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Reading is an important way to improve one’s English skills.
It improves vocabulary, grammar and exposes the reader to the authentic, natural English language.
Reading books is an enjoyable way to pass the time while learning English at the same time. If the novel is too easy or difficult, the reader might become bored, so it’s important to find some books that suit their learning level.
English Novels for Intermediate Learners
If you are a teacher, you can encourage your intermediate learners to read more.
Here are seven exciting books for Intermediate learners that you can recommend to them. These books are mainly suited to older teens and adults.
The Old Man and the Sea, by Ernest Hemingway
This English classic was written in simple language but is more profound than it seems.
The story is about an aging fisherman who lives in Cuba and hasn’t caught any fish in awhile. One day he battles to catch a huge swordfish, and it takes him out to sea.
This novel is about being out at sea, but there is no need to be a fan of fishing to enjoy this book. It won the Nobel Prize in literature and the Pulitzer Prize, and it is a suitable read for teens and adults.
The message of the story is to never give up on what you want. It explores themes such as challenge, courage, and survival.
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
While this book can be read by children, it is also enjoyable for young and older adults.
It is about a high-school girl that goes on an adventure through space and other dimensions with her brother and friend.
Her mission is to help her father, a scientist who has been held prisoner on another planet.
This novel celebrates individuality, bravery, and love. It is an excellent book for anyone who feels lonely or “different” and enjoys science fiction novels.
Funny in Farsi by Firoozeh Dumas
This is a great book for English language learners as the writer, Firoozeh Dumas, who emigrated from Iran to the US, also had to learn English as a second language.
This book is a memoir that follows her journey when she moved from Iran to California when she was seven years old. It explores the American culture and how it compares to her home in Iran.
This novel became a best-seller in Iran and featured in the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, and the San Francisco Chronicle.
This book lives up to its title and is quite hilarious in sections, and serious in others, mostly relating to Iranian Revolution. It’s suitable for teens and adults.
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
This is a memoir about Mitch who graduates university and promises his favorite professor that he will keep in touch, although he doesn’t keep this promise.
Years later, his favorite professor gets diagnosed with ALS and appears on a TV interview, which stuns Mitch and encourages him to get back in touch with his professor.
Mitch decides to visit Morrie every Tuesday, just like he did when he was in university. They talk about the meaning of life as they rekindle their relationship.
This book is good for giving sound advice, accepting death, and helping us understand what truly matters in life, suitable for all readers.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
This book was originally written in Portuguese, and it is about a shepherd who has prophetic, recurring dreams.
His dream is about finding treasure at the Egyptian pyramids. So he sells all of his sheep to go searching for it.
This is an excellent book to read for anyone looking for their calling and who wants to refocus on their dreams.
The Great Gatsby by F.Scott Fitzgerald
This is about a self-made millionaire in pursuit of a beautiful, young rich woman whom he loved in his youth.
He held the most extravagant parties at his mansion hoping that she would show up one day.
This is an American classic, full of fun and surprises. It has a great intro and ending, and it serves as a reminder that money can’t buy happiness.
This novel also demonstrates the illusion of the “American Dream” and shows us what life was like 100 years ago. It is best suited to adults who will appreciate its heavy use of symbolism.
What We Talk About When We Talk About Love by Raymond Carver
This is not a novel but a book of short stories, which makes it easy to read.
In this story, the writer tries to find the meaning of love, but the examples don’t build up any conclusion.
There are seventeen stories in the collection, and this book is for those who want something short that they can pick up at any moment. It’s an interesting read for adults.
In Conclusion
These are some of the amazing books for intermediate-level students.
If they ever ask you for your recommendations, give them this list and they’re bound to come back for more.
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Caitriona Maria is an education writer and founder of TPR Teaching, crafting inspiring pieces that promote the importance of developing new skills. For 7 years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.
