Recommended Books

Here is my list of recommended books for ESL/EFL students, and non students alike! These books are all written for native speakers, but the language level is definitely suitable for upper-intermediate to advanced English students as well. One of the most important factors in learning and maintaining a second language is constant exposure to that language. Reading books is a fun way to do that. So whether you are learning English, or just looking for a light, easy holiday read, these are the books that I recommend for you.

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency

Alexander McCall Smith

Mma Ramotswe's methods of solving crimes may not be conventional, but she gets the jobs done. From missing husbands to wayward children she can solve any problem. She owns the best (and only) ladies' detective agency in Botswana. Mma Ramotswe is huge, lovely and funny and the best private detective you will ever meet.

Alexander McCall Smith manages to show day to day life in Botswana with lovable characters, great descriptions and funny stories.

This hugely successful book is the first in a series of twelve. I have read and enjoyed every single one J

44 Scotland Street

Alexander McCall Smith

The format of this book is rather unusual, as it was originally written for a newspaper, with each chapter being published every day. The chapters are therefore much shorter than one would normally expect, being about one and a half pages long. This makes it perfect reading if you are an English student, as you can read small ready-made chunks each day.

The story follows the every day lives of people who live in Edinburgh - the sort of people we meet every day. The pushy mother, the infatuated student, the young guy devoted to hair gel, and poor Bertie, who's only 5 and has to learn Italian.

Alexander McCall Smith has a marvellous knack of noticing and describing odd quirks, mannerisms and personality types. You can't help but get a smile on your face as you read through these books (44 Scotland Street is the first of seven books).

Corduroy Mansions is also one of my recommended books by Alexander McCall Smith, and is a similar series to 44 Scotland Street. It was originally written in 2008 as an online novel with daily chapters. It is the first book in a series of three.