Does anyone know any good modern day books that will enhance my vocabulary?

Question

Possibly by writer's who aren't dead.....I can't comprehend Edgar Allan Poe and F. Scott Fitzgerald's work. I tried but it was too hard.

I said good books, I've read all of Dan Brown's books, each one was just as pathetic as the last. J.K Rowling? I'm not 12............

Answer 1

I would suggest non-fiction, both books and magazine articles. Popular fiction is going to be comprised of words you likely already know. Their purpose is to entertain you, not teach you anything so much.

I recommend non-fiction by Dava Sobel. The books are short and they read like novels. A Plague of Frogs was good. My husband likes Michener -- fiction, but very well researched. Michael Crichton isn't too literary, but usually has some cutting edge technological advancements in his books, and the technical language that goes with them. Try non-fiction based magazines on a topic you are interested in. Not academic journals, but not fiction, either.

If you'd like to read writers like Poe and Fitzgerald, read some authors in between first. It will make the language seem not so dated. (Personally, I am not a fan of either. I appreciate their accomplishment, just don't like their stories).

Try Gone With the Wind, books by Daphne DuMaurier, I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith, Emma or Pride and Prejudice (Austen is easier to read than Bronte), Mark Twain, the original Agatha Christies and Conan Doyles.

I also liked A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers, The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenidies (Sp?), Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Clarke. Some more literary modern authors are Eco, Doctorow, Ian Pears.

Answer 2

The last time I checked Poe and Fitzgerald wrote in English - same language authors like JK Rowling and Dan Brown write in. If you can understand Dan and JK, you can understand Poe and Fitzgerald with a little patience and maybe a dictionary handy.

Answer 3

when i was young, i read archie comics and (of course i still had bad vocabulary) it helped me a lot in my english. however, if you are beyond that stage already then you can read j.k. rowling, dan brown, or a good book/series would be the LEFT BEHIND series by tim lahaye and jerry b. jenkins which is about the end of days.

Answer 4

The Secret History by Donna Tart

Answer 5

For the expansion of vocabulary while maintaining an enjoyable read, I suggest The authors David and Leigh Eddings.

Answer 6

Catch 22, A Confederacy of Dunces, The Da Vinchi Code. Start off there and work your way up to the snooty stuff.

Answer 7

Read factual books, not fiction. Magazines and newspapers are geared to about a grade 4 reading level. Read about anything you want to learn more about and you will learn new words. Learn a word a day from the dictionary.

Answer 8

Dictionary. I'm sure Mr. Webster would love to help.

Answer 9

vocabulary? Dictionary. Then you can read fantabuly.