By Georgina Palencia
Starting to read a novel in Spanish may seem like a challenge for students learning Spanish as a second language, but with the right strategy, it becomes an enriching experience. In light of the launch of the Spanish Perfecto Book Club, we are sharing five essential recommendations to enjoy and learn at the same time.
1 Don’t stop at every unfamiliar word
It’s normal to come across new vocabulary, but stopping to look up every word can make reading tedious. Instead, try to deduce the meaning from context. If a word appears repeatedly and seems crucial for understanding, then it’s worth looking it up.
2 Underline and jot down vocabulary, but don’t obsess over it
Use a pencil or sticky notes to mark interesting words, colloquial expressions, or grammatical structures that catch your attention. This will help you get familiar with real Spanish, but remember that the main goal is to enjoy the story, not to conduct an exhaustive linguistic analysis.
3 Set a daily reading goal
Reading between 5 and 10 pages a day is a good goal to progress in the story without feeling overwhelmed. If Spanish is still challenging, you can start with five pages and gradually increase. The key is to maintain a steady pace so you don’t lose track of the narrative.
4 Discuss the story with others
A book club is a great opportunity to share interpretations, clarify doubts, and enrich the experience. Talking about the novel in Spanish will help reinforce learning and boost your confidence in speaking.
5 Choose accessible and engaging novels
For Spanish learners, it’s best to avoid overly complex novels, such as those by García Márquez or Vargas Llosa, which have dense narrative structures and challenging time shifts. Instead, opt for contemporary novels with clear language and engaging storytelling. Some good options include:
- “Como agua para chocolate” by Laura Esquivel (Mexico): A love story filled with tradition and accessible language.
- “La casa en Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros (USA/Mexico): Told in short vignettes with a simple style.
- “Aura” by Carlos Fuentes (Mexico): A short novel with a touch of mystery and fantasy.
- “La tregua” by Mario Benedetti (Uruguay): A moving epistolary novel that is easy to understand.
- “En el tiempo de las mariposas” by Julia Álvarez (Dominican Republic/USA): Based on real events, it tells the story of the Mirabal sisters with immersive and accessible language.
With these recommendations, reading novels in Spanish will be an enriching and motivating experience. Dare to explore the world of Hispanic literature with our Spanish Perfecto Book Club!
