Books in English: How to read, what to choose, and how to expand your vocabulary

Knowing the specifics of each genre helps not only to understand the plot better but also to enrich your vocabulary with topic-related words. By choosing a genre that truly interests you, you increase your chances of finishing the book — and genuinely enjoying the reading process.

Vocabulary for discussing plots and opinions

Once you’ve finished your first book in English, of course, you might want to tell your friends about it, leave a comment on a forum, or write a short review online. But how do you choose the right words to sound natural and meaningful? English has plenty of useful phrases for describing the plot, sharing impressions, and expressing emotional tone. Let’s take a look at some of them:

Commonly used phrases to describe the plot of a story:

• The story is set in…
• It's about... 
• The main character...
• The plot revolves around...
• There's a twist when...
• In the end...
• The story follows...

These phrases are universal and work well for both written reviews and spoken discussions.

Commonly used phrases to share your impressions of a book:

• I couldn’t put it down. 
• It was a real page-turner.
• I found it hard to relate to the characters.
• The ending really surprised me.
• It made me think / laugh / cry.
• Some parts were slow, but overall it was worth reading.

Example: The story is set in post-apocalyptic America. It’s about a teenage girl who has to survive in a dangerous world. The plot revolves around her struggle to protect her younger brother. I couldn’t put it down — it was emotional, intense, and beautifully written.

You can also make your reviews more engaging by using specific adjectives or vivid expressions. Here are a few vocabulary sets with examples:

Let’s look at a few examples of how these words are used:

• The plot was absolutely gripping — I finished the book in one day! Although the story was a bit predictable, it still felt very heartwarming.
• I really liked the main character — she was so relatable and realistic.The villain was quite complex, which made the story more interesting.
• It was a rollercoaster of emotions — I laughed, cried, and gasped all in one chapter. Honestly, this genre is not my cup of tea, but I gave it a try.That thriller really kept me on the edge of my seat — I couldn’t stop reading!

If you’d like to dive deeper into writing reviews, we recommend reading our article on how to write a book review in English — you’ll find even more ready-to-use phrases and templates there.

How to read books in English as a beginner

Even if you’ve just started learning English, reading can be a great way to immerse yourself in the language. It helps you not only expand your vocabulary but also absorb grammar, sentence structure, and natural expressions. Plus, reading allows you to learn at your own pace, without pressure.

The key is to choose the right strategy, supportive tools, and books that are both interesting and manageable for you. With this approach, every new page becomes a step toward confident language mastery.

Reading Techniques

Getting started with reading is hard enough — and when it’s books in English, it may feel like they’re all written for native speakers and completely out of reach. But in reality, there are many techniques and strategies that can help you adapt to reading in English and truly enjoy it. In our video from a Green Forest teacher, you’ll find practical tips specifically for beginners. It’s short, easy to understand, and genuinely inspiring. Let’s take a look at some of the main points from the video:

• Don’t translate every single word. Try to grasp the overall meaning of the sentence. If you stop at every unfamiliar word, you’ll quickly lose interest.
• Use context clues. If you don’t know a word, look at the surrounding sentences. For example:

She looked gloomy, her eyes staring blankly. Even if you don’t know gloomy, the sentence clearly suggests a sad mood.

• Read out loud. This improves pronunciation, intonation, and focus. Just 10 minutes of reading aloud is more effective than silently reading for hours.
• Reread when needed. Don’t be afraid to read the same paragraph twice. The second time will already feel familiar — and much easier to understand.
• Keep a reading journal. Write down new words, phrases, and favorite quotes. It boosts memory and helps you build a consistent reading habit.

Dictionaries and Apps

Not all dictionaries are beginner-friendly. It’s best to choose ones that show examples, pronunciation, and translations right away:

• Cambridge Learner's Dictionary – designed specifically for English learners. Simple definitions with example sentences.
• WordReference – includes translations, example usage, synonyms, and phonetic transcription.
• LingQ / Readlang– interactive reading apps that let you click on a word to instantly see the translation.
• Kindle + built-in dictionary – perfect for reading adapted books. Tap any word to see a definition in English or a translation, depending on your settings.
• English e-Reader – a site with adapted books in English for beginners. You can see the difficulty level, word count, and user ratings — ideal for everyday reading.

And remember — what matters most isn’t speed — it’s consistency. Reading for 10 minutes a day is much more effective than two hours once a week with frustration in your eyes.

Practice exercise

Here’s a simple exercise to help you practice new vocabulary and develop your plot analysis skills:

Read this excerpt:

“It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen. Winston Smith, his chin nuzzled into his breast in an effort to escape the vile wind, slipped quickly through the glass doors of Victory Mansions, though not quickly enough to prevent a swirl of gritty dust from entering along with him. The hallway smelt of boiled cabbage and old rag mats. At one end of it a coloured poster, too large for indoor display, had been tacked to the wall. It depicted simply an enormous face, more than a metre wide: the face of a man of about forty-five, with a heavy black moustache and ruggedly handsome features.” (George Orwell, 1984)

Your task:

1. Write one sentence about where and when the story takes place. (The story is set in…)
2. Describe the mood of the excerpt using one adjective from our vocabulary list.
3. Which emotion does this text trigger in you? Use an idiom to express it. (e.g. a rollercoaster of emotions, not my cup of tea, gave me goosebumps, etc.)

You can do this kind of exercise every week with a new excerpt or book in English. It helps build a habit and improves your critical thinking in English.

FAQs

1. What books are best for beginners to read in English?

Start with adapted books labeled A1–A2. Good options include series like Oxford Bookworms, Penguin Readers, or books from the English e-Reader website. We also recommend checking out our list of 6 great books for A1–A2 learners.

2. How much time should I read in English every day?

Aim for 10–15 minutes a day, even if it’s a short session. Consistency matters more than duration. Over time, you’ll notice better reading comprehension and vocabulary growth.

3. Should I read out loud in English?

Yes, as reading aloud helps improve your pronunciation and intonation. It also supports better memory of new words and phrases.

4. Do I need to translate every unfamiliar word?

No, not necessarily. Try to guess the meaning from context. Only translate words that are essential for understanding the sentence.

5. How can I remember new words while reading?

Keep a vocabulary notebook or reading journal. Write down new words with example sentences. It’s also helpful to create your own sentences using new words to reinforce them.

6. Does listening to audiobooks help when learning English?

Yes, as combining reading with listening improves both listening comprehension and pronunciation. Audiobooks are especially useful for developing your listening skills.