I've been reading again lately and it made me want to share with you some books that I really like, that are fun to read and that will help you practice your French. And read to the end, because I'm going to give you a little something.

 

Level A1:

At A1 level, beginner, it's always more complicated to find a book adapted to this level. Often we turn to children's books, because the French in them is simpler. There is no shame in reading children's books, don't worry!

I propose you first a book in French for the A1 level : Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

It's a book that was originally intended for children, but in the end we realize that it is also intended for adults. It is a classic of French literature. It is a poetic book, light and which makes you dream.


For the A1 level, I am going to propose you a book of Jules Verne.

So, you will say to me "uh of Jules Verne for a beginner level, that seems complicated to me".

Well, no! There are classic works of literature adapted to French learners offered by Lecture CLE in easy French. The book Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne is adapted to Level A1.

So if you like adventure and discovery books, this is perfect for you!

 

Level A2:

For the A2 level, I suggest: a book by Michel Tournier: Vendredi ou la Vie sauvage

This is a book inspired by the book Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe. The book is accompanied by illustrations to facilitate your understanding. It is a beautiful adventure book and perfect if you are thirsty for nature and freedom.


The second book I recommend is Et soudain tout change by Gilles Legardinier.

This is an author I really like! He has a beautiful pen, his works are both light and poignant. This book is really beautiful, engaging and moving. You will be surprised.

 

Level B1 :

For the B1 level, I advise you to first reread a book that you have read in your native language in French. This is what I did, in English of course.

If I really liked a book in my native language, I will try to find it in my target language.

It allows me to go back to a book I liked, to have a different perspective, because the language is not the same obviously. Plus, I'm not lost. Since I already know the story, I don't lose track.


I will of course suggest two books by French authors for the B1 level. The first one is: L'homme qui voulait être heureux by Laurent Gounelle.

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Laurent Gounelle is my favorite French author, I love his books! The man who wanted to be happy has become a bestseller. It is an accessible book that makes us ask questions about our own lives. I highly recommend it.


With the success of the Netflix series, I suggest you dive back into the story of Arsène Lupin by Maurice Leblanc. 

If you have seen the series (not like me), then this book is perfect for you, you already have a great help to understand it.

 

Level B2 :

At B2 level, I recommend: No et Moi by Delphine de Vigan.

A poignant book that tells the story of an 18 year old homeless woman through the eyes of a 13 year old high school student. This book gives us a vision of France that is far from the clichés we may have.


I also recommend: Ta deuxième vie commence quand tu comprends que tu en n'en avez qu'une by Raphaëlle Giordano.

A very positive novelized personal development book! I love books that give you a different outlook on life and lead you to be a better person.

 

Level C1 :

At the C1 level, you are normally able to read any book in French. Nothing scares you anymore!

I recommend : L'amour dure trois ans by Fréderic Beigbeder.

A book full of humor and quite revealing of the functioning of our current society. This book has also been adapted into a movie if you want to go further.


The second book I recommend is: Stupeur et tremblements, by Amélie Nothomb.

The most famous book of Amélie Nothomb, Belgian author who spent part of her childhood in Japan. She relates in her book the cultural shock experienced in the Japanese working world. A very interesting book to discover more about the Japanese and French speaking Belgian culture.

 

I promised you, as a bonus, I offer you my free ebook: French in everyday life 

With tips on how to include a French routine in your daily life and a list of French resources (songs, books, movies, series, podcasts and many others).

Le français au quotidien - ebook gratuit

 

French Book Vocabulary:

French Book Vocabulary

French Book Vocabulary

French Book Vocabulary

French Book Vocabulary

 

 

What is your favorite book?

I'll see you soon for new adventures, in French of course! 🇫🇷