Reading recommendations, please?

Question

I'm currently reading (or trying to read) a book of short stories by Spanish or Latin authors from the 13th century to contemporary times. I've reached the 16th century and I'm truly struggling. Most important, I'm not enjoying it very much. (The book was a Mother's Day gift.) The book includes Spanish on the left page, English on the right, and that's a great help. But it occurred to me yesterday that I don't even find the stories very entertaining.

So, could some of you make some reading recommendations for me? I think contemporary things would be best. I don't care if the content is frivolous as long as I can have the satisfaction of reading and understanding. That's a big vague, I know, but any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

I'd recommend searching "que de libros"on google - they've got loads of good fiction and non fiction books.

You can also download books from some Spanish websites like the Biblioteca Cervantes - there's a good guide of what to read at http://topspanishtips.weebly.com/top-spanish-reading-resources.html .

Hope this helps!!

Answer 2

Why not get a contemporary novel in both languages, translation and original. Here's a suggestion but it's just because I'm working on it but it is very entertaining.

In English: link text

In Spanish: link text

Answer 3

I like Don's suggestion of buying the English and Spanish versions of a book, a book to suit your tastes. I found the stories in the collections you mentioned, which I read when I began learning Spanish, to be somewhat boring. One thing I like is reading books in Spanish with shorter sections. I just finished, "Fronteriza, una novela en seis cuentos", by Roberta Fernandez - me encantó!. Also, Senderos Fronterizas, by Francisco Jimenez. I read "Como agua para chocolate" as recommended above, and also bought the Spanish Audio CD. After reading the book, it's great to hear the words, and reinforces your listening comprehension, which for me is the most important phase of learning Spanish.

I have friends who use Kindle Reader to read books in Spanish, because they can hover over the word and get the translation, it's faster that looking words up in a dictionary.

Buena suerte!

J

Answer 4

I read "Travesuras de la Niña Mala" (called "The Bad Girl" in English) a couple of months ago and really enjoyed it.

Also, to start with, you could always choose some children's stories or poetry (my favourite poet is Pablo Neruda). The 13th Century stuff is hard enough to follow in one's first language! I hope you find something you enjoy.

Answer 5

A lot depends on your tastes. I've recently enjoyed reading some of the Sherlock Holmes books. I then read a couple in Spanish, just to test my comprehension. You can find these at: http://www.angelfire.com/falcon/s_holmes/relatos_descarga.htm

I also have enjoyed a couple of Paulo Coelho's books. They're interesting and relatively light reads.

Answer 6

Como Agua Para Chocolate -- Laura Easuivel. You can buy both the english and spanish version on line for under $5 including postage. Funny, heartbreaking, wide vocabulary, cultural values. ¡Muy divertido!

James Michener mentions El Capitán Veneno, by Pedro Antonio Alarcón -- 1881. A swashbuckling soldier on the run. I have not read it.

Answer 7

Well, what are your interests? We can help you if we know you a bit more!

I love reading, I can't go for a week without reading 10 novels