VOX Cultural Digest, Issue N.8
Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers
Charles William Eliot
Reading is a great way to learn a language. It’s also one of the most enjoyable ways to learn a language. Books will make your learning experience easier, more comfortable, and more fun.
Here are some special picks that we think any beginner language learner will enjoy: the list covers books suitable for levels A1-A2 in different languages. You’ll find everything from German to French and even Russian!
in German
| Emil und die Detektive & Emil und die drei Zwillinge by Erich Kästner This is a classic book for beginner German language learners. Published in 1929, it’s a well-known German children’s book about a young boy who leaves his small town to travel to Berlin. |
| Short Stories in German for Beginners This book has been written especially for students from beginner to intermediate level, designed to give a sense of achievement, and most importantly – enjoyment! |
| LiES. Das Buch Literature doesn’t have to be complicated, convoluted, or eloquent to make an impact. These fifteen stories show how one can limit oneself in the choice of means and still be surprisingly versatile. |
in English
| Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl Fantastic Mr. Fox is a children’s novel written by British author Roald Dahl. It was adapted to the big screen in 2009 in an American stop motion animated comedy film directed by Wes Anderson. |
| The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway This is a famous classic. At some points it has a little bit of difficult vocabulary, however, it is short and you won’t have too much trouble being able to finish it. |
in Spanish
| Hacia América 1 Hacia América is a trilogy in which Uncle Augustín tells his grandchildren and friends the story of the Bravo family, a family that emigrates to Argentina in search of a better life. Hacia América 2 Hacia América 3 |
in Italian
| Adriano, Il Cane Di Pompei by Matthew Frederick A delightful story of a special dog and the magical place he calls home. Follow Hadrian the Dog of Pompeii amid famous ruins and friendly tourists, and experience the adventure that changed his life. Discover more about Pompeii in the historical sections of the book and the location map. |
| Le avventure di Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi You have probably seen or heard of Disney’s classic “Pinocchio“. Being familiar with the story will make it easier to keep up with the language used in the book. |
in Russian
| Short Stories in Russian for Beginners Eight stories in a variety of exciting genres, from science fiction and crime to history and thriller – making reading fun, while you learn a wide range of new vocabulary. |
| Дама с собачкой by Anton Chekhov The Lady with the Dog is a short story that’s easy to read and understand, especially compared to the challenging texts of some Russian classics. This story involves a love affair between two married people on vacation in the Crimean sea resort of Yalta. |
in French
| Vendredi ou les Limbes du Pacifique by Michel Tournier This is a 1967 novel by French writer Michel Tournier. It retells Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe and is perfectly suited for beginners. |
| Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry “It is only with the heart that one sees rightly. What is essential is invisible to the eye…” The story follows a young prince who visits various planets in space, including Earth and addresses themes of loneliness, friendship, love, and loss. Despite its style as a children’s book, The Little Prince makes observations about life, adults, and human nature. |
Hope this helps!
Stay tuned for more book suggestions for advanced and proficiency levels!
