Before he dies, a reader experiences a thousand lives… “There is only one man who never reads.” —Gary R.R. Martin.
Reading in Spanish does not have to be tedious. It may open up a whole new universe of stories you might not have found otherwise.
Even if you’re just getting started, several fantastic Spanish books for beginners will help you study while keeping you involved in the plot. If you are interested in becoming fluent in Spanish, then you should take Spanish language classes.
Reading in Spanish will never seem like a hassle again!
How Beginning Spanish Novels Can Help You Improve Your Language Skills
I understand that reading a novel in Spanish may seem intimidating. But it shouldn’t be the case!
There are many Spanish books available for novices like you to read. It will be significantly more engaging than a glossy textbook, but it will also help you learn faster.
While studying a vocabulary list or making flashcards are excellent strategies for learning new words, you may discover that reading may help you acquire new Spanish vocabulary faster. Reading a Spanish novel is an excellent approach to broadening your vocabulary. Seeing new terms in context will aid in their retention.
Reading a novel will also help you become acquainted with the structure and syntax of Spanish sentences. There will be no more basic textbook phrases!
In contrast to typical classes, you can read a novel at your leisure. As a result, take your time.
Finally, reading a novel in Spanish is more engaging than reading a textbook or memorizing flashcards, but it is also quite soothing. It’s significantly less psychologically taxing than viewing or listening to things in Spanish, so it’s ideal for times you don’t want to feel like you’re learning.
9 of the Best Spanish Novels for First-Time Readers
“Aura” by Carlos Fuentes (Bilingual Edition)
Still hesitant to tackle a complete novel in Spanish? Here’s your answer. The bilingual version of “Aura” includes the novel in both Spanish and English, which will aid in your comprehension of the narrative.
“Aura” is a mystery story about Felipe, a guy who goes to work in a widow’s house to edit her late husband’s memoirs. While there, he meets and falls in love with her niece, Aura. Carlos Fuentes was a well-known writer in Latin America, and this short story will keep you interested.
Much of the narrative is written in the present tense, so if you’re still learning your Spanish tenses, this is a fantastic place to start. You’ll also learn a lot of intriguing words that you won’t find on a beginner’s vocabulary list.
“El principito” (The Little Prince) by Antoine de Saint
While not a Spanish novel, this is a classic that everyone should read at some time in their lives. So why not take care of two birds with one stone? The Spanish translation is excellent, and it is ideal for novices who want to practice. Sentences are brief and straightforward, and the terminology is simple yet effective.
The plot revolves around a pilot trapped when his jet crashes in the Sahara. He encounters a small child known as the Little Prince there. The pilot learns from the tiny prince that he is a little asteroid and has been traveling to numerous worlds. It’s a beautiful story that emphasizes the power of imagination.
“Cuentos de la selva” (Tales of the Jungle) by Horacio Quiroga
This is a fantastic collection of stories released in 1918 by Uruguayan writer Horacio Quiroga. The book was initially created for youngsters and has less than 100 pages, making it an excellent starting point for a Spanish novice. It’s an excellent resource for learning important Spanish terms and nature-related vocabulary.
Quiroga fell in love with the forest in Argentina’s Misiones area and resided there at various intervals during his life. His affection for the land is reflected in these strange stories of the forest and its inhabitants. It’s a must-read for every explorer.
“Esperanza renace” (Esperanza Rising) by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Pam Munoz Ryan’s exquisite novel tells the story of a little girl growing up on a ranch in Mexico who is forced to leave with her mother for California. During the Great Depression, she must endure difficulties in a Mexican farm work camp.
Ryan’s grandmother’s firsthand experiences inspired the narrative. It has won various prizes and gotten positive feedback from reviewers.
This novel, at fewer than 300 pages, should not be overlooked. You’ll learn several fantastic adjectives and descriptive phrases and the Spanish present and past tenses.
“La vida imaginaria” (The Imaginary Life) by Mara Torres
“La vida imaginaria” is a fantastic narrative led by Fortunata “Nata” Fortuna. Nata needs to start over when her significant other abandons her. The reader follows Nata’s post-relationship rehabilitation as she grapples with her history and present situations.
Mara Torres, a Spanish journalist, has written her debut novel. It’s one of the few novels on the list that isn’t intended for children or teenagers, and the language reflects that. Despite this, it is simple enough for a novice to understand. You will acquire a lot of everyday vocabulary and phrases from this novel.
It’s a fantastic choice for novices who don’t want to read a children’s book, and it’s only 200 pages long! You’ll have it done in no time.
“Mentira” (Lie) by Care Santos
This moving story shows the difficulties of love in the digital age. Xenia is a diligent student who is passionate about studying medicine. These ambitions are put on hold when she meets a mysterious boy online and falls in love with him. She starts on a chase for information, desperate to find out who he is, only to realize it’s all a fake. The truth will astound you.
Care Santos, a Spanish author, has authored several novels and received numerous accolades. “Mentira” received the Edebé Youth Literature Award in 2015 and is an excellent addition to any library. It’s also only about 250 pages long and a veritable treasure mine of words. Keep a Spanish dictionary nearby and jot down essential words and phrases.
“Wonder: La lección de August” (August’s Lesson) by R. J. Palacio
You’ve most likely heard of this one. This is the Spanish adaptation of the English novel “Wonder,” adapted into a 2017 smash film starring Julia Roberts. The plot follows August Pullman, a child with a severe facial deformity, as he faces the challenges of beginning fifth grade at a new middle school.
The tale has received critical acclaim and has won various prizes. It’s written in the first person, which is ideal for helping you gain a hold of different verb tenses without feeling overwhelmed. You’ll also pick up a slew of new verbs along the way.
It’s a little longer than the other novels on our list. However, it’s definitely worth the extra time and is still simple enough for the more experienced novice.
“La ciudad de las bestias” (The City of Beasts) by Isabel Allende
Our last novel is 400 pages long and a little more demanding than the others on this list. It’s pretty descriptive, so it may take some time to read. Only take on it when you’re feeling more assured.
That being said, it’s ideal for any novice wishing to progress and find a bit more of a challenge! You might be ready to move on to lengthier Spanish literature for adults when you’re finished.
The plot follows 15-year-old Alexander Cold on a fanciful expedition across the Amazon rainforest with his grandmother in quest of a fabled tribe and a mysterious beast. The novel, written by Chilean-American author Isabel Allende, was named one of the finest young adult books of 2002 by the San Francisco Chronicle’s book review and Book Magazine.
It’s the first in a series, so there’ll be plenty more to read if you’re still yearning for adventure once you finish!
