Register Guidelines E-Books Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Go Back   MobileRead Forums > E-Book General > Reading Recommendations

Notices

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old 12-01-2009, 10:30 AM   #1
Icey
Connoisseur
Icey began at the beginning.
 
Posts: 63
Karma: 10
Join Date: Oct 2008
Device: Onyx max
Talking Recommendation in order to improve his English level.

Hello.
I want to improve my level in English. I'm not fluent but I can understand a conversation and see movies in English.
So, i'm looking for a boks with a "basic" vocabulary, without complex words...
I like books like 1984, Kafka ( The metamorphosis ) ( which i read in my native language ), or good thrillers...

I wait your suggestions,
Thanks,
Icey.

Last edited by Dr. Drib; 12-02-2009 at 03:19 AM. Reason: "English" capitalized in thread title / spell check initiated
Icey is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-01-2009, 10:39 AM   #2
Katti's Cat
Wizard
Katti's Cat can program the VCR without an owner's manual.Katti's Cat can program the VCR without an owner's manual.Katti's Cat can program the VCR without an owner's manual.Katti's Cat can program the VCR without an owner's manual.Katti's Cat can program the VCR without an owner's manual.Katti's Cat can program the VCR without an owner's manual.Katti's Cat can program the VCR without an owner's manual.Katti's Cat can program the VCR without an owner's manual.Katti's Cat can program the VCR without an owner's manual.Katti's Cat can program the VCR without an owner's manual.Katti's Cat can program the VCR without an owner's manual.
 
Katti's Cat's Avatar
 
Posts: 2,259
Karma: 175640
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Brisbane Australia
Device: Sony PRS-600
Hm - how about starting off with books that you have already read in your native language. Might be a tad boring, but you have a book to go back to as well as a basic idea to the context.

Have you tried Douglas Preston, James Rollins, Robert Ludlum? - fairly easy to read books in the adventure / adventure / spy genres.

Oh, and keep reading on the forum - heaps of easy to follow english here.
Katti's Cat is offline   Reply With Quote
Advert
Old 12-02-2009, 01:10 AM   #3
nikkie
Guru
nikkie is slicker than a case of WD-40nikkie is slicker than a case of WD-40nikkie is slicker than a case of WD-40nikkie is slicker than a case of WD-40nikkie is slicker than a case of WD-40nikkie is slicker than a case of WD-40nikkie is slicker than a case of WD-40nikkie is slicker than a case of WD-40nikkie is slicker than a case of WD-40nikkie is slicker than a case of WD-40nikkie is slicker than a case of WD-40
 
nikkie's Avatar
 
Posts: 614
Karma: 73700
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: WA, USA
Device: Android, Kindle Paperwhite, lots of ancient readers
What a great question. I also speak Japanese and German, though poorly. What is your native language? If it's one of those two, I'd love similar recommendations.

Sounds like your best bet would be young adult books. They tend to have lighter themes but are a fairly quick read.

Here is the progression I would take, though it's very much light on "thriller" you will have a bit of a hard time trying to find thrillers with a simple vocabulary. If you make it through this stack though, you could go wherever you wanted.
  1. Tintin, an easy read. There are lots in this series and it's a good start to English lit. If you can follow a conversation, you ought to be able to read these.
  2. Terry Pratchett wrote a whole series of fun and easy reads.
  3. The Chronicles of Narnia is another easy read meant for children, but with enough story to keep an adult interested.
  4. Snow Crash, an easy read, though I'm not sure why. A lot of Stephenson's other stuff was much more difficult. This one read like an action movie. This would be the first book I consider written for adults.
  5. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. I'd be remiss not to recommend it, and if you can make it through the predecessors, you can definitely take this one on.
  6. Ender's Game reads easy but has a lot to it. Besides it's a classic.
  7. Brave New World is a relatively easy read but definitely leaving happy teenager world.
  8. Dune is not a children's book. It's a great read, and will test your growing vocabulary.
  9. The Sirans of Titan. By the time you've got this far you can really read whatever you want. I just think this is a great book to end the list on.

Afterwards you can hit up Tom Clancy, C.S. Friedman, Stephen King, or whatever you like. Enjoy!!!
nikkie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-02-2009, 12:08 PM   #4
jbjb
Somewhat clueless
jbjb ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.jbjb ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.jbjb ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.jbjb ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.jbjb ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.jbjb ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.jbjb ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.jbjb ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.jbjb ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.jbjb ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.jbjb ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.
 
Posts: 739
Karma: 7747724
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: UK
Device: Kindle Oasis, iPhone 6 Plus
Quote:
Originally Posted by nikkie View Post
What a great question. I also speak Japanese and German, though poorly. What is your native language? If it's one of those two, I'd love similar recommendations.

Sounds like your best bet would be young adult books. They tend to have lighter themes but are a fairly quick read.

Here is the progression I would take, though it's very much light on "thriller" you will have a bit of a hard time trying to find thrillers with a simple vocabulary. If you make it through this stack though, you could go wherever you wanted.
  1. Tintin, an easy read. There are lots in this series and it's a good start to English lit. If you can follow a conversation, you ought to be able to read these.
  2. Terry Pratchett wrote a whole series of fun and easy reads.
  3. The Chronicles of Narnia is another easy read meant for children, but with enough story to keep an adult interested.
  4. Snow Crash, an easy read, though I'm not sure why. A lot of Stephenson's other stuff was much more difficult. This one read like an action movie. This would be the first book I consider written for adults.
  5. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. I'd be remiss not to recommend it, and if you can make it through the predecessors, you can definitely take this one on.
  6. Ender's Game reads easy but has a lot to it. Besides it's a classic.
  7. Brave New World is a relatively easy read but definitely leaving happy teenager world.
  8. Dune is not a children's book. It's a great read, and will test your growing vocabulary.
  9. The Sirans of Titan. By the time you've got this far you can really read whatever you want. I just think this is a great book to end the list on.

Afterwards you can hit up Tom Clancy, C.S. Friedman, Stephen King, or whatever you like. Enjoy!!!
That's a great list!

Considering a couple of them (Pratchett and The Hitch Hikers Guide) - these two quite often rely (it seems to me, at least) on linguistic cleverness and/or quirkyness for a lot of their pleasure. I'm not sure whether this would make them less useful in this case or more so.

On the same lines, the language of P.G. Wodehouse is a real joy.

/JB
jbjb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-02-2009, 03:42 PM   #5
MickeyC
Grand Sorcerer
MickeyC ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.MickeyC ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.MickeyC ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.MickeyC ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.MickeyC ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.MickeyC ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.MickeyC ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.MickeyC ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.MickeyC ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.MickeyC ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.MickeyC ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.
 
MickeyC's Avatar
 
Posts: 16,733
Karma: 12185114
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Florida
Device: iPhone 6 plus, Sony T1, iPad 3
The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
MickeyC is offline   Reply With Quote
Advert
Old 12-02-2009, 03:51 PM   #6
Bilbo1967
Not scared!
Bilbo1967 ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Bilbo1967 ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Bilbo1967 ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Bilbo1967 ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Bilbo1967 ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Bilbo1967 ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Bilbo1967 ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Bilbo1967 ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Bilbo1967 ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Bilbo1967 ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Bilbo1967 ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.
 
Bilbo1967's Avatar
 
Posts: 13,424
Karma: 81011643
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Midlands, UK
Device: Kindle Paperwhite 10, Huawei M5 10
Given that you like thrillers, how about some of the young adult thrillers witten by the likes of James Patterson (Maximum Ride series) or Anthony Horowitz (Alex Ryder series).

My son reads them and I have read a couple. They are proper thrillers, but, because they're written for older children, they are less diffficult reads for people who have English as a supplementary language.
Bilbo1967 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-03-2009, 01:18 PM   #7
Ea
Wizard
Ea ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Ea ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Ea ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Ea ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Ea ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Ea ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Ea ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Ea ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Ea ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Ea ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Ea ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.
 
Ea's Avatar
 
Posts: 3,490
Karma: 5239563
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Denmark
Device: Kindle 3|iPad air|iPhone 4S
Don't have any great book suggestions myself - but at the moment, I'm myself trying to read a bit of German to improve my vocabulary, and I've found the dictionary in my Kindle a great help. So much easier to use than a paper dictionary. So if you at some point are looking for a device, it might be worth it to consider one with a translation dictionary.

Quote:
Originally Posted by nikkie View Post
What a great question. I also speak Japanese and German, though poorly. What is your native language? If it's one of those two, I'd love similar recommendations.
I've just started with this one:
Der Dunkle Speigel by Andrea Schacht. It's a historical mystery, taking place in 14th century Cologne (Köln). It's written in the light, humourous style of the Roman Marcus Didius Falco mysteries by Lindsey Davies. I haven't gotten that far yet, but it doesn't come across as too difficult. I'm only just into ch. 3, but I'm already finding myelf more comfortable with reading German than when I started. I chose it because beside having decent reviews at amazon.de, it appeared short and light - something I wouldn't get stuck in.
Ea is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-03-2009, 01:41 PM   #8
alrob
Junior Member
alrob has a complete set of Star Wars action figures.alrob has a complete set of Star Wars action figures.alrob has a complete set of Star Wars action figures.
 
Posts: 4
Karma: 262
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Canada
Device: Sony Pocket Edition
I think the best way to improve your vocabulary is to read with a dictionary nearby.
alrob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-03-2009, 01:46 PM   #9
Ea
Wizard
Ea ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Ea ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Ea ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Ea ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Ea ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Ea ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Ea ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Ea ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Ea ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Ea ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Ea ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.
 
Ea's Avatar
 
Posts: 3,490
Karma: 5239563
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Denmark
Device: Kindle 3|iPad air|iPhone 4S
Edit: deleted - nevermind
Ea is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-03-2009, 02:38 PM   #10
Latinandgreek
Warrior Princess
Latinandgreek ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Latinandgreek ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Latinandgreek ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Latinandgreek ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Latinandgreek ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Latinandgreek ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Latinandgreek ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Latinandgreek ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Latinandgreek ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Latinandgreek ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Latinandgreek ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.
 
Latinandgreek's Avatar
 
Posts: 5,038
Karma: 9724231
Join Date: Sep 2009
Device: PRS-505; PRS-350, PRS-T1, iPad, Aura HD
I am reading the first book in the Percy Jackson series. It is geared towards children and the writing is simple, but the plot is interesting. Is is a fantasy series with a lot of action and adventure thrown in the mix, as well as some revisioning of Greek myths.
Latinandgreek is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-04-2009, 07:20 AM   #11
astra
The Introvert
astra ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.astra ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.astra ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.astra ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.astra ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.astra ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.astra ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.astra ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.astra ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.astra ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.astra ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.
 
astra's Avatar
 
Posts: 8,307
Karma: 1000077497
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: United Kingdom
Device: Sony Reader PRS-650 & 505 & 500
Unfortunatelly, I don't know any thrillers.
I might recommend fantasy, The Belgariad series (starting with Pawn of Prophecy) by David Eddings. Very easy English.

Or The Fingerprints of Gods by Graham Hancock if you like non-fiction anthropology type of books. It will improve your vocabulary a lot*.

* been there done that

P.S. definitely don't try Times or Astronomy magasines (like I did...it helped but was not the easiest way)
astra is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-05-2009, 12:46 PM   #12
Alexander Turcic
Fully Converged
Alexander Turcic ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Alexander Turcic ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Alexander Turcic ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Alexander Turcic ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Alexander Turcic ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Alexander Turcic ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Alexander Turcic ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Alexander Turcic ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Alexander Turcic ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Alexander Turcic ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Alexander Turcic ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.
 
Alexander Turcic's Avatar
 
Posts: 18,163
Karma: 14021202
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Switzerland
Device: Too many to count here.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bilbo1967 View Post
Given that you like thrillers, how about some of the young adult thrillers witten by the likes of James Patterson (Maximum Ride series) .. .
I know they are meant for younger folks, but I have loved reading the Maximum Ride series. They also make a wonderful beach reach!!!
Alexander Turcic is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-05-2009, 01:33 PM   #13
Ea
Wizard
Ea ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Ea ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Ea ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Ea ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Ea ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Ea ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Ea ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Ea ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Ea ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Ea ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.Ea ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.
 
Ea's Avatar
 
Posts: 3,490
Karma: 5239563
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Denmark
Device: Kindle 3|iPad air|iPhone 4S
Quote:
Originally Posted by astra View Post
P.S. definitely don't try Times or Astronomy magasines (like I did...it helped but was not the easiest way)
In my experience, what helps the most, is that you really want to read it. I read my first 'real' English novel at 16 because it wasn't translated. It was E. M. Forster and quite tough going - but I wanted to read it, and after that, it got a lot easier.
Ea is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-05-2009, 01:43 PM   #14
pilotbob
Grand Sorcerer
pilotbob ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.pilotbob ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.pilotbob ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.pilotbob ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.pilotbob ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.pilotbob ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.pilotbob ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.pilotbob ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.pilotbob ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.pilotbob ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.pilotbob ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.
 
pilotbob's Avatar
 
Posts: 19,832
Karma: 11844413
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Tampa, FL USA
Device: Kindle Touch
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alexander Turcic View Post
I know they are meant for younger folks, but I have loved reading the Maximum Ride series. They also make a wonderful beach reach!!!
+1 ... good books, fun and a quick read.

BOb
pilotbob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-05-2009, 01:51 PM   #15
astra
The Introvert
astra ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.astra ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.astra ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.astra ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.astra ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.astra ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.astra ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.astra ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.astra ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.astra ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.astra ought to be getting tired of karma fortunes by now.
 
astra's Avatar
 
Posts: 8,307
Karma: 1000077497
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: United Kingdom
Device: Sony Reader PRS-650 & 505 & 500
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ea View Post
In my experience, what helps the most, is that you really want to read it
Could not agree more.
astra is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
English-English Dictionary for 301 LevAizik PocketBook 6 12-03-2013 09:42 PM
PB302 - How to replace English->Russian dictionary with English only (with defin.)? guyanonymous PocketBook 29 08-03-2010 06:05 PM
to iRex: how to improve the ui vvoi666 iRex 25 07-01-2008 09:29 PM
How would you improve the V3? try_again HanLin eBook 26 01-11-2008 06:11 AM
E-books improve, but not enough TadW News 3 11-07-2006 01:03 PM


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:07 PM.


MobileRead.com is a privately owned, operated and funded community.