People read for many reasons, for entertainment, gaining knowledge, or developing understanding. One of the best ways to expand your vocabulary is by diving into novels across various genres. While your high school teachers may have emphasised the classics as the ultimate source of educational value, plenty of contemporary stories can also introduce you to new words to use in conversations with friends and family. Here’s a list of books you should consider reading to enhance your vocabulary.
6 Books To Improve Your Vocabulary
‘Game of Thrones’
The rising fame of the series owes much to its television adaptation. However, the written version of 'Game of Thrones' is a league above its on-screen counterpart. Spanning over 1,000 pages, George R.R. Martin's mastery of language is truly remarkable. Along with incorporating words reminiscent of Middle English, Martin's vivid descriptions of Westeros offer a lesson in the effective use of adjectives and adverbs that any writer can appreciate.
‘Ulysses’ by James Joyce
Richly detailed and captivating, this book is often regarded as a masterpiece and has been extensively analysed and discussed. While many readers find it challenging, experts consider it one of the best novels for improving English. This top 100-ranking novel is filled with 30,030 unique words such as omphalos (meaning the centre of something), ineluctable (unavoidable), and bedraggle (wet). To maximise its potential for building vocabulary, it’s recommended to keep a dictionary and notebook nearby while reading.
‘The Old Man and the Sea’
This novel is one of the best for expanding English vocabulary, telling the story of a fisherman’s journey to catch a big fish and the challenges he faces along the way. Written in a simple style with short sentences, it is excellent for vocabulary development. Some of the unique words found in the novel include phosphorescent, benevolent, gaff, and fathom. by Ernest Hemingway.
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‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ By Harper Lee
Published in 1960, this book became an instant bestseller and received critical acclaim worldwide. It is rich with English vocabulary that is highly beneficial for learners. Some of the most intriguing words used in the novel include malevolent, antagonise, chiffarobe, and assuaged.
‘Slaughterhouse Five’
“Everything was beautiful and nothing hurt.” This iconic line from Kurt Vonnegut’s masterpiece perfectly captures the novel’s mood and theme. ‘Slaughterhouse-Five’ offers a poignant exploration of a soldier’s experience in World War II, encouraging readers to rethink their views on war and life. With words like unmitigated, grotesque, and magnanimity, the novel features a more contemporary vocabulary that adds depth to its message.
‘The Handmaid’s Tale,’ By Margaret Atwood
Margaret Atwood’s ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ is a modern classic that should be on every reader’s list. Set in a dystopian society governed by patriarchy and totalitarianism, it explores themes of women’s agency and autonomy over their bodies. This gripping novel is a great choice for anyone looking to improve their vocabulary.
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Atwood’s use of eloquent figurative language and rich vocabulary makes it a rewarding read. Many of the terms used in this fictional world may be unfamiliar at first, but as the story progresses, context clues help you understand and become more comfortable with the vocabulary. This method enhances vocabulary acquisition and reading comprehension, allowing you to uncover meanings on your own.
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