Reading Suggestion on Spanish Literature

Question

What are the 5 best books (novel,short story, classic) for someone who understands spanish a little more than beginner and want to improve by reading books written in spanish?

Answer 1

It depends what you want to achieve. Something like Don Quijote would be difficult to read with some language people do not use now.

My suggestions are

1. Some children's books -

   a. Se vende Mamá - web site here It is about some children who decide to advertise their Mum for sale on the internet. It is for 8 to 12 year olds so not too difficult but you need a sixth sense for idioms. I found it amusing. It is based in Madrid.

   b. Manolito Gafotas,by Elvira Lindo

   Another amusing children's book about a young boy in Madrid.She also writes articles in El País

   1. . I liked Dulce Chacón 'La voz Dormida' which is a heartbreaking tale about some women in prison during the Civil War. It was written this century.

   3.. El camino by Miguel Delibes about a childhood in the country during the Franco years. It is a classic and you can also watch the seriesonRTVE RTVE

   4.. Soldados de Salamina by Javier Cercas - this switches between the Civil War and present day.He is a journalist so his style uses less flowery language than some other authors.

   1. I have read several detective tales but I do notknow if it is a genre you like.

   2. Find something you like -blogs and newspaper articles are good. I like this blog by a Spaniard living in the UK: Guirilandia

   3. I often read articles by Perez Reverte - here are a selection: No compres ese perro He writes on ahuge variety of topics.

   4. I have discovered ebooks. Most sellers let you download the first chapter for free. In fact Amazon has a bookof articles over the last 35 years in El País which is free.

Gracias ... that was really helpful - almasudme, Sep 7, 2014

glad you liked it.I have read some Mexican and Colombian books but this should get you started. - Mardle, Sep 8, 2014

Answer 2

I would recommend "El alquimista" by Paulo Coelho. This book has been translated into 63 different languages. It is an easy read and has a cool story line that will hold your attention.

View the sites below to read about the novel:

Click here for Spanish

Click here for English

I agree. This is a relatively easy read for those of intermediate reading ability. - Observer, Sep 7, 2014

Gracias...Voy a recoger este libro . - almasudme, Sep 7, 2014

Answer 3

One place to start is to go to the library if it has a section containing books in Spanish and look for a book you have read in English that has been translated into Spanish. The librarian may be able to help you.

These books are easy to begin with because they contain less idiomatic usages than books written originally in Spanish. At the same time you will be building a vocabulary and using Spanish in an enjoyable way.

Good luck - íBuena suerte!

My approach has been the simple one of going to the Spanish section of my library, picking up books that look interesting, and reading a page or two to see if it is a good fit. - bosquederoble, Sep 5, 2014

When I was checking out chilfren's books a few years back, my wife was always embarassed. Now that I can pick up just about anything that intetests me she is a little happier. But only a little. - bosquederoble, Sep 5, 2014

Thanks for the nice suggestion. I have been trying to read the don quijote. But seemed hard to uderstand. I tried watching book based movies. and that seemed more effective. Now I am trying to delve deeper into the spanish literature. - almasudme, Sep 5, 2014

Read the same kinds of novels that you enjoy in your native language. If you like an author in your native language, you may even find s/he has been translated into Spanish :-D - Faldaesque, Sep 5, 2014

Answer 4

Isabel Allende ( Eva Luna , La casa de los espiritus, Hija de Fortuna, La isla bajo el Mar) Julia Navarro: La Hermandad de la Sabana Santa , La sangre de los inocentes.

For me those books were the beginning of the Spanish literature. They are interesting and not too complicated ones.

gracias . que era muy útil . - almasudme, Sep 7, 2014

Answer 5

yeeeeee .... it was here in the spanish dict ...http://www.spanishdict.com/answers/233393/top-15-classics-of-literature-in-spanish-#.VAoJLPldV8F

Answer 6

I am working as system controller in Arlington cabs MA company of US and sometimes I need to take our passengers which are from other countries like Spain, France, Italy, Rome, Sweden etc. So I learn Spanish and other languages too which improve my communication skills and add a positive point in my Job profile. I agree with your reading suggestion and definitely try to speak, read and write Spanish soon.