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TarikeNimeshab t1_j9t8tib wrote

I think Hemingway's books aren't good choices for someone who is new to reading in English. I've been reading books in English for years and I still would have some trouble with those. Beginning with something simpler, especially with books you've read already in your native language. I started with Harry Potter, a lot of fanfiction, and books for children and young adults. Have a good dictionary handy, but don't bother with it much. It'll frustrate you. Try to understand the meaning of unfamiliar words and phrases from context first.

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hunf-hunf t1_j9wpkyk wrote

Hemingway uses famously simple language. I’d say he’s a great place to start

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hairam t1_j9urt5k wrote

100% agree. I've found more success with reading books in foreign languages and my native language when I don't hyperfocus on looking up or understanding every word. I expanded my reading comprehension and ability very quickly as a child by letting myself figure things out with context clues and not understanding 100% of what I read.

It can also be good for the brain to have to work at understanding - the crutch of looking something up immediately can make it easier to forget what you've already looked up, compared to struggling with something and turning it over, which can make it easier to recognize, remember, or elaborate on your contextual understanding the next time you encounter it.

(This is an aspect of effective studying - making your brain work to recreate and recall something, like in working to remember the subject of a lecture, is more effective than just giving your brain the answer, like in re-reading notes.)

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Headless_Grammarian t1_j9ujfdf wrote

Terry Pratchett has a good vocabulary and is gripping to read.

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FarArdenlol t1_j9usk3x wrote

This is a great suggestion for someone who’s new to reading books in English for sure.

I mean Pratchett is generally a great suggestion, but reading OP I get a feeling Hemingway might be a bit too much for someone still having trouble with vocabulary.

I’d recommend Guards! Guards! or Small Gods by Pratchett.

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