7 Fantastic Books You Can Read in a Day
Did you know that the top contestants at the World Championship Speed Reading competition can read 1,000–2,000 words per minute (the average for native speakers is about 300), while still comprehending at least 50% of the text? Impressive, but we prefer to read for pleasure, not speed, as well as to improve our English skills. However, there are some books that can be read quickly. We encourage you to check out one of these 7 fantastic books you can easily read in a day.
1. The Little Prince
This book by French writer and aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is much loved by both children and adults. A pilot crashes in the Sahara Desert, where he meets a little prince who tells the story of his journey to Earth from his own planet. This moving story has been translated into 300 languages and dialects, selling over 140 million copies.
2. The Old Man and the Sea
Written by one of the greatest American novelists of all time, Ernest Hemingway, this is the story of an ageing Cuban fisherman who hasn’t caught anything for 84 days, and then goes far out at sea and battles with a giant Marlin. Although the plot is simple, like many great stories its meaning is much deeper, helping the book win the prestigious Pulitzer prize.
3. Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Truman Capote’s short story gave the world one of its favorite literary characters in Holly Golightly, the young New York society girl who recounts to the narrator her dates with various wealthy men. The film version was also a huge success, starring Audrey Hepburn in that famous black dress. Read the book and then watch the movie to test out your reading comprehension!
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4. Of Mice and Men
American writer John Steinbeck’s short novel is about the experiences of poor migrant workers in California during the Great Depression of the 1930s. Two companions – George and Lennie – go from ranch to ranch, picking up what work they can, and dream of one day buying and owning their own land. It’s short, but it’s a masterpiece.
5. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
From famous Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson, this is a tale about good and evil. A polite and respected doctor is associated with a violent and criminal character, causing the doctor’s lawyer to investigate. The book is so influential that the term “Jekyll and Hyde” has become a common phrase. But you’ll have to read the book to understand what it means!
6. The Body in the Library
The title of this book tells you exactly what the story is about – a body of a young woman is found in a library, but who killed her? Amateur detective Miss Marple investigates in this murder mystery from prolific crime thriller writer Agatha Christie, who is the world’s best-selling novelist, with an incredible 1 billion books sold!
7. We Have Always Lived in the Castle
This chilling mystery by Shirley Jackson, who has inspired the likes of Stephen King, is about a family who live secluded from their neighbors after one of them is suspected of the unsolved murders of their parents, aunt, and younger brother. If you like horror stories, then this is for you.
Do you have any favorite books that didn’t make our list? Tell us what they are in the comments section below.
