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I know you hate reading. That’s why you clicked this article. I’ve created a list of best English books for beginners who hate reading. Yes, You’ll Actually Enjoy These!
Let’s be honest for a moment.
If you’re a student who hates reading, you’re not alone.
I know you may have tried reading English books before and felt bored, confused, sleepy, or even frustrated. Maybe the words felt too hard. Maybe the story felt slow. Or maybe you were forced to read books that never connected with your life at all.
And somewhere along the way, you quietly decided:
“Reading is not for me.”
But what if I tell you something important?
You don’t hate reading.
You just haven’t met the right book yet.
This blog is for:
- Students who find English books boring
- Beginners who struggle with vocabulary
- People who want to improve English without stress
- Readers who think reading is “not their thing”
If you belong to any of these groups, this blog will change your mindset.
Let’s start fresh—no pressure, no complicated words, no heavy classics.
Why Most Beginners Hate Reading English Books
Before we talk about books, let’s talk about the real problem.
Most students hate reading because:
1. They start with the wrong books
Shakespeare, Victorian novels, thick classics—these are not beginner-friendly. Starting with them is like learning to swim in the deep ocean.
2. Schools make reading feel like punishment
Reading becomes about exams, summaries, and marks—not enjoyment.
3. Fear of difficult English
Unknown words can kill interest instantly.
4. No emotional connection
If you don’t relate to a story, your brain simply switches off.
The solution is simple:
Start with easy, relatable, and interesting books.
And that’s exactly what this list offers.
What Makes a Book Perfect for Beginners?
Before recommending books, here’s what I considered while selecting them:
✔ Simple and clear English
✔ Short chapters or short length
✔ Interesting stories (not boring lessons)
✔ Relatable characters
✔ Emotional or fun storytelling
✔ Suitable for students and first-time readers
These books won’t make you feel “dumb.”
They’ll make you feel confident.
Best English Books for Beginners Who Hate Reading
Let’s finally get to the books you’ll actually enjoy.
1. The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho
Best for: Beginners who want motivation and meaning
This book is short, simple, and deeply inspiring.
The story follows a boy named Santiago who dreams of finding treasure. But what makes this book special is not the treasure—it’s the journey.
Why beginners love it:
- Very easy English
- Short chapters
- Feels like a story, not a lesson
- Makes you think about your own life
You don’t need a dictionary for every page. The language flows naturally.
If you’ve ever felt lost or confused about life, this book will feel like a friend.
2. The Little Prince – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Best for: Students who want a short but unforgettable book
Don’t judge this book by its size.
Though it looks like a children’s book, it carries deep emotions and beautiful life lessons.
Why it’s perfect for beginners:
- Very short
- Extremely simple sentences
- Touches the heart
- Easy to finish in 2–3 days
This book teaches you about love, loneliness, friendship, and growing up—without heavy language.
Many people who hated reading fell in love with books after reading The Little Prince.
3. Who Moved My Cheese? – Spencer Johnson
Best for: Beginners who want motivation without effort
This book is a gift for people with short attention spans.
It uses a simple story of mice and cheese to explain:
Change
Fear
Growth
Success
Why beginners love it:
- Very short
- Extremely simple English
- Easy to understand message
- Can be read in one sitting
If you think reading takes too much time—this book proves you wrong.
4. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – J.K. Rowling
Best for: Beginners who want fun and imagination
Yes, it’s popular. And yes, there’s a reason.
The first Harry Potter book is perfect for beginners because:
- The language is simple
- The story is exciting
- You already know the characters
- It keeps you curious
Once you start, stopping becomes difficult.
Many students who hated reading completed this book without realizing how much they were reading.
5. The Old Man and the Sea – Ernest Hemingway
Best for: Beginners who want to try a classic (without pain)**
This is one of the simplest classics ever written.
Hemingway’s writing style is:
- Short sentences
- Simple words
- Deep meaning
The story of an old fisherman and his struggle with a fish becomes a powerful lesson about courage and persistence.
It’s short, emotional, and surprisingly easy.
6. Tuesdays with Morrie – Mitch Albom
Best for: Beginners who love emotional stories
This book reads like a conversation, not a novel.
It’s about life, death, love, and regrets—told in a very gentle way.
Why beginners connect with it:
- Simple conversational English
- Short chapters
- Emotional but not heavy
- Very relatable
Trust me, you’ll feel like you’re sitting with the characters instead of reading about them.
7. Animal Farm – George Orwell
Best for: Beginners who like short and meaningful stories
This book looks simple—and it is—but it’s also powerful.
Written like a story about animals, it teaches important lessons about power and control.
Why it works for beginners:
- Short length
- Easy-to-follow story
- Simple vocabulary
- Engaging plot
It proves that English literature doesn’t have to be boring.
8. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time – Mark Haddon
Best for: Beginners who want something different
This book is written from the perspective of a teenage boy who sees the world differently.
Why beginners enjoy it:
- Simple sentences
- Unique storytelling
- Short chapters
- Feels modern and relatable
It’s interesting without being difficult.
9. Wonder – R.J. Palacio
Best for: Beginners who love emotional, heartwarming stories
This book talks about kindness, bullying, and acceptance—through very simple English.
Why beginners love it:
- Easy language
- Short chapters
- Emotional connection
- Positive message
You won’t feel like you’re studying English—you’ll feel like you’re living a story.
10. Ruskin Bond’s Short Stories
Best for: Indian students and absolute beginners. If you are great a fan of Ruskin Bond’s books like me, then never forget to visit my this article. It’s specially made for you.
Ruskin Bond is a blessing for beginners.
His writing is:
- Simple
- Warm
- Relatable
- Beautiful
Start with collections like:
- The Night Train at Deoli
- The Blue Umbrella
- Rusty series
His stories feel familiar and comforting—perfect for hesitant readers.
How to Start Reading If You Hate Reading
Here’s a secret most people won’t tell you:
You’re just enjoying. Not doing your homework. You don’t need to read every word.
Try this instead:
- Read 5–10 pages daily
- Skip difficult words
- Focus on the story
- Don’t force yourself
Reading is not a competition.
Slow reading is still reading.
How These Books Improve Your English Naturally
Without grammar rules or memorisation, these books help you:
- Understand sentence structure
- Learn vocabulary naturally
- Improve comprehension
- Think in English
And the best part?
You won’t even notice you’re learning.
Final thoughts: Reading Is Not the Enemy
If you hate reading, it doesn’t mean you’re lazy or weak.
It means:
- You started wrong
- You were pressured
- You were misunderstood
The right book at the right time can change everything.
Start small. Start easy. Start today.
One book can turn a non-reader into a reader.
And maybe—just maybe—you’ll fall in love with reading without even trying.
If you liked this blog, save it, share it, or come back whenever you feel stuck.
Because reading should feel like comfort, not burden.
— Literary Whispers 📚