Reading books in English: what happens if you read books in English

11 April 2025

Readers-friendly

Oleksandra Kulish

Book expert

Reading is not just a useful way to spend your time — it’s also a powerful tool for personal growth. Adapted books in English inspire and immerse you in a mysterious and fascinating world. Plus, you gain numerous benefits by learning the language. Let’s face it: reading books in English multiplies the benefits many times over.

Top 10 Reasons to Read Books in English

Dreaming of improving your English? Hopefully, you already have a few modern English books in your collection. People usually buy literature with a sparkle in their eyes and a desire to learn something new. But after a few tough pages, that motivation fades. We’re here to convince you that reading in English is not just for fun — it’s an investment in your future.

1. Improve your English skills

This is the most obvious reason — but no less important. When you read books in English, you don’t just memorize new words — you also learn how to use them correctly in context. Grammar, style, idioms — all of these are absorbed naturally, without the need for overly complex learning methods.

2. Expand your vocabulary

Every new book offers dozens or even hundreds of new words, phrases, and expressions. If you choose books on topics that interest you, your vocabulary will grow with exactly the kind of language you need. Even more exciting is exploring popular screen-adapted books in English, which are engaging and hard to put down.

3. Develop the ability to think in English

The more you read, the more often you’ll catch yourself thinking in English. Reading helps you formulate thoughts faster and express yourself without translating from your native language.

4. Learn about the culture of English-speaking countries

Books are a source of values, a reflection of culture, mentality, and history. Through them, you gain a deeper understanding of how native speakers think, what traditions they have, and how they view the world.

5. Access to original texts

Translations often lose part of the author’s original intent. Reading the original text allows you to experience the style, humor, and subtext just as the author intended. Choosing books that match your language level is a great way to start learning vocabulary effectively.

6. Improve focus and concentration

Reading in a foreign language requires more focus than in your native one. Learning to concentrate on words is essential. You have to follow the plot, analyze the context, and decode unfamiliar words. This trains your concentration and boosts cognitive abilities.

7. Enhance your writing skills

Reading quality literature helps you absorb and practice grammatical structures, elegant expressions, and natural phrasing. This directly influences your writing — making it more expressive and accurate.

8. Access to books not yet translated

Some works take years to be translated — or never are. By reading in English, you get instant access to the latest bestsellers, academic texts, and rare literature without having to wait for translations.

9. Improve listening skills

Try combining reading with audiobooks. This trains your ear to recognize English sounds. It helps you better understand native speakers in real life since your brain begins to “recognize” words by ear.

10. Enjoy the process

When you stop fearing complex texts and start seeing them as a challenge, reading becomes truly enjoyable. You notice your progress, enjoy the story, and improve your English at the same time.

Additional Benefits of Reading in English

Reading in English offers additional benefits that go beyond just learning a language. It broadens your worldview and helps you better understand people from different cultures. Many authors reveal not only their personal thoughts but also the characteristics of the societies they live in. Reading foreign literature makes you more open-minded and helps you see things from different perspectives.

Moreover, reading in English is a great way to prepare for travel. By reading novels written by native speakers, you naturally become familiar with local expressions, common situations, and even humor. This can make your trips smoother — it becomes easier to understand people and adapt to new surroundings.

Another advantage is the development of analytical thinking. When reading foreign-language texts, your brain works actively, analyzing context, comparing words, and building logical connections. This is especially useful in professional fields where the ability to analyze, extract key points, and identify the main idea is a crucial skill. And you practice all that — just by reading.

And of course, don’t forget about career opportunities. A strong command of English opens doors to international companies, increases your chances of getting a good job, and helps you confidently communicate with colleagues worldwide. Many successful people note that reading books in English not only improved their language skills but also expanded their horizons — which in turn positively impacted their careers.

Conclusion

Reading books in English helps you boost your language skills, dive deeper into the culture, improve memory, and simply enjoy the process. If you haven’t tried it yet, start with easy books and gradually move on to more complex ones — you’ll be amazed how quickly reading in English becomes effortless!