Spanish Book Reading

Question

Hi, I have learnt Spanish for 6 months and I would like to read some Spanish short story books to boost my vocabulary. Do you have any recommend book to read? or comprehension exercise for practice? Thank you in advance!

Answer 1

Well I don't have anything that I can personally recommend but I do have some ideas.

Here are some places to read free children's stories in Spanish

http://www.childrenslibrary.org/icdl/SimpleSearchCategory?ids=&pnum=1&cnum=1&text;=&lang=English&langid=61

http://www.ccgediciones.com/infantil/

http://www.cuentosparachicos.com/

Here's a list I've made of books specifically for Spanish learners. It includes things like parallel texts and books from the Leer en Español and Storyteller's Series collections.

And this is another thread that might help you.

Lingro is a helpful tool if you are reading things online. It's not as good of a dictionary as the one here or WordReference but it is a lot more convenient and it also creates a list of all the words you've clicked on. However, when you use it you shouldn't go through and click on all you don't know as soon as you see them. Sound the word out and try to figure out what it means based on the context then go back through and click on the unknown words. You probably won't be able to guess the meaning of most of the words but by doing this you've put more of an effort of getting these unfamiliar words into your head.

I agree with using your local library (and inter-library loans), all most all of the books I've read in Spanish came from the public library system I belong to

Thank you so much for your detailed suggestion. Totally agree with you that I always go to youtube to search some children songs for practice. That is very helpful. Your website provided is so useful. Thank you! - Emiliaemiliaemilia, Aug 7, 2012

You're very welcome! Even though I love reading and I like Spanish it took me years to start reading in Spanish :O So I want to help everyone take advantage of something so helpful that I'd missed out on for so long :) - broca23, Aug 9, 2012

Answer 2

I agree with broca23. Children's books are an excellent way to expand your vocabulary when you are just learning. Also, there is a site called "memrise.com" that can add substantially to your vocabulary. Check it out!

Thank you for the link you suggested. just check it out and it's fun! - Emiliaemiliaemilia, Aug 7, 2012

Answer 3

One recommendation I like to make is any of the Dan Brown books. They appear rather imposing, but in actuality are quite easy to read. "El codigo Da Vinci" is a good one to start with. It is also available as an audio novel, so you can listen to the story while you read.

In my opinion, it is more important to get the flow of the story than to know every word. I usually go through a book and use a dictionary only rarely. Try various things, but don't become intimidated because you fail to understand every passage perfectly. Keep reading, and you will get bettr at it.

Thank you for your suggestions. I will keep in mind about your tips. Oh yes! Dan Brown collection is great to read and the story is so attractive. I like the audio book to practise my listening skill (for me, it's really hard to listen the conversation.) - Emiliaemiliaemilia, Aug 7, 2012

Answer 4

You can check out our top 15 Spanish book recommendation here: Classics

Thank you! - Emiliaemiliaemilia, Aug 7, 2012

Answer 5

Hi and welcome to the forum, Emilia!

If you do a search on "Book Recommendations" on SpanishDict you will find many threads about this, including this one here.

I really liked the Harry Potter series, Water for Elephants, The Witch and the Wardrobe, etc. I know that the Twilight series and the Hunger Games are in Spanish too.

Also, take a look [here to see what you like][2] and then order from your public library.

¡Buena suerte!

[2]: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=libros en español&sprefix=ficc,aps,147&rh=i:aps,k:libros en español

Yes, the Hunger Games are in Spanish! I'm reading the first one, and have bought the second one! ;) - Azabache, Aug 7, 2012

Thank you! I'm not sure Harry Potter will be too hard for me, because I've only learnt Spanish for six months and feel more comfortable to read some stories in present tense. Will check it out your suggestions and thank you!! :) - Emiliaemiliaemilia, Aug 7, 2012