Dear English learners, the Christmas season is the perfect time to dive into new literary worlds and improve your language skills. So, we recommend three recent and fascinating books that will help you expand your vocabulary, comprehension, and love for literature in English.
Level: medium
Categories: vocabulary, reading, grammar
· · · · · · · · · · · ·
1. "James" by Percival Everett
A powerful and innovative retelling of Mark Twain’s classic «Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,» told from the perspective of Jim, the enslaved character. In this novel, Everett reimagines the original story by giving Jim a rich inner life and agency, exploring themes of racism, freedom, and identity in pre-Civil War America. The book challenges readers to reconsider historical narratives and provides a profound, nuanced look at a pivotal moment in American history through Jim’s eyes.
2. "All Fours" by Miranda July
«All Fours» is a provocative novel that follows a middle-aged woman’s unexpected journey of self-discovery. When the protagonist sets out on a seemingly routine trip, her plans go hilariously and unexpectedly awry, leading to a transformative experience that explores identity, desire, and the unexpected turns of midlife. July’s distinctive writing style blends humour, introspection, and surreal moments, creating a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
3. "The Fourth Monkey" by JD Barker
For mystery and suspense lovers, «The Fourth Monkey» is a gripping psychological thriller that follows Detective Sam Porter in his hunt for a serial killer known as the Fourth Monkey Killer. The novel is a complex cat-and-mouse game where the detective must solve a series of intricate puzzles left behind by the killer. As Porter delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a dark and twisted narrative that challenges everything he knows about the investigation. The book is a masterful blend of psychological depth, clever plot twists, and intense suspense.
Remember! Always keep a dictionary handy (physical or digital), take notes of new words, read aloud to improve your pronunciation and… Don’t worry if you don’t understand every word!
Happy reading and merry Christmas from all of us at Teacher Collective!
