his talent, so eccentric that it even scares. The plot develops like in a fairy tale: the further, the worse. But that's why we love King.

A Murder Is Announced Agatha Christie (Agatha Christie) Level: medium-advanced (upper-intermediate) Genre: detective Volume: OK. 140000 characters English variant: British And again the "grandmother of the English detective" with a novel about a mysterious newspaper ad that indicates the exact day and hour of the future murder. Will the fatal event be prevented? You will read the answer to this question in the purest English.

Airport - Airport Arthur Hailey Level: medium-advanced (upper-intermediate) Genre: thriller Volume: OK. 180000 characters English variant: British/Canadian The disaster novel, based on real events, is fascinating even after half a century.

The Bourne Identity Robert Ludlum Level: medium-advanced (upper-intermediate) Genre: thriller Volume: OK. 100000 characters English variant: American

Belinsky wrote that the greatest treasure is a good library. Today we invite you to visit 10 "treasures" where you can read online and download books in English. Moreover, you will get acquainted with a resource that will make sure that you do not forget to read the next chapter of the work.

1. BookRix

The first site is a large online library of classical literature and books by so-called independent authors. The latter are our contemporaries, they present their works free of charge to the reader's judgment. The site has a sorting of books by language (languages), you can find here the books of our compatriots in Russian. You can also select the genre of the work and sort the books by popularity. All books in English can be read online for free in a convenient built-in program, most of the works can be saved to your computer or e-book.

2. Project Gutenberg

We present you the site worldwide famous project"Gutenberg". The goal of the project is to create a free electronic library accessible to everyone. To do this, various works are digitized and stored on the specified site. Here are works that are in the public domain, that is, they are mostly classics and not very well-known modern authors. At the moment, representatives of the project said that they have already managed to digitize more than 57,000 texts. You can find books on specific topics by clicking Book Categories in the menu on the left. If you need to find a specific work, enter its title or author in the search box. Any book on the project can be read online or downloaded for free.

3 Pupil Garage

This free library in English contains not only fiction, but also books on programming, mathematics, management, etc. We recommend that you pay attention to this site for those who are looking for professional literature: you will find useful information and at the same time learn terminology in English. All books can be read online or downloaded for free in PDF format. To open or download a book, click on its title and in the window that opens, click on the inscription Click here.

4.ManyBooks

5. DailyLit

Can't find time to read? Then we recommend using this interesting site. To get started, register on it, it's completely free and, to the credit of the owners, they won't send you a single unnecessary letter: you decide what will come to your mail. You need to select a book and click the Read Online button on the page with its description, so you can read the book directly on the site in good quality.

What about those who have absolutely no time to read? Try the following convenient method. Subscribe to the book: on the days you have chosen, another excerpt from the work will come to the mail, the length of which, again, is determined by you. To do this, on the book page, click the big green Read button, then select the days on which it will be convenient for you to receive and read letters, as well as the length of the passage. After that, click Create Subscription. Now you will receive parts of the work by mail, for reading which you can set aside a few minutes. In this way, you will both improve your English and develop. Highly handy thing for busy people!

6 Read Print

This resource presents the works of the classics of world literature in English. Books can not be downloaded, but you can read online for free. The site is easy to navigate, the works are conveniently divided into chapters. The Quotes section contains wonderful quotes from works published on the site. All wise thoughts are classified by topic and by author. By the way, there are works of Russian classics in English here. You can start reading with Russian literature already familiar to you, then unfamiliar words will not prevent you from understanding what you read.

7. Ebooks for everyone

Another big free library with easy navigation. All books are sorted by genre, and the site has a convenient search that allows you to find any work. Any of the presented works can be read for free, most of the books are available for download. Apart from fiction, the library also contains books on medicine, law, economics, etc. In addition to the works of English-speaking authors, the site has masterpieces of world literature, including books by Russian writers.

8. [email protected]

The University of Adelaide is one of the oldest public universities in Australia. On their website, they host digitized books, mostly classics. Site navigation is simple: you can sort books by author, title, subject, or use the site search. Any work can be read online for free. To do this, select a work and in the window that opens, turn the pages using the buttons in the upper left corner or at the bottom of the page. Also at the bottom of the page you will find a button that will allow you to download any book in English for free. Several formats are available for download, including for mobile devices.

9. Public Bookshelf

Love to read novels? Then this site will be to your liking. Here is one of the largest collections of novels in English on the Internet. There are both classical masterpieces and works by contemporary authors. Books can not be downloaded, but you can read online for free.

10. Quotev

Quotev is one of the favorite publishing places for young obscure writers. They, as a rule, post on the site not too voluminous works of various subjects. Here you will find thrillers, fantasy, adventure, and other genres. Most of the books are aimed at a youth audience. Don't know what to read? Try to choose your favorite genre and sort books by popularity.

Remember famous saying Voltaire "Reading authors who write well, you get used to speaking well"? This principle also works in English: the more you read, the easier it is for you to speak. Moreover, now you know where you can read online and download books in English for free. Use these wonderful resources and improve your knowledge!

1. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by 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 eccentric Mr. Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. Among the lucky ones is Charlie Bucket, a big chocolate lover from a very poor family. The guys on the tour do not listen to Willy Wonka's warnings, as a result of which they get into unpleasant situations and leave the factory without the main prize. Common sense and attentiveness help Charlie get 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. The simple and clear language of Roald Dahl is sure to please young readers.

2. "House at World's End" by 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 guardians - the insensitive uncle Rudolf and his extravagant wife - send their nephews to live in a semi-abandoned house in the countryside, with little interest in their future fate. The boys show their best qualities and make a real Noah's Ark out of the house, giving shelter to all the animals they meet that have suffered at the hands of evil adults.

The classic English language and the soul-stirring plot will ensure a 100% hit in 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 big city in countryside, has been adapted many times for film, radio and television. Love, devotion, friendship and mutual assistance help the family not only reunite, but also find many faithful helpers. They have a lot to learn: take care of themselves without the help of servants, see beauty in the ordinary and appreciate intangible things. New life is connected with the daily express, which children watch at the same time.

This is a story that everyone can understand a good option to get to know English. There are no tricky speech turns in the book, but there is an excellent plot and bright characters that captivate from the first page.

4. "Winnie-the-Pooh" by Alan Miln

Whoever visits in the morning and begins to learn English along with the good-natured Winnie the Pooh and the rest of the company, he acts wisely. Alan Milne literally invented on the go for his son Christopher Robin funny stories about the adventures of a teddy bear - the boy's favorite. Gradually, a whole world has developed around the toys, in which the main characters live carefree and happily, as befits children.

The book will certainly appeal to young readers, if only because it contains unimaginable amount rhymes, rhymes and other rhymes, with the help of which the study of English turns into an exciting and not at all boring game.

5 Jungle Book, Redyard Kipling

The Jungle Book is a classic children's book that generations have grown up with. A boy raised by wolves in the jungle learns to be human from his four-legged friends. This book is timeless: the stories published in 1894 have lost none of their relevance. The main characters are taught to distinguish good from evil, enemies from friends, truth from lies.

Colorful descriptions of nature and wildlife will replenish the vocabulary of young readers who, to the last page, will empathize and sympathize with Mowgli, who is so similar to all children.

Books for teenagers

6. "The island of Doctor Moreau", Herbert George Wells

The chilling story of the insane Dr. Moreau, who decides to turn a secluded island into a laboratory. Unthinkable experiments on unfortunate animals are going on here. Sincere indignation and excitement 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 full control over the life of animals will be a reason for reflection.

A suitable addition for English learners would be the author's chiseled classical language, not overloaded with ornate sentences.

7. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J. K. Rowling

A modern classic that several generations of young people have grown up with is the story of the adventures of Harry Potter, a young wizard with great potential. The first book in the series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, introduces readers to the world of Harry and magic. The first year at school, new friends, wonderful teachers - it is impossible not to get carried away by the universe of wizards, which JK Rowling masterfully described.

The vocabulary of an English learner will be seriously replenished as he reads the book: magic spells, speaking names and surnames - 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 Susan Collins wrote a trilogy that captured 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, who are forced to lead a half-starved existence. To commemorate the war, an entertaining survival reality show is staged every year. Katniss Everdeen, a volunteer participant in the games, becomes the winner, but her adventures do not end there.

Simple story line, emotions understandable to teenagers and colloquial language make reading the book pleasant and easy. You can always digress from the love line and focus on the descriptions of the game and its attendant attributes.

9. "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" by 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 things began to happen to him. It all started with tragic death beloved grandfather: going 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 search for his roots leads the guy to an ominous island in Wales, where the main events of the book take place.

Teenagers learning English will love the author's uncomplicated language, which easily describes the emotions, doubts and worries typical of many teenagers. Readers will be interested to know what the main character will ultimately choose - a quiet existence in the bosom of a family or a life full of amazing adventures.

Books for adults

10. The Hound of the Baskerville by Arthur Doyle

The classic work is written in classical English with a certain heaviness. The plot is familiar to many: the London detective Sherlock Holmes, together with his faithful friend Dr. Watson, uncovers another cunning crime in Devonshire. Fans of the genius of Sherlock Holmes will appreciate the opportunity to get closer to the idol by reading the book in the original language. Along the way, you can compare the original text with the classical translation into Russian, many phrases from which have become winged for us.

11. "Bridget Jones's Diary" by Helen Fielding

The heroine of the book - the resilient Bridget Jones - looks like 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 quite sure of themselves, in the second part of the book there is a classic translation into Russian with exercises and comments.

12. "The Godfather", Mario Puzo

The family history of the Sicilian immigrant 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, as he grew up in a disadvantaged area of ​​\u200b\u200bNew York. Mario Puzo has moved away from the classic gangster romance with its shootouts and chases. The writer was more interested in intra-family relations, the formation of a hierarchy and management mechanisms. In a sense, he managed to create a real family epic.

Readers will no doubt be interested in plunging into the world of the Corleone family, to feel their characters, not distorted by the translation, even the most flawless one. The short and simple phrases of the novel are conducive to understanding and cause a desire to quickly find out the denouement.

13. Forrest Gump, Winston Groom

A real American fairy tale about a man who was able to withstand many of life's troubles, maintain kindness and character and change the people around him. Forrest Gump, the main character, had a chance to visit various alterations. The reader will be surprised to note small 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 held captive 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 special style, syllable and spelling of the narrator. 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 English writer William Somerset Maugham. A subtle and ironic work tells about the life of a brilliant and very smart actress. Play and theater become a reality both for her and for those around her. Classical English frames the story perfectly and serves as a good practice for beginners to dive into the world of a foreign language.

15. "Street Cat Named Bob" by James Bowen

"Street cat named Bob" - true story friendship between a desperate street musician and a homeless ginger 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 end drug addiction and start new life. The touching story immediately became a bestseller in the UK and the US.

The book is written in modern English, which is especially important for beginners to learn English. Encountered slang expressions will be a useful addition to vocabulary readers.

16. The Old Man and The Sea, Ernest Hemingway

Hemingway won the 1953 Pulitzer Prize for The Old Man and the Sea. This is a story of confrontation between man and nature, the hunter and the elements, strength and weakness. Old Santiago entered the open sea in a fight with a five-meter marlin. 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 for the inhabitants of the fishing village, for whom old Santiago becomes a hero.

The laconic style of Ernest Hemingway penetrates to the very heart. There is nothing superfluous in his works, each phrase is self-sufficient and all the more valuable for readers.