Reading in English: My Journey and Best Tips

Introduction

Reading in English isn’t rocket science—as long as you’re motivated. All you need is a book (obviously!) and a bit of guidance. When I started, I didn't know what I was getting into, but you will be ready after reading this. Here, I’ll share my best tips for reading in English as a non-native speaker, based on my own experience.

Six years ago, I had a basic understanding of English and was determined to improve my vocabulary. The first book I read was Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. Looking back, it wasn’t the easiest choice to start with. Some passages were tricky, and the abundance of animal characters didn’t make it any simpler. Still, I enjoyed it. My biggest lesson? Don’t be afraid to finish a book, even if it feels challenging.

Story Time: Back to 2019

Who am I to give you reading advice? Well, I’ve been reading in English for six years now. But trust me, my beginnings were far from perfect. I was scared to tackle a full novel, something that now takes me just three days to finish. My journey started with Alice in Wonderland, and while it was tough, it sparked my love for reading in English.

How to Read in English

1. Start Slowly

Learning to read in English doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a project that requires motivation, patience, and consistency. Don’t be overly ambitious and jump straight into a 300-page novel—it’s one of the mistakes I made, and it was overwhelming.

Keep in mind that you’re doing this for yourself. There’s no need to prove to anyone that you can read in English. Focus on your own goals and enjoy the process.

2. Have a Sufficient Level

Before you dive into reading books in English, it’s important to have a solid foundation in the language. I started at the end of middle school, when I felt comfortable with basic grammar and vocabulary. Reading helps reinforce these skills. For instance, when I read Alice in Wonderland, I partially learned the past perfect tense, which was a big breakthrough for me at the time.

If you’re not sure whether you’re ready to tackle a book, start with shorter formats like articles. One of my favorites is "The Joys and Benefits of Bilingualism" from The Guardian.

3. Take Notes

Taking notes can make a huge difference when reading in a new language. Use sticky notes to write down character names, key events, and relationships. Having a reference point will prevent you from getting lost in the story.

I also recommend keeping a pencil or highlighter handy. Mark words or phrases you want to remember. When I started reading in Italian, I would highlight 4-5 words per chapter to expand my vocabulary. This technique works just as well for English.

4. Take Your Time

This may seem obvious, but making time to read is crucial. Without dedicating time to the habit, you won’t make progress. I find that mornings are the best time for focus. Starting a book in the morning often inspires me to return to it later in the day.

Avoid reading when you’re too tired. After a long day of work, school, or screen time, your brain is less likely to process new information. Instead, try setting aside 30 minutes in the morning when your mind is fresh and ready to focus.

What to Read as a Beginner

Here are some tips:

• Start with progressive books that gradually introduce English. Many editions have dual-language features, where the first part is in your native language, and the rest transitions into English.

• Choose novels with vocabulary in the margins. This method helped me read Murder on the Orient Express.

• Avoid classics when starting out. While tempting, their complex language, outdated vocabulary, and tricky sentence structures can be discouraging. For example, verbs like shall or Shakespearean grammar are rarely relevant in modern English.

A Librarian's Recommendation Gone Wrong

I once overheard a father asking a librarian for a book recommendation for his 8th-grade daughter who wanted to read in English. Great idea! But the advice? The librarian suggested Wuthering Heights and Harry Potter. While both are iconic, I wouldn’t recommend them as beginner reads. Harry Potter, for example, is packed with complex names, magical terms, and intricate plotlines, which can be overwhelming. Instead, I’d suggest starting with books already familiar in your native language.

Final Thoughts

Reading in English is a journey, not a sprint. Start with manageable books, stay consistent, and don’t shy away from challenges. Most importantly, enjoy the process—it’s a rewarding way to grow your language skills. Ready to dive in?