While reading is one of the best ways to acquire vocabulary and become fluent in your target language, choosing the right book can be a delicate task. Selecting the wrong book can be discouraging and even demotivating. In this article, we will review the main criteria you should consider when choosing a book to read in your target language.
Firstly, let's keep in mind that every learner is different, and while I believe these tips are relevant to most people, they will not apply to everyone. Language learning is a personal process that needs to be adjusted along the way.
With that said, we also need to consider the type of reading we are discussing here, in other words, the purpose behind reading the book. We can distinguish three kinds of reading:
Extensive reading
Reading without interruption to train fluency, speed, and intuition.
Intensive reading
Dissecting a short and challenging text in order to learn specific grammar points and vocabulary.
Assisted reading
Reading with limited assistance, using tools like dictionaries or grammar checks only when needed. The aim is to understand the main idea without getting stuck on every unknown detail.
For this guide, we're focusing on assisted reading, as it represents the most common approach for language learners at all levels.
Having learned two languages to fluency (English and Japanese) mostly through reading, I now have a clear idea of what to look for when choosing a new book:
The amount of new vocabulary
A common practice in language learning is to learn vocabulary through N+1 sentences, meaning sentences in which you know all the words except one. This makes acquiring new words easier and more efficient. While we cannot expect a book where every sentence fits this pattern, the idea is to find a book at the right level of comprehension.
Studies suggest that most people tolerate around 98 percent comprehension for unassisted reading. At that level, you can usually read an entire book without needing a dictionary, which is ideal for extensive reading.
However, extensive reading is difficult at a beginner or even intermediate level. Although everyone's tolerance is different, I believe books between 80 and 98 percent comprehension are perfectly fine for assisted reading. When I used jpdb.io during my Japanese studies, I discovered that my sweet spot was around 90 percent.
I strongly encourage everyone to try websites like jpdb or Mnemoread to discover books at an appropriate level. Once you understand what works for you, the process becomes much more enjoyable and motivating.
Comprehension Levels in Action
The same text at different comprehension levels (unknown words masked)
If you are not inclined to use these tools, you will not be able to estimate your comprehension level ahead of time. In that case, you need to rely on the general concepts and look for books that seem to match your level. It may take some trial and error, but keep in mind one important point: do not judge the difficulty of a book by its first chapter. It is usually the hardest part, and you need time to adapt to the author's style and vocabulary.
Sentence structure and language
Even books that are appropriate in terms of vocabulary can vary greatly in difficulty. One major factor is sentence structure and writing style. Old texts, philosophical essays, or poetry tend to be harder to read than modern novels because their structures are unusual or dense. Some authors naturally write in a clear and accessible style, while others are more complex, which is true even for native readers.
It can be hard to predict this in advance, especially if you do not yet have a strong grasp of the language. However, there are usually some indicators: the target demographic (children's books, young adult novels, etc.), the year it was written, the genre, and sometimes a quick search about the author.
The story and themes
While the above factors are important for keeping your learning efficient and avoiding frustration, your interest in the story is equally important. Enjoyment is a strong motivator. If you genuinely care about the story, you will stay motivated even if the book is slightly above your comfort level.
On the other hand, if a book seems perfect on paper but the story does not interest you, it will be difficult to maintain long-term motivation, and you may find yourself reading less and less.
Cultural context load
Some texts rely heavily on culture-specific knowledge or implicit references. You may find yourself understanding the words but missing the deeper meaning. This is especially common in humor, satire, and poetry. In my view, these works are fascinating, and one of the reasons I learn languages is to explore other cultures more deeply.
However, as a beginner, such works can be unexpectedly difficult. If you choose to read them, you need to manage your expectations and accept that you may not grasp everything right away.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing the right book is a subtle balance between the vocabulary load, your interest in the content, and the style and grammar used by the author. There may be other factors, but in my experience they matter far less. And of course, every learner is different, and every language has its own quirks, so your experience may vary.
At Mnemoread, we are trying to make the process of discovering new books in your target language easier and more enjoyable. Because your vocabulary knowledge is stored in one place, we can estimate your comprehension level and recommend books that best match your skills and interests.
If you have struggled to stay motivated while reading in your target language, feel free to give Mnemoread a try. We're here to help you find the perfect book that matches your level and interests.