Older Readers:
Twenty-One Books You Have to Read
This range of books is aimed at older readers, who still want to push their reading abilities further, and discover new ways to expand their literacy skills and adroitness with words. These books, aimed at young adults, will develop your vocabulary and thinking as well as introducing you to different genres of books and alternate styles, which will inspire and encourage you to read further into topics that you enjoy.
After completing all the reading hierarchies on the 'Book List' page, these are the books that we think you are ready to read. They are at a challenging level, but they will push your reading abilities further, and we're sure you'll find some that you will really love.
Let's see how many you can read!
After completing all the reading hierarchies on the 'Book List' page, these are the books that we think you are ready to read. They are at a challenging level, but they will push your reading abilities further, and we're sure you'll find some that you will really love.
Let's see how many you can read!
The Twenty-One Books for Readers Who Aim Higher
1. 'Treasure Island' by Robert Louis Stevenson
Not perhaps the first choice for an older reader, but this book is harder than many think - the original text is quite challenging whilst the plot portrays more of a child's story.
2. 'Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea' by Jules Verne
A nice bit of science fiction and adventure - not perhaps Verne's most famous novel, but a thrilling read.
3. 'The Count of Monte Cristo' by Alexandre Dumas
A wonderful, lengthy book for those of higher reading abilities. Reading it will stretch you skills, knowledge, imagination and perception of the world and its fairness around you. Worth every page.
4. 'Huckleberry Finn' by Mark Twain
Important book with classic charm. Follows of from 'Tom Sawyer,' but a celebrated book in its own right.
5. 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen
A break from fighting and brutal encounters - a refined book written with an observant eye about people in society, not only in Austen's own time, but with messages relevant to today.
6. 'David Copperfield' by Charles Dickens
One of Dickens' finest novels - less well-known than some of his other works, such as 'Oliver Twist', but one that should be appreciated for its artistry, flow and emotion, combined with the crowd of both grotesque and lovable characters.
7. 'Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens
The French Revolution re-lived - drama - memorable characters - shock - vivid description - what's not to love?
8. 'The Moonstone' by Wilkie Collins
One of the finest example of detective fiction. Brings together aristocratic mansions, forlorn moorlands, young lovers and a curse on an Indian diamond, all in an eerie and engaging manner.
9.'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien
There is nothing better for a seasoned reader to get hold of. Read them at the right time, when you are prepared for the length and the craftsmanship of the words. Read the books before watching the films!
10. 'This Thing of Darkness' by Harry Thompson
With historical touches about Charles Darwin, this is a book for those who like natural history, adventure, sciences, struggles real people endured and - of course - reading. Touches on very relevant and interesting topics, too, and is written with engaging vigour.
11. 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' by Victor Hugo
Another good book for advanced readers. Engaging story line and vivid setting. A classic example of the Gothic genre.
12. 'Sherlock Holmes: the Dark Mysteries' by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
More Sherlock Holmes - what could be better? A collection of stories showing Conan Doyle's love of the supernatural and his main character's iconic logic and skill. Perfect for those with a lurid imagination or who enjoy a nervous tingle running up their spine.
13. 'The Writer's Map' [edited by] Hugh Lewis-Jones
Not a novel read, but a wonderfully illustrated guide showing writer's inspirations and reflections on their works and exploring how their stories and ideas grow from maps they have drawn and seen. 'An Atlas of Imaginary Lands' as it says on the cover - quite true, too.
14. 'The Ocean at the End of the Lane' by Neil Gaiman
Not a challenging book regarding its words, but the themes and concepts are better suited to older readers. Lyrical and powerful - something different to think about.
15. 'Tom Brown's Schooldays' by Thomas Hughes
Another example of a book with a child's story but an older reader's style of writing. Amusing and enlightening. A classic.
16. 'Tales of Norse Mythology' by Helen A. Guerber
A sophisticated retelling of the Norse myths. Quotes and reflections on the primary sources of Nordic and Icelandic eddas and sagas.
17. 'Robinson Crusoe' by Daniel Defoe
The ultimate adventure story. The original is challenging with the older style of English but this adds to the authenticity. The gripping story line will pull you through harder passages and it is worth reading.
18. 'The African Queen' by C.S. Forester
A different style of adventure set in Central Africa at the outbreak of the First World War. Realistic and thrilling with vivid characterisation.
19. 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee
A fine novel - a vivid setting, perfectly portrayed characters and an exquisite plot which brings its readers a heartfelt message and leaves them thinking for a long while afterwards.
20. 'Thirty-nine Steps' by John Buchan
A spy book - quick and thrilling. A must-read for adventure lovers after something short and sharp.
21. 'Dune' by Frank Herbert
One of the best science-fiction novels ever. A challenging read but divine in its imagery, characters, abundance of imagination and strong purpose. This book has a meaning, and sucks the reader in right from the start to the end.
Not perhaps the first choice for an older reader, but this book is harder than many think - the original text is quite challenging whilst the plot portrays more of a child's story.
2. 'Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea' by Jules Verne
A nice bit of science fiction and adventure - not perhaps Verne's most famous novel, but a thrilling read.
3. 'The Count of Monte Cristo' by Alexandre Dumas
A wonderful, lengthy book for those of higher reading abilities. Reading it will stretch you skills, knowledge, imagination and perception of the world and its fairness around you. Worth every page.
4. 'Huckleberry Finn' by Mark Twain
Important book with classic charm. Follows of from 'Tom Sawyer,' but a celebrated book in its own right.
5. 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen
A break from fighting and brutal encounters - a refined book written with an observant eye about people in society, not only in Austen's own time, but with messages relevant to today.
6. 'David Copperfield' by Charles Dickens
One of Dickens' finest novels - less well-known than some of his other works, such as 'Oliver Twist', but one that should be appreciated for its artistry, flow and emotion, combined with the crowd of both grotesque and lovable characters.
7. 'Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens
The French Revolution re-lived - drama - memorable characters - shock - vivid description - what's not to love?
8. 'The Moonstone' by Wilkie Collins
One of the finest example of detective fiction. Brings together aristocratic mansions, forlorn moorlands, young lovers and a curse on an Indian diamond, all in an eerie and engaging manner.
9.'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien
There is nothing better for a seasoned reader to get hold of. Read them at the right time, when you are prepared for the length and the craftsmanship of the words. Read the books before watching the films!
10. 'This Thing of Darkness' by Harry Thompson
With historical touches about Charles Darwin, this is a book for those who like natural history, adventure, sciences, struggles real people endured and - of course - reading. Touches on very relevant and interesting topics, too, and is written with engaging vigour.
11. 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' by Victor Hugo
Another good book for advanced readers. Engaging story line and vivid setting. A classic example of the Gothic genre.
12. 'Sherlock Holmes: the Dark Mysteries' by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
More Sherlock Holmes - what could be better? A collection of stories showing Conan Doyle's love of the supernatural and his main character's iconic logic and skill. Perfect for those with a lurid imagination or who enjoy a nervous tingle running up their spine.
13. 'The Writer's Map' [edited by] Hugh Lewis-Jones
Not a novel read, but a wonderfully illustrated guide showing writer's inspirations and reflections on their works and exploring how their stories and ideas grow from maps they have drawn and seen. 'An Atlas of Imaginary Lands' as it says on the cover - quite true, too.
14. 'The Ocean at the End of the Lane' by Neil Gaiman
Not a challenging book regarding its words, but the themes and concepts are better suited to older readers. Lyrical and powerful - something different to think about.
15. 'Tom Brown's Schooldays' by Thomas Hughes
Another example of a book with a child's story but an older reader's style of writing. Amusing and enlightening. A classic.
16. 'Tales of Norse Mythology' by Helen A. Guerber
A sophisticated retelling of the Norse myths. Quotes and reflections on the primary sources of Nordic and Icelandic eddas and sagas.
17. 'Robinson Crusoe' by Daniel Defoe
The ultimate adventure story. The original is challenging with the older style of English but this adds to the authenticity. The gripping story line will pull you through harder passages and it is worth reading.
18. 'The African Queen' by C.S. Forester
A different style of adventure set in Central Africa at the outbreak of the First World War. Realistic and thrilling with vivid characterisation.
19. 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee
A fine novel - a vivid setting, perfectly portrayed characters and an exquisite plot which brings its readers a heartfelt message and leaves them thinking for a long while afterwards.
20. 'Thirty-nine Steps' by John Buchan
A spy book - quick and thrilling. A must-read for adventure lovers after something short and sharp.
21. 'Dune' by Frank Herbert
One of the best science-fiction novels ever. A challenging read but divine in its imagery, characters, abundance of imagination and strong purpose. This book has a meaning, and sucks the reader in right from the start to the end.
You shouldn't judge a book by its cover...but here are some images to see what you like the look of!
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