what is a book review in french

16 Best Books For Learning French

By: Author David Issokson

Posted on Published: March 3, 2022  - Last updated: July 2, 2024

Today I got the idea of showing you my actual collection of books for learning French. I’ve been teaching since 2014 and have a massive colleciton. When somebody asks me where to start I always suggest the Complete French All-in-One book. The post also has a lot of dialogue books, which I use quite heavily in my lessons. Browse through the list and find a new title for your collection!

What are the best books for learning French?

The top-5 best books for learning French are: 1) Practice Makes Perfect Complete French All-In-One , 2) The Ultimate French Review and Practice , 3) Grammaire en Dialogues – Niveau Grand Débutant , 4) Vocabulaire en Dialogues A1-A2 and 5) Exercises in French Phonics .

This article will discuss why I’ve selected these titles and recommend them to my students. I also provide an honest opinion about the French All-in-One For Dummies book, Amazon’s No. 1 book for learning French. Keep reading!

Books for learning French recommended by a French teacher

Over the years beginner students have repeatedly asked me which books I recommend.

While I’ve bought and tried many textbooks, I seem to always recommend the same books. The books I’m suggesting on this list are the actual books I use for my online classes.

French For Dummies All-In-One: Is it worth it?

Before we take a look at the books that are really my favorite for learning French, I want to address the book: French All-in-One For Dummies . With over 1,200 reviews on Amazon, this is the website’s No. 1 book for learning French. But, is it really worth buying?

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In short, I’d say YES if you’re looking for a reading companion to your other books. The French For Dummies All-in-One is six books in one.

Books one and two provide a huge introduction to basic vocabulary ( all covered here on Frenchlearner by the way ), combined with lots of practical dialogues. While I strongly suggest students to master the reading rules, the book provides lots of English phonetics for all the words and dialogues.

This is a huge plus for people who are too lazy to buckle down and learn the reading rules .

Books three, four and five cover both grammar and verbs (this site offers a ton of free material on French grammar and verbs , by the way).

Here’s my opinion: While these chapters offer a nice introduction, I feel strong that the Practice Make Perfect: Complete French All-in-One (NOT to be confused with the For Dummies book!) offers a way better presentation of French grammar and verbs.

In addition, this For Dummies books doesn’t provide any exercises while the other book (see below) offers countless exercises. The For Dummies book does offer some games at the back but that’s no substitute for real exercises.

The French For Dummies All-in-One book does include a CD. I popped it in and had a listen. It does indeed include some audio for dialogues in both French and French-Canadian accents.

That said, there’s not much to the CD and really just offers a quick glimpse into spoken French. There’s much more material available for free on YouTube .

Best books for learning French for beginner students

I put these two books at the top of my list is because I believe they offer the best introduction for building a rock-solid foundation in French verbs and grammar. These are the necessary elements for speaking fluently .

1) Practice Makes Perfect: Complete French All-in-One

I consider Practice Makes Perfect: Complete French All-in-One by Annie Heminway to be the Bible for all beginner and intermediate French students.

The reason I like this book is that it lays out French grammar in a very methodical and logical way. My private lessons follow the outline of the book.

I like this book because you can use it for the very initial stages of learning French and continue to use it when you become more advanced.

The book is called All-in-One because it’s actually seven books. In addition to grammar, the book covers verb conjugations, vocabulary and conversation and written French. It really is a Bible of sorts for the French learner!

The publisher, McGraw Hill, is a world leader in educational material and their books are solid. This book is also excellent for self-study as it provides lots of exercises in each chapter.

2) Ultimate French Review and Practice

This second title, The Ultimate French Review and Practice by David Stillman and Ronni Gordon, is an excellent companion to the Complete French All-in-One. Ultimate French is also a publication of McGraw Hill.

While both of these books cover the same areas (grammar, verb conjugations, etc.), Ultimate French’s explanations are slightly more nuanced.

In addition, the book offers many exercises for each chapter which are excellent for self-study between lessons.

While the previously mentioned Complete French All-in-One does not offer audio support, Ultimate French comes with an interactive CD-ROM with audio.

Interestingly, the No. 1 book on Amazon for learning French is Easy French Step-by-Step by Myrna Bell Rochester. This is also a McGraw Hill publication and is more of an entry-level book the Ultimate French.

I’ve tried to use Easy French Step-by-Step with a few students and don’t like it. I didn’t feel that the layout of the book was logical and lacked comprehensiveness.

While the Complete French All-in-One and Ultimate French books are more advanced, while used with a teacher they are surely better purchases than the Step-by-Step book.

That said, the Step-by-Step could be a good quick introduction to French for a pure beginner who doesn’t want to work with a teacher.

3) Grammaire en Dialogues – Niveau Grand Débutant

The third title on my list is: Grammaire en Dialogues – Niveau Grand Débutant by Odile Grand-Clément. I like this book because it does a great job matching pertinent, real-life dialogues to basic French grammar. Each dialogue is followed by brief explanations as well as exercises.

I feel that this is not a good self-study book and is best used with a teacher. This is because the explanations are very brief and are not in French.

While the book does come with a CD for listening to the dialogues, the speed of the speech tends to be quite fast.

I feel that a solid dialogue book very important for any online lesson. It allows the student to practice speaking and repeating after the teacher.

Actually, this title is published by CLE International , which is a leading publisher in books for helping students to prepare for the French DELF & DALF exams . These are the French government’s French competency exams.

CLE International has a very extensive line of French dialogue books. The books cover areas including verb conjugations, grammar and vocabulary.

Two other books which I recommend along with the previously mentioned dialogue books are: Grammaire en Dialogues A1-B2 and Communication Progressive du Français A2-B1 , both by Claire Miquel.

Claire Miquel is a leading writer for CLE International and her dialogue books are excellent. I suggest the A1-B2 dialogue book for a beginner student who might already have some French under their belt.

Of all the books I’ve used over the years, I’ve used Communication Progressive A2-B1 with the most students and it’s a great book to use after the initial Debut or A1-B2 Grammaire en Dialogues books.

4) Vocabulaire en Dialogues A1-A2

The next book on the list is: Vocabulaire en Dialogues by Évelyn Siréjols. This is another dialogue book published by CLE International.

I like the book because it lays out chapter-by-chapter a very useful resource for leaning the most essential and basic French vocabulary .

The chapters are broken down into categories such as food, clothing, sports, shopping, weather, etc. A beginners French course would not be complete without going over these lists of words.

Again, I feel that this book is best used with a teacher because the explanations are in French. It does provide lots of exercises and comes with an CD for audio.

5) Exercises in French Phonics

The last book on my list is called Exercises in French Phonics by Francis W. Nachtmann of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champlaign.

This is a thin 80-page, $8 book that’s truly a hidden gem! One of the single hardest aspects to learning French is mastering the pronunciation and reading rules.

Dr. Nachtmann meticulously breaks down all the French phonetic rules into concise chapters. Each chapter covers a single spelling pattern, such as confusing nasal sound, and provides a long list of the corresponding words along with exercises.

The book puts a heavy emphasis on the French phonetic symbols. While these may seem daunting at first, Dr. Nachmann’s book is so methodical, by the end you’ll be an expert in French pronunciation.

This book was first suggested to me by a student in 2020. While I was skeptical at first, I have since used it with many students who’d been struggling with French pronunciation.

All that that said, Exercises in French Phonics is NOT a self-study book and is best used with teacher. Furthermore, the book does not come with a CD.

Best textbook for learning and teaching French

If you look on Amazon, you’ll see that there are many textbooks for both learning and teaching French, such as Bon Voyage! and Bien Dit! Of all the books, I prefer the Discovering French series by Valette Valette.

Written by Jean-Paul Valette and Rebecca M. Valette and published by McDougal Littel, these were used by my high school French teacher and I continue to use them today.

There are three books in the series: Discovering French Bleu (beginners), Discovering French Blanc (intermediate) and Discovering French Rouge (advanced).

The Discovering French Bleu is very good for a pure beginner, especially for slower learners. The information is presented in a very gradual manner and the pace is not intense.

All lessons include a fun reading as well as useful exercises. The book has a good balance of both grammar and verb lessons as well as vocabulary lessons.

The intermediate and advanced books are not only excellent developing stronger skills in vocabulary and verbs, but offer excellent readings.

They offer both short magazine articles as well short stories. What’s specially great about the short stories is that they do a great job reviewing the previously learned grammar lessons.

The Discovering French textbooks have been a staple of mine in my online lessons since 2013 and that will not change anytime soon.

More Advanced French Dialogue Books

Over the years I’ve amassed an impressive collection of French dialogue book published by CLE International, the company that does preparation material for the French DELF & DALF exams .

Communication Progressive du Francais A2-B1

Of all the books for learning French in my collection, Communication Progressive Du Français A2-B1 by Claire Miquel is the one I’ve used most with students.

CPD A2-B1 is a dialogue book with each lesson focusing on a specific grammar area, such as the reflexive verbs or object pronouns. The book covers many aspects of daily life such making purchases, socializing and much more.

Each lesson contains one longer dialogue or two shorter dialogues. At the bottom of each lesson you’ll find a very brief section covering grammar, vocabulary and expressions used into the dialogues. The page following the dialogues contains exercises and drills.

Note that this book is definitely not for a pure beginner and the student should have at least a year under his or her belt. In addition, there is no English in the book so it’s best used with either a teacher or dictionary.

Communication En Dialogues A2-B1

Communication En Dialogues A2-B1 by Evelyne Sirejols is another one of my favorite intermediate dialogue books. While this dialogue book and the previous book are the same level (A2-B1), this book is slightly more advanced.

Each lesson contains a one-page dialogue. What’s great about the dialogues is that they do an excellent job reviewing intermediate-level grammar. In fact, this would be a very good book to use after going through the Complete French All-In-One book .

Below each dialogue you’ll find several true-and-false questions. The pages that follow contain lists of related phrases organized by formal and informal categories.

These sections of the book are extremely rich in useful daily vocabulary. They are written wonderfully and very well thought out. In fact, I’ve never seen any other book that’s this comprehensive in teaching phrase lists.

The book comes with a CD so you may listen to audio recordings of the dialogues.

Best Books For Practicing Reading French

Many of my students are constantly asking me for reading options. I find that practicing reading aloud is a wonderful way to master the pronunciation and rhythm of the French language. I recommend the following two books for reading practice.

Read & Think French (McGraw-Hill)

Read & Think French is by far my favorite resource for practicing reading French. The book is definitely aimed at mid-intermediate or higher students.

The book consists of more than 100 articles which help students to better understand live in France and in the French-speaking world. The articles were provided by the editors of Think French magazine.

The books sections include culture, travel, traditions, celebrations, biographies, customs, art, history, geography and cuisine.

The publisher does a wonderful job providing translations to vocabulary in the margin. In addition, the translations are perfectly done to fit into context of the text.

All of the stories are available in audio format on McGraw-Hill’s website, mhlanguagelab.com .

Easy French Reader (McGraw-Hill)

The Easy French Reader by R. De Roussy de Sales is a wonderful resource for upper-beginner students who are looking for a reading option.

The book is divided into three sections. The first section consists of dialogues between Marc and Julie, two fictional characters.

The second section offers articles on French historical figures (King and Queens). The final section offers samples of writing from France’s biggest authors including Emile Zola and Guy de Maupassant.

Similar to the previous book, McGraw-Hill offers audio recordings of all the text in the book on its website, mhlanguagelab.com . Students can listen and review the stories before an after lessons.

My main criticism of this book is that what some of the material is perfect for a beginner, a lot of the material is much too difficult.

In addition, the publisher could have done a better job providing translations of more vocabulary words in the margin.

Best book for learning French verbs

Generally, I am not a big fan of books solely focused on learning verbs. This is because they offer lists of hundreds (too many!) of verbs and this can cause the student to feel overwhelmed and want to give up.

Barron’s 501 French Verbs

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That said, I do suggest owning Barron’s 501 French Verbs by Christopher Kendris, Ph. D, and Theordore Kendris, Ph. D. Off all the French verb books, Barron’s is by far the most comprehensive.

The book does offer an “Essential 55 verb list”. These are the top-55 most commonly used French verbs . The advantage here is that the student can focus on the most useful verbs and not waste time on useless and rarely used verbs.

For each verb you can find the conjugations in all the major French verb tenses . In addition, for each verb the book provides several example sentences, related verbs (verb conjugated using the same patterns) as related words and expressions.

Best books for learning French slang and expressions

Learning a language and only learning formal grammar and standard vocabulary can be extremely boring. In reality, language is full of cultural idioms and slang words and expressions.

I’ve kept the following two books in my arsenal of French learning materials for many years.

Collins Easy Learning French Idioms

The Collins Easy Learning French Idioms is by far the most comprehensive book for French expressions and idioms on the market today.

The book teaches hundreds of idiomatic expressions covered in categories including love and romance, money, health, craziness, and much more.

Each page consists of one idiom with both a literal translation and real meaning translation. The expressions are followed by example sentences in French with English translations.

If you want to impress the French with your knowledge of idioms used in daily life, this is surely the book for you.

Dictionary of French Slang and Colloquial Expressions

The Dictionary of French Slang and Colloquial Expressions is an excellent resource for learning French slang. In addition to terms and expressions that are slightly informal, this book provides slang words that border on being outright vulgar and impolite.

The book is in alphabetical order with the words listed in French. Next to each French word you’ll find the English translation as well as one or two example sentences in French with an English translation.

I feel strongly that this book is best used for personal entertainment and learning and is not very useful for a class or classroom setting. Furthermore, its content is definitely targeted at an adult audience.

Best French phrase books for travel

If you’re planning a trip to France and just want to learn some useful phrase for the trip, it would be a good idea to get a French phrase book. I have the following two books in my collection and would recommend both of them.

Berlitz Phrase Book & Dictionary French

Believe it or not, I actually like Berlitz Phrase Book & Dictionary French better than the Lonely Planet phrase book (see below). This is simply because the Berlitz book offers much more extensive vocabulary lists.

Personally, I’d suggest the Berlitz book for somebody who already has some French under their belt. The sheer quantity words in the book could be a bit overwhelming for a pure beginner.

The book is broken down into all the usual sections you’d expect in a phrase book: Arrival at the airport, hotel check-in, restaurant, eating, shopping, sightseeing, etc.

Within the eating out section, for example, you can find very extensive vocabulary lists for every word you could ever need in a restaurant.

For example, in addition to phrases for ordering a meal, the book lists out specific kinds of meats, vegetables, etc.

The back of the book has a useful reference section (covering the numbers) as well as an English-to-French dictionary.

Lonely Planet French Phrasebook & Dictionary

As suggested, if you don’t have any French under your belt, the Lonely Planet French Phrasebook & Dictionary would probably be a very good option.

The key difference between the Berlitz phrase book is that it doesn’t offer the extensive vocabulary lists while still offering all the essentials.

The Lonely Planet phrase book is divided into all the usual sections you’d expect to find in a phrase books: Finding a hotel room and checking in, restaurant phrases for ordering a meal, phrases for socializing, etc.

One feature of the Lonely Planet phrase book which I find to be extremely useful is the Menu Decoder. In a nutshell, it’s a glossary of French food terms from French to English.

This is probably the most comprehensive and informative list of French food terms I’ve ever come across.

One last note – the overall layout and font of the Lonely Planet phrase book is a but more user-friendly than the Berlitz book. In the event of having to pull the book out to look something up quickly, the Lonely Planet phrase book might be your better option.

Best books for learning French vocabulary

One of secrets to language mastery is the constant accumulation of new vocabulary words . In the initial stages of learning it’s a good idea to have a book on hand to learning the categories of major words ( family members , colors , numbers , telling time , weather , clothing , sports , etc.).

Practice Make Perfect French Vocabulary

For my private lessons, I am a big fan of the publisher McGraw-Hill. For vocabulary, I suggest their book, Practice Make Perfect French Vocabulary by Eliane Kurbegov.

Please note that the French All-In-One book (mentioned at the very top of this post) has a vocabulary chapter covering almost all the material included in this vocabulary-specific book.

Sections of this book include categories of common nouns (people, animals and nature, shopping, leisure, etc.), common adjectives, verb and adverbs.

For each section you’ll find a vocabulary list as well as useful related verbs and phrases. The vocabulary lists are also followed by exercises including translations, finding the missing word and matching columns.

McGraw-Hill’s online resource page has a free to use flashcards page which corresponds with the chapters of this book.

The Vocabulary Builder Workbook

Another French vocabulary book worth mentioning is: The Vocabulary Builder Workbook: Simple Lessons and Activities to Teach Yourself Over 1,400 Must-Know by Chris Lele.

While I haven’t used this book for my private online lessons, I’m including it on this page as it has over 4,000 reviews on Amazon.

Lele’s book offers over 200 lessons on French vocabulary. The lessons or chapters are based on traditional word categories (animals, food, etc.).

In addition, Lele’s book offers many chapters covering group of words based on prefixes and word roots. I believe these chapters would be very fun and useful for upper-intermediate to advanced learners.

Books for learning French | Posts by David Issokson

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David Issokson

David Issokson is a lifelong language learner and speaks over seven languages. Of all the languages he speaks, he's the most passionate about French! David has helped hundreds of students to improve their French in his private lessons. When not teaching or writing his French Word of the Day lessons, David enjoys his time skiing, hiking and mountain biking in Victor, Idaho.

See all posts by David Issokson

Discover French vocabulary related to books and reading in French! You will learn essential terms, common expressions, and key phrases that will help you talk about books and reading in French fluently and naturally.  

This video will answer the following questions:

"How to talk about books in French?"

"What vocabulary to use when discussing reading in France?"

"Learning French: vocabulary for literature?"

"French expressions about reading?"

"French course on the theme of literature?"

"How to discuss classic literature in French?"

"Key phrases to talk about books in French?"

"French vocabulary for expatriates on books and reading?"

"Tips to improve your French in the context of reading?"

Vocabulary of reading and books in French :  

Un lecteur ( œ̃ lɛktœʁ ), une lectrice ( yn lɛktʁis ) = a person who reads books or other texts for pleasure or for learning (=a reader) Example in a sentence : "Les lecteurs assidus peuvent parcourir plusieurs livres par semaine."

Un roman (œ̃ ʁɔmɑ̃) = a long, fictional literary form, characterized by a developed narrative story around characters, events, and conflicts. (= a novel) Example in a sentence : "J'ai lu une centaine de pages de ce roman hier soir."

Dévorer un livre ( devɔʁe œ̃ livʁ ) = to read a book quickly and eagerly (=to devour a book) Example in a sentence : "Elle adore dévorer les romans policiers en une nuit."

Feuilleter un livre ( fœj(ə)te œ̃ livʁ ) = to quickly go through the pages of a book without reading it in detail (=to skim through a book) Example in a sentence : "Je feuillète souvent les magazines avant de les acheter."

Une bibliothèque ( yn biblɪɔtɛk ) = a place where you can borrow books, I take a book, I read it, then I return it to the library (=a library) Example in a sentence : "La bibliothèque municipale offre une large sélection de livres."

Une librairie ( yn libʁəʁi ) = a place where you can buy books (=a bookstore) Example in a sentence : "La librairie de ce quartier vend des livres dans toutes les langues du monde."

Un best-seller ( œ̃ bɛst sɛlœʁ ) = a book that has sold in large numbers (=a bestseller) Example in a sentence : "Ce roman est un best-seller dans de nombreux pays."

Une critique littéraire ( yn kʁitik litɛʁɛʁ ) = an evaluation or analysis of a book by a critic (=a literary review) Example in a sentence : "J'ai lu une critique littéraire élogieuse sur ce roman."

Une saga ( yn saɡa ) = a series of books that follow the same story or characters (=a saga) Example in a sentence : "La saga Harry Potter compte sept tomes."

Un classique ( œ̃ klasik ) = a book recognized for its quality and often studied in schools or universities (=a classic) Example in a sentence : "Les romans de Victor Hugo sont considérés comme des classiques de la littérature française."

Un livre numérique ( œ̃ livʁ ny.meʁik ) = a book in electronic form, often downloaded and read on an electronic device (=an e-book) Example in a sentence : "J'ai téléchargé un livre numérique pour le lire pendant mon voyage."

Une page ( yn paʒ ) = each of the printed sheets in a book, or each side of these sheets (=a page) Example in a sentence : "J'ai lu une centaine de pages de ce livre hier soir."

Un marque-page ( œ̃ maʁk paʒ ) = a small object used to mark the page where one stopped in a book (=a bookmark) Example in a sentence : "Je perds toujours mes marque-pages, donc j'utilise souvent des bouts de papier."

Un chapitre ( œ̃ ʃapitʁ ) = a division of a book, usually numbered, representing a part of the story or a particular aspect of the subject (=a chapter) Example in a sentence : "J'ai lu trois chapitres de ce roman hier soir."

Un livre de poche ( œ̃ liv də pɔʃ ) = a small, reduced-price book, usually paperback, designed for easy reading (=a paperback book) Example in a sentence : "Je préfère acheter des livres de poche pour les emporter en voyage."

Une dédicace ( yn dedikas ) = a personal message written by the author in a book, often signed for a specific reader (=a dedication) Example in a sentence : "J'ai acheté ce livre avec une dédicace spéciale de l'auteur."

Une intrigue ( yn ɛ̃tʁiɡ ) = a series of events or situations that form the main subject of a book (=a plot) Example in a sentence : "L'intrigue de ce roman policier est très captivante."

Une étagère ( yn e.taʒɛʁ ) = furniture on which books are stored (=a bookshelf) Example in a sentence : "J'ai besoin d'une nouvelle étagère pour ranger tous mes livres."

Une biographie ( yn bjoɡʁafi ) = a narrative of a person's life written by another (=a biography) Example in a sentence : "J'ai lu la biographie de Nelson Mandela, c'était très inspirant."

Une citation ( yn sitasjɔ̃ ) = a passage or phrase taken from a book and quoted in another context (=a quotation) Example in a sentence : "J'ai trouvé une belle citation dans ce roman, je vais la mettre sur mon mur."

Un livre de chevet ( œ̃ livʁ də ʃəvɛ ) = a book that one keeps near their bed and likes to reread regularly (=a bedside book) Example in a sentence : "Mon livre de chevet est un recueil de poésie que je lis chaque soir avant de m'endormir."

La quatrième de couverture ( la katʁjɛm də kuvɛʁtyʁ ) = the back part of a book, usually located after the main text, which contains a summary of the book, reviews, or information about the author (=the back cover) Example in a sentence : "Avant d'acheter un livre, je lis toujours la quatrième de couverture pour avoir un aperçu de l'histoire."

Un conte ( œ̃ kɔ̃t ) = a short narrative, usually fictional, featuring characters, events, and imaginary situations (=a tale) Example in a sentence : "Les contes de fées sont souvent peuplés de princesses, de sorcières et de personnages magiques."

Conversation in French about books:  

Marianne : J'ai remarqué que tu es toujours plongée dans un livre ces jours-ci. Tu es vraiment passionnée de lecture, non ? (I've noticed you're always engrossed in a book these days. You're really passionate about reading, aren't you?)  

Manon : Salut Marianne ! Oui, je suis une grande lectrice. J'ai toujours le nez dans un livre et parfois je peux dévorer un roman en quelques jours. (Hi Marianne! Yes, I am an avid reader. I'm always with my nose in a book and sometimes I can devour a novel in just a few days.)  

Marianne : Est-ce que tu as un livre que tu préfères en ce moment ? (Do you have a favorite book right now?)  

Manon : Absolument, j'ai un livre de chevet que je garde près de mon lit. C'est un recueil de contes philosophiques que je lis avant de m'endormir. Cela m'apaise beaucoup. (Absolutely, I have a bedside book that I keep near my bed. It's a collection of philosophical tales that I read before going to sleep. It soothes me a lot.)  

Marianne : Oh, c'est vraiment chouette ! Quel genre de livres aimes-tu lire habituellement ? (Oh, that's really cool! What kind of books do you usually like to read?)  

Manon : J'aime varier mes lectures, mais j'ai une préférence pour les romans. Récemment, j'ai découvert un best-seller qui m'a totalement captivée. (I like to vary my reading, but I have a preference for novels. Recently, I discovered a bestseller that completely captivated me.)  

Marianne : Ah oui ? De quoi ça parlait ? (Oh really? What was it about?)  

Manon : C'était un thriller palpitant, avec une intrigue vraiment bien ficelée. J'ai été tenue en haleine jusqu'à la dernière page. (It was a thrilling thriller with a really well-crafted plot. I was kept on the edge of my seat until the last page.)  

Marianne : Ça a l'air passionnant ! Où trouves-tu habituellement tes livres ? (That sounds exciting! Where do you usually find your books?)  

Manon : Je les trouve principalement à la bibliothèque ou parfois je vais en acheter à la librairie. (I mostly find them at the library or sometimes I go to buy them at the bookstore.)  

Marianne : As-tu déjà lu des classiques de la littérature ? (Have you ever read any classics of literature?)  

Manon : Bien sûr, j'aime explorer les classiques de temps en temps. Récemment, j'ai relu "Le Petit Prince" d'Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. (Of course, I like to explore the classics from time to time. Recently, I reread "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.)  

Marianne : C'est un merveilleux choix ! Tu lis aussi des livres numériques ? (That's a wonderful choice! Do you also read e-books?)  

Manon : Parfois, surtout quand je voyage. Les livres numériques et les livres audio aussi sont très pratiques à emporter, mais rien ne vaut le toucher d'un livre papier. (Sometimes, especially when I travel. E-books and audiobooks are also very practical to take along, but nothing beats the feel of a paper book.)  

Marianne : Comment organises-tu ta collection de livres chez toi ? Ça doit prendre de la place ! (How do you organize your book collection at home? It must take up space!)  

Manon : J'ai quelques étagères remplies de livres, mais j'avoue qu'il commence à me manquer de la place. Je pense investir dans une nouvelle étagère bientôt. (I have a few bookshelves filled with books, but I must admit that I'm starting to run out of space. I plan to invest in a new bookshelf soon.)  

Marianne : C'est formidable d'avoir une aussi belle collection ! As-tu déjà reçu une dédicace dans un livre ? (It's great to have such a nice collection! Have you ever received a dedication in a book?)  

Manon : Oui, j'ai un livre dédicacé par l'auteur. C'était un cadeau spécial que j'ai chéri depuis. (Yes, I have a book signed by the author. It was a special gift that I have cherished since.)  

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[English > French] Writing a Book Review in French

I just recently finished reading La Peste by Albert Camus and want to write a review of it in French. I can read and understand almost anything in French, but I'm not as confident in my writing skills since I only really learned how to write in French in high school. I have a draft for the review in French that I wrote, but I feel that I use many words that native speakers don't use. I'll paste my draft below. Could someone help me make corrections to it, please?

L'histoire se déroule dans la ville fictive d'Oran, en Algérie, alors que la ville est soudainement ravagée par une peste dévastatrice. Camus utilise cette toile de fond pour explorer les réactions et les comportements humains face à la menace imminente de la mort. Les personnages, divers par leurs origines et leurs professions, sont des représentations poignantes de l'étendue de l'expérience humaine face à l'irrationalité du destin.

L'écriture de Camus se caractérise par sa retenue, sa précision et son caractère poignant. Chaque mot semble soigneusement choisi, contribuant à une atmosphère de tension et de désespoir croissants. Camus utilise une prose puissante pour dépeindre les luttes quotidiennes des habitants d'Oran contre la maladie, ainsi que les profondes questions philosophiques qui émergent au cours de cette épreuve existentielle.

Au cœur de La Peste se trouve le concept de l'absurde, thème central de la philosophie de Camus. La peste symbolise l'absurdité de la condition humaine, obligeant les personnages à se confronter à l'inexplicable et à l'injustice de la vie. Pourtant, même dans l'ombre d'une mort imminente, les habitants d'Oran trouvent des moyens de résister, de se soutenir les uns les autres et de trouver un sens à leur existence éphémère.

L'un des éléments les plus intéressants de ce roman est sa capacité à être à la fois universel et intemporel. tout en s'inscrivant dans un contexte spécifique, La Peste aborde des questions existentielles qui restent pertinentes pour chaque génération. La contemplation par Camus de la nature humaine, de la responsabilité individuelle et de la quête de sens résonne au-delà de son cadre historique.

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12 Best French Books for Beginners

If you’re just starting out learning French, reading a whole book might feel overwhelming.

Fortunately, there are many great French books for beginners that can ease you into reading. 

This post covers 12 beginner French books that can help you become more familiar with the language and introduce you to new topics. 

1. “Le Petit Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry 

2. “les aventures de tintin” by hergé, 3. “contes du jour et de la nuit” by guy de maupassant.

• 4. “Contes de ma mère l’Oye” by Charles Perrault

5. “Le scaphandre et le papillon” by Jean-Dominique Bauby

• 6.  “Le Petit Nicolas” by René Goscinny
• 7. “Calligrammes” by Apollinaire

8. “Am I small? Je suis petite, moi ?” by Philipp Winterberg

• 9. “Contes de la Bécasse” by Guy de Maupassant

10. “Short Stories in French for Beginners” by Olly Richards and Richard Simcott

• 11. “French Short Stories” by Dylane Moreau
• 12. The “Astérix” Series by Rene Goscinny 

Reading Tips for Beginners

Benefits of reading french books for beginners , faq about french books for beginners , what is the best book to start learning french, what is an easy first french book, what is the best french grammar book for beginners, can you learn french by reading books.

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

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“Le Petit Prince” (The Little Prince) is a timeless French novella that delves into the imaginative journey of a young prince from a tiny asteroid.

As he encounters various characters, including a wise fox and a rose, profound lessons about life, love and human nature unfold.

The book is one of the best-selling books in history and is adored by both children and adults. It’s been published in over 500 different languages and dialects!

Check availability on Amazon

“Les aventures de Tintin” (The Adventures of Tintin) is a wildly popular 20th-century comic about a Belgian reporter and his pet dog, Snowy.

With writing that overlaps a variety of genres , it can be enjoyed by French readers of all ages.

I recommend starting with “Tintin en Amérique.” In this comic, Tintin and Snowy are covering a story on organized crime in Chicago involving Al Capone and other gangsters.

Read for free

Guy de Maupassant is one of the world’s best writers of short stories.

“Contes du jour et de la nuit” (Tales of Day and Night) includes Maupassant’s most famous short story: “La parure” (The Necklace).

Each story has its own plot and set of characters, and they’re particularly enjoyable if you like plot twists .

4. “Contes de ma mère l’Oye”  by Charles Perrault

Charles Perrault is a French author who’s credited with laying the foundations for the fairy tale genre.

“Contes de ma mère l’Oye” (Tales of Mother Goose) is a collection of his French fairy tales and includes stories you’re sure to be familiar with.

You’ll find “La belle au bois dormant” (The Sleeping Beauty in the Wood), “ Le petit chaperon rouge” (Little Red Riding Hood), “Le Maistre Chat, ou le Chat Botté” (The Master Cat, or Puss in Boots) and other classics.

Jean-Dominique Bauby wrote “Le scaphandre et le papillon” (The Diving Bell and the Butterfly) after suffering a major stroke and developing locked-in syndrome.

Nearly his entire body was paralyzed, but he was able to dictate his work to his transcriber by blinking his left eye.

Bauby’s memoir describes his life before and after his stroke , when he served as editor-in-chief of the French Elle  magazine.

6.  “ Le Petit Nicolas ”   by René Goscinny

“ Le Petit Nicolas” (Little Nicholas) is an idealized and nostalgic memorial of what it was like to be a kid growing up in France in the 1950s.

Although some aspects may be a bit outdated (it was published in 1959), the story of growing up is sure to be relatable for everyone.

Nicolas and his many friends have numerous adventures that build storylines constructed for children, making them easy to follow.

7.  “ Calligrammes”   by Apollinaire

For foreign learners of French, Apollinaire’s poems offer hints of meaning in their very structure.

His book is notable for its use of typeface and space on the page to evoke each poem’s meaning; the poem itself takes the shape of its subject.

These somewhat complex poems are among the earliest French surrealist works—in fact, Apollinaire is credited with coining the term—so they’re worth the effort it takes to understand them.

French learning resources developed for children can be engaging for adults, too! I love this imaginative picture book written for bilingual reading .

The story follows a young girl on a journey who asks various animals whether she’s small.

With 26 pages of colorful, vivid art, it’s also a helpful resource for learning size, shape and color adjectives as well as some fun animal vocabulary .

9.  “ Contes de la Bécasse”   by Guy de Maupassant

Maupassant became famous near the end of the 19th century as a realist novelist with a style bordering on naturalism.

His “ Contes de la Bécasse” (Tales of the Woodcock) is a collection of stories whose realism and short length make for an easy read.

In the first, the baron of Ravots organizes a dinner and asks each guest to tell the group a story.

This helpful resource offers a five-step plan  that teaches readers the best way to effectively practice reading in French.

The short stories are full of natural dialogue and realistic vocabulary to help you improve your conversational French.

They cover a variety of genres, including science fiction, history and crime, so you can see how the language is actually spoken in all sorts of situations.

11. “ French Short Stories” by Dylane Moreau

This book includes 30 short stories in French written by a French teacher for beginner and intermediate French learners. 

The stories are clear, concise and easy to read, touching on a variety of everyday topics such as travel, family and friendships.

Each story comes with an English version, a French-English glossary of key vocabulary and comprehension questions and answers. There’s also an audio recording of all the stories available for free.

12. The “ Astérix” Series by  Rene Goscinny 

First published in 1959, “Astérix Le Gaulois” remains a cultural icon in French literature.

The comic book series follows the adventures of a small Gaulish warrior, Astérix, and his companion Obélix as they resist Roman occupation with the help of a magic potion. 

The series is full of action, humor and cultural references and includes 40 different comic books .

Here are some ways you can make the most of your reading time without getting overwhelmed as a beginner French learner: 

• You don’t need to know every single word. Read a section and try to understand what’s happening based on the context. Afterward, you can look up the meaning of any words you think are important to know. It’s better not to miss the big picture by focusing on the small details!
• Read the French translation of your favorite English book. You already know what happens, so reading it in French will allow you to focus more on the language use.
• Note key words or phrases you don’t know and look up their meaning. This will help you learn lots of new vocabulary. You can also turn these phrases into study points or flashcards to review later.
• Say the words out loud as you read. This will help with speaking and pronunciation practice as well as comprehension—how’s that for efficiency?
• Start a book club with other French learners. It can be both fun and educational getting together with other French learners to talk about books you’re reading. You can discuss the plot, grammar points, vocabulary, and things you’re enjoying (or struggling with).

Remember, there’s more than one way to learn! Watch this quick breakdown of some helpful self-teaching methods to further improve your understanding of French with everything you read. 

Already read every French book that’s caught your eye? Don’t worry—there’s still a whole world of subtitled videos to explore.

There are many great reasons why I recommend picking up a simple book in French as part of your language learning. Here are a handful of them: 

• See many popular phrases used in context. Understanding native idioms can be a challenge. Books present them in context so you see the meaning and are often packed with  useful daily phrases and expressions.
• Discover information about French culture. Taking influence from all walks of life, French books can illuminate what it’s meant to be French over the years. You can live alongside royalty, or hang out with servicemen—the French world is your oyster!
• Get to grips with formal, traditional French. Some French books contain examples of how to write in French and how to utilize more formal language and certain kinds of addresses that, while no longer common in conversation, are still used in written documents or bureaucracy.
• Pick up a great conversation starter. Many French people love indulging in a novel or reminiscing about their favorite children’s books . Talking about these books is a great way to begin a conversation in French and to get to know native speakers.
• Expand your vocabulary. Reading is one of the best ways to increase your vocabulary and make you sound much more eloquent when you write and talk. Plus, since you’re seeing these new words in context, it’ll be easier for you to use them in actual French conversation.

This depends on your personal preferences! It’ll be helpful to get a good French textbook , and then t o supplement your studying, try a children’s book like one from the series “Le Petit Nicolas.”

Or dive into some short stories like you’ll find in  “Arsène Lupin, gentleman cambrioleur”  by Maurice Leblanc.

​​Try one of the books from this post, such as “Short Stories in French for Beginners” by Olly Richards and Richard Simcott.  Or pick up a comic like “Tintin en Amérique” and use the imagery to put the story together if you get stuck on the text. 

I recommend “Easy French Step-by-Step” to get a strong foundation in grammar and vocabulary with plenty of practice exercises. “Allez, viens! French 1” is another good option to help build your proficiency, with lots of coverage on colloquial language and interesting topics.

If you want something a bit more visual, try “Entre Amis” or “Contacts: Langue et culture françaises.”

Reading books is an effective method for learning French. It exposes you to vocabulary, grammar structures and cultural nuances. It also enhances comprehension, builds language patterns and reinforces contextual usage.

However, if you really want to improve your fluency in French , I recommend a holistic approach combining reading with speaking, listening and writing for a well-rounded language learning experience.

As you familiarize yourself with French books and authors, you’ll add to your cultural knowledge, which will enhance your relationship with the language.

You’ll also have fun and give yourself immediate motivation to continue learning French.

With so many exciting French books for beginners waiting for you, the only difficult decision will be choosing which one to read first!

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The 10 classic French books to read to improve your French

Home » News » The 10 classic French books to read to improve your French

La gloire de mon père (My Father’s Glory) (Marcel Pagnol)

“ La Gloire de mon Père ” by Marcel Pagnol is an ideal book for people who want to learn French, especially international students. This autobiographical story captures rural Provence using prose that is as beautiful as it is accessible; “ My Father’s glory ” offers an immersion in Provençal culture, while helping to improve linguistic skills thanks to its clear and evocative narrative style.

Le Père Goriot (Father Goriot) (Honoré de Balzac)

“ Le Père Goriot ” by Honoré de Balzac is a classic novel of French literature which also offers a valuable opportunity to learn the language and discover French culture. This major work is distinguished by its rich and elaborate language, ideal for improving vocabulary and understanding in French. The book explores the intricacies of 19th century Parisian society, allowing readers to dive into French culture and history while following a gripping story.

Les Miserables (Victor Hugo)

“ Les Misérables ” by Victor Hugo is a masterpiece of French literature which has been the subject of numerous cinematographic adaptations, including in the United States. The novel features a rich variety of language styles, from popular to formal, which allows readers to explore various levels of French language . The story itself offers an in-depth exploration of French society and history, while touching on universal themes such as justice, redemption and love. Reading Les Misérables is an enriching way to improve your French language skills while discovering the depth of French literature and culture.

L’Etranger (The Stranger by Albert Camus)

L’Etranger (“ The Stranger” ) by Albert Camus is another classic novel of French literature that promotes learning while exploring French culture. Camus’ simple and direct writing style allows learners to immerse themselves in the contemporary French language while exploring the philosophical and existential themes that characterize the Camus work.

Germinal (Emile Zola)

“ Germinal ” by Émile Zola is a powerful novel that allows you to learn french while delving into the culture and history of the country. The work explores the social condition of miners in the North of France during the 19th century, providing a captivating and moving insight into the life of the working class at that time. Zola’ s detailed descriptions and lively language enrich the understanding of the language while provoking reflection on the struggles and social issues that have marked the history of France ever since.

The Cid (Pierre Corneille)

“ Le Cid ” by Pierre Corneille is a must-have in classic French literature. Its Alexandrine-based literary style and poetic dialogues provide an excellent resource for students, allowing them to discover 17th century French and the general subtlety of the language. The work itself explores universal themes such as honor, love and duty, while providing deep insight into French culture and values of the time. It is an enriching way to improve your language skills while discovering the cultural and literary roots of France. Note that “Le Cid” was inspired by the Spanish chivalrous novel “ Les Enfances du Cid ” written by Guillén de Castro.

Madame Bovary (Gustave Flaubert)

“ Madame Bovary ” by Gustave Flaubert is a remarkable novel which allows you to learn French language while exploring a literary movement tinged with realism and romanticism. Realism is manifested through the careful portrayal of provincial life in France, while romanticism shines through the passions and dreams of Emma Bovary , the main character of the book. This book caused considerable controversy due to its unflattering portrait of society, the pervasiveness of the theme of adultery, and its implicit criticism of the morals that prevailed back then. It is a must-read for those who wish to understand French literature and its impact on 19th century society.

Les fleurs du mal (Charles Baudelaire)

“ Les Fleurs du Mal ” by Charles Baudelaire is an emblematic poetic work and a literary classic. Its lyrical poetry, rich imagery, and evocative language make it a valuable resource for those wishing to learn French . The collection explores human emotions, beauty, melancholy and decadentism, providing another profound insight into 19th century French culture and aesthetics. Les Fleurs du Mal offers an often inspiring way to improve understanding of the language while discovering the richness of French poetry.

Le conte de Monte Cristo (The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas)

“ The Count of Monte Cristo ” by Alexandre Dumas is an essential adventure novel that offers a thrilling immersion into French language and culture . The complex and captivating story, with its twists and turns and memorable characters, is told in a French language accessible to learners. As they reach into this epic tale of vengeance and redemption, readers can also explore the social, political, and moral themes of 19th century France.                                                                                                                      It is a stimulating way to improve understanding of the language while discovering the fascinating cultural and historical aspects of France at that time.

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Online registration for this session is no longer available on this website.

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The 22 Best French Books to Read in 2024

September 27, 2021

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You’ve probably read short stories and children’s books while learning French .

Now, you feel ready to take the next step, reading a French book for adults. But where to start?

Here’s a list of some classic French books, as well as some popular, more recent ones, to inspire you!

A few quick notes on the book choices

If this article were a complete list of EVERY French book worth reading, it would be as long as a novel itself. Striving for the most variety possible for a relatively short list, I’ve chosen these books based on criteria like their cultural impact, entertainment value, and being relatively easy to read.  

That said, reading a book in French will probably still be challenging, especially if you haven’t had much practice. So be sure to have a French dictionary or dictionary app  at the ready – and don’t get discouraged! Instead, enjoy the awesome combination of learning and entertainment that is reading in French. And if it turns out that you are not ready to read in French just yet, that’s ok too, take it slow, practice everyday French and come back to this post when you are ready to pick a book.

With a few exceptions, all of these writers are French-born, not from the greater Francophone world. We’ll publish another article dedicated to writers from other Francophone countries and cultures soon.

Where to buy French books online?

There are lots of retailers to choose from if you want to buy French books online, including:

• Bookshop (US, UK) – My favorite option
• Barnes & Noble (US)
• Waterstones (UK)

If you find reading French books difficult, consider getting an e-reader with integrated dictionary such as the Amazon Kindle.

Classic French books

There are many classics of French literature, and many of these are internationally known. Here, in no particular order, are some that should be relatively easy to read as well as extremely entertaining:

Le Comte de Monte-Cristo ( The Count of Monte Cristo ) by Alexandre Dumas

When Edmond Dantès is framed by jealous rivals, he could just rot away in prison. Instead, he ends up on an adventure that will lead to revenge and redemption.  

You can read it for free but there is also a print version available if you prefer physical books.

Au bonheur des dames ( The Ladies’ Delight  or The Ladies’ Paradise ) by Émile Zola 

I think Zola is one of the greatest writers to ever live. He can describe anything so vividly that you can see, feel, and taste it, but his language rarely gets too complicated and his descriptions aren’t pages long, which also makes him an easy read for non-native speakers. Zola’s long series of books, Les Rougon-Macquart, follows two branches of a family through various experiences over the course of the Second Empire (1852-1870). You don’t have to read them in order, since most of the books work as stand-alone works.

Though his descriptions are vivid and often beautiful, Zola’s stories can often be harsh. Au bonheur des dames  is a good place to start because it’s on the lighter side. It tells the story of Denise Baudu, a woman from the country who comes to work at Au bonheur des dames, one of Paris’s first department stores. Along with readers, she discovers the complex workings of the store, sees how this new type of shopping affects small businesses and the families who ran them, and finds friends and maybe love.  

Read Au bonheur des dames for free

La gloire de mon p è re  ( My Father’s Glory )   by Marcel Pagnol

Marcel Pagnol is THE iconic writer from the South of France. Many of his books are classics, but La gloire de mon père is especially beloved. This autobiographical novel tells the story of Pagnol’s early years and adventures in and around Marseille.

Le Petit Prince  ( The Little Prince ) by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

The story of a lost explorer and a prince from another planet may be a good classic French book to start with, as it’s full of illustrations and easy-to-understand phrases. That doesn’t make the story any less profound, however. There’s a reason Le Petit Prince  is one of the most popular French classics in countries around the world!  

Notre-Dame de Paris ( The Hunchback of Notre Dame ) by Victor Hugo

Written in 1831, Notre-Dame de Paris  tells the story of hunchback Quasimodo, oppressed and oppressive priest Frollo, and free-spirited and seductive Esmeralda, among many other fascinating characters. Set in a vision of medieval Paris, part of the book’s goal was to make people appreciate the cathedral of Notre-Dame itself, at a time when Gothic art wasn’t considered of particular value and the church was falling to ruin. Shortly after, it would be restored and beloved again.

While it’s been a well-known classic in France for centuries, after the devastating 2019 Notre-Dame fire, this book appeared on the national bestseller list again, showing just how much Hugo’s wish had come true: we love Notre-Dame so much today that we want to memorialize and celebrate it.

Read Notre-Dame de Paris for free

Les Contes des f é es  ( Fairy Tales ) by Madame d’Aulnoy

In 17 th  century France, a trend began of writing down or inventing fairy tales. Many women writers participated, often using the stories to question or subvert social rules of the time. Madame d’Aulnoy, who’s credited with coining the term “fairy tale” ( un conte de fées  in French) is among the most popular of these authors.

Her many interesting and imaginative tales include the original “Beauty and the Beast”, a novella that involves the story we know today as well as things like fairy plots, marriage contestation, and so on. Despite their age, d’Aulnoy’s stories are relatively easy to understand and read – not to mention fun and full of imagination.

Read Les Contes des fées for free

La peste ( The Plague ) by Albert Camus

The story of a mysterious, deadly (fictional) plague that comes to the city of Oran in Algeria, this book is seen as an allegory of Nazism. It’s an important work that’s worth a read.

Les malheurs de Sophie  ( Sophie’s Misfortunes ) by la Comtesse de Ségur

This famous middle grade novel is somewhat comparable to Little Women  in terms of its influence in France, although, to me at least, it’s  nowhere near as nuanced. It tells the story of Sophie, a wealthy girl growing up in Second Empire (1852-1870) France, who often misbehaves.

It’s a relatively easy read and definitely has a certain charm, although it’s more of a morality tale than a portrait of a young woman.

Read Les malheurs de Sophie for free

Madame Bovary  by Gustave Flaubert

Gorgeous writing meets a devastating psychological portrait, as we follow Emma Bovary through a dull marriage and its consequences. Even if you’re not into this kind of drama, it’s a book still very much worth reading for Flaubert’s skill at characterization and his beautiful prose.

Read Madame Bovary for free  

The Jules Maigret series by Georges Simenon

It’s hard to choose just one of these classic detective novels. Published between 1931 and 1972, Inspector Maigret’s investigations are compelling and easy to read, and are classics of French crime literature.

This helpful Wikipedia page includes a full list of the Maigret series , including 75 novels and 28 short stories. Choose the one(s) you want to read and ask for it/them at your library, local bookstore, or search for it/them at your preferred online bookseller.

L’ é cume des jours  ( Froth on the Daydream or Mood Indigo ) by Boris Vian

This is the strangest and possibly most challenging book on our list, simply because of that strangeness. Bizarre descriptions and unexpected turns abound. But it’s an amazing reading experience, one of my favorite classic French books, not to mention a favorite of many of my French friends.

The story of young lovers Chuck and Chloe and their merry entourage, it begins as a joyful tale and ends up a surprisingly profound meditation on illness and loss. All with a Surrealist-infused bent that means you’ll constantly be surprised by descriptions of the world the characters live in, where whimsical inventions, talking mice, and a dangerous water lily are a part of everyday life. Ask for it at your library, local bookstore, or search for it at your preferred online bookseller.

Popular French books

On lists of countries that love to read , France regularly places in in the top ten. In addition to the classics in the previous section, the French have eclectic reading interests, poring over books translated from languages around the world as well as works written by French authors.

Here are some popular contemporary French books you might enjoy. Ask for them at your library, local bookstore, or search for them at your preferred online bookseller.

Central Park  by Guillaume Musso  

Musso is currently the top-selling French writer in France today. His books are thrillers, sometimes with a supernatural element. Many feature children in sort of sad ways; for instance, his first novel, Et après… , follows a child who was clinically dead and came back to life, as he learns more about this experience as an adult, with the help of a mysterious doctor.

The book I’ve chosen for our list, Central Park , is about a man and a woman who wake up handcuffed together on a bench in Central Park…despite the fact that both are from different countries in Europe and neither one knows how they got there.

Et si c’ é tait vrai…  by Marc Levy  

A woman in a coma “haunts” the man now living in her home. Sound familiar? That’s because this novel was adapted into the movie “Just Like Heaven”, starring Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo. Levy’s books are often romantic and lighthearted, though they may touch on heavy themes. His style is also generally very easy to read.

Ensemble, c’est tout by Anna Gavalda

This book is about a group of misfits who come together under particular circumstances to live in an apartment, and the connections they make with each other. There’s friendship, romance, and overcoming difficult pasts. Like many of Gavalda’s books, this one is tinged with sadness but also filled with hope and love.

Le premier jour du reste de ma vie  by Virginie Grimaldi

One of the most upbeat mainstream writers in France, Grimaldi is known for writing in the “chick-lit” genre. This particular book tells the story of Marie, who leaves behind her unhappy life and takes a cruise around the world, bonding with two other women and having adventures along the way.

L’égoïste romantique   by Frédéric Beigbeder

An infamous partier and bon vivant (he was notoriously arrested in 2008 for snorting cocaine off a car hood in the middle of Paris), Beigbeder might be seen as a bit controversial for many people, including fellow feminists. But he is an AMAZING writer, funny and touching, profound and hilarious.

L’égoïste romantique  is the first book I read by Beigbeder, and I felt as though I were reading a modern-day, Francophone Oscar Wilde. So much wit and wisdom. To show his range, another of Beigbeder’s books, Windows on the World , is a much more sober story about a family in the eponymous restaurant on top of the North Tower of the Twin Towers, and the author eating a meal at the same time at a restaurant on top of Paris’s Tour Montparnasse, on 9/11.

Stupeur et tremblements  by Amélie Nothomb

Most of the other writers on this list are native French citizens, but Nothomb hails from Belgium and spent the first years of her life in Japan, where her father was the Belgian Ambassador. Still, she’s such an iconic and prolific part of the contemporary French literary scene that it would be strange not to include her on this list. Plus, her books are short, strange, and easy to read.

In Stupeur et tremblements , possibly her most famous book, Nothomb (or a fictionalized version of her) returns to Japan as an adult, to work at a company there. She quickly experiences everything from culture shock to a sort of obsession with a coworker. It’s weird, yet relatable and, funny, yet sad, as the best of Nothomb’s writing is.

Dans les for ê ts de Siberie by Sylvain Tesson

Travel writer Tesson does his version of Thoreau, by deciding to live alone in a cabin…but in his case, it’s in Siberia, on Lake Baikal. Unlike Walden , Tesson’s book describes encounters with locals in addition to nature and his own thoughts. It’s a fascinating book that’s extremely engaging and will make you feel the cold of Siberia, wherever you’re reading it.

Kiffe Kiffe demain  by Faïza Guène 

This is one of my all-time favorite French books, for what it’s worth. We follow Doria, a French teenager of North African descent living in a banlieue   (housing project) near Paris. Told with humor, even when touching on sad subjects like abandonment, struggling in school, and poverty, this book is a delight and a true masterpiece of characterization. No wonder it’s won awards and been translated into several different languages.

If you’re looking for insight into life in the French banlieues – especially what it’s like to grow up there – this is a great place to start. But even if that’s not your main interest, I would still recommend this book for its skillful and engaging writing.

Les fiancés de l’hiver  by Christelle Dabos  

This fantasy book is the first in the four-part Passe-Miroir  (Mirror Visitor) series, which has become an international sensation. Fun world-building, humor, suspense, and romance abound.

In this first volume, the world is divided into many small islands, called arks. Ophélie lives on a peaceful ark where she works at a museum, using her gift of touching objects to understand their past. When she’s placed in an arranged marriage to the mysterious Thorn, she must travel to his ark, a brutal world of hunters and courtiers – think Versailles meets Vikings. Will she survive and unravel the many mysteries that surround her?  This book is long, but despite its length, it’s a pretty easy read in French.

La m é canique du cœur  by Mathias Malzieu

This novel by Malzieu, who’s also the frontman of the French rock band Dionysos, is a fantasy story about love, featuring Jack, a young man with a cuckoo clock heart. What happens when he falls in love? As you might know if you’ve seen the book’s movie adaptation or even its artwork, this story gives off major Tim Burton/Goth vibes. It’s a quick, fun, and moving read.

Les Escaliers de Montmartre by Michel Peyramaure

Peyramaure isn’t as popular as the other authors on this list, but I really wanted to add him because his historical fiction novels about France are compelling and relatively easy reads. My personal favorite is Les Escaliers de Montmartre , which covers the early life of Suzanne Valadon, artist, muse, and mother of the painter Utrillo. Surrounded by legendary Parisian artists of the Belle-Époque, her life and times were stunning, sensuous, and sorrowful.

French nonfiction books

It’s hard to make a list of any kind of French books, since there will always be something you end up leaving out, for one reason or another. A list of French nonfiction books would be even harder, since there are books out there on just about any topic under the sun, and not everyone has the same interests.

So I won’t include any French nonfiction books here. But I do advise you to read French nonfiction books about topics that interest you. These don’t have to be things specific to France or French culture, of course; you’ll still get lots of vocabulary and reading practice regardless of what you’re reading in French.

Plus, many (although not all) French nonfiction books will also be written in an easier style than fiction books or poetry , so they can be a good way to start reading longer texts in French.

To find the perfect French nonfiction book for you, start by doing an internet search for the subject that interests you (in French, of course) and the word livre .

Where can I find more French reading recommendations?

If you’re looking for even more ways to read in French, I’d suggest taking a look at our list of French stories and fairy tales . Many of these are also classics in the French canon and will often be referenced in French popular culture.

Do internet searches for specific authors, titles, subjects, and genres in French. And of course, a general search for something like “livres polars en français” (thrillers in French) should also yield some results.

Additionally, you can look for subjects like “bestsellers en France” or “auteurs français”. The homepages of French and Francophone websites that sell books can also be a good way to find a new read; many display covers of recent releases.

You can also check your local library to see if they have any French books in their collection. Some larger libraries probably will, or will have bilingual classics.

If you’re on a budget, keep in mind that most books published before 1923 are in the public domain, and you may be able to find them for free online at sites like Gallica.fr or Wikisource. You can often find links to these free versions at the end of Wikipedia entries in French or in English.

How easy is it to read books in French?

If you’re wondering how easy it is to read a book in French, unfortunately there’s no easy answer for that. For one thing, every author has a particular style, and in some cases, even if they don’t use arcane vocabulary or complex grammatical structures, their writing just may be hard for you to understand.This is the same case when reading in one’s native language. Some writers’ works “speak” to us more clearly than others’.

Reading in French will have its challenges, regardless.  It’s always a good idea to keep a dictionary or dictionary app open. But just like anything else, over time it will get easier. The more you read, the more vocabulary you gain, the more you get used to seeing different grammatical structures and expressions, and the more natural it all feels.

Ultimately, remember that you will get used to reading in French. There will probably always be some challenges, because even native speakers might find a particular author difficult to understand, after all. But you will get better and better at it. And if you pick books that interest you, at least you’ll be entertained as you learn and practice. That’s the best thing about reading in French.

25 Best French Novels That You Must Read

By: Author Christine Rogador

Posted on Published: June 17, 2021  - Last updated: July 13, 2023

Are you looking for the best French novels to read? 

Books are a fantastic way for Francophiles all around the world to stay connected with France. France has enjoyed an illustrious reputation in European intellectual culture for many years, and its literature is no exception.

French authors have created works that are known throughout the world, have pioneered and recreated genres, and have tackled topics ranging from marriage to revolution to identity.

Readers learning French and looking for a peek into century French society can always turn to some of the French novels on this list.

Things you'll find in this article

25 Best French Novels That You Must Read

1. le rouge et le noir / the red and the black by stendhal (1830), 2. le comte de monte-cristo / the count of monte cristo by alexandre dumas (1846), 3. madame bovary by gustave flaubert (1856), 4. les misérables by victor hugo (1862), 5. à la recherche du temps perdu / in search of lost time  by marcel proust (1913), 6. l’élégance du hérisson / the elegance of the hedgehog by muriel barbery (2006), 7. la mécanique du coeur by mathias malzieu (2009), 8. la délicatesse / delicatesse / delicacy by david foenkinos (2011), 9. soumission / submission by michel houellebecq (2015), 10. d’apres une histoire vraie / based on a true story by delphine de vigan (2015), 11. the lover, 12. candide, 13. the hunchback of notre dame, 14. the stranger, 15. au bonheur des dames (the ladies delight), 16.  the second sex, 17. pere goriot, 18. la gloire de mon pere (my father’s glory), 19. dangerous liaisons, 20. central park, 21. the misanthrope, 22. in search of lost time, 23. the immoralist, 24. indiana, 25. les contes des fees (fairy tales).

Here are the top French novels to read, which include works by Victor Hugo , Alexandre Dumas, and Gustav Flaubert, as well as critically acclaimed newcomers.

Genre/s: Psychological Fiction 

In his books, Stendhal discusses a variety of societal themes, including politics, the church, French rural life, the position of women, and socioeconomic class.

Julien Sorel, a young man from low beginnings seeking to rise above his surroundings, is the protagonist of The Red and the Black .

He has lofty ambitions and quickly realizes that the only way to rise in society is to adopt the materialistic aristocracy’s duplicity. However, in his attempt to become significant, he ends up as a pawn of the powerful men in his circle. 

This scathing portrait of French society has been hailed as a novel ahead of its time for its real concern for women.

Genre/s : Historical Fiction, Adventure 

One of the most well-known French novels of all time is “ Le Comte de Monte-Cristo “. The book follows the very fortunate life of central character Edmond Dantès, from his successes to his subsequent fall from grace.

Dantès is the envy of everyone around him. He had a good job, he was popular and had a beautiful fiancée. But then, three men conspired against him and falsely accused him of treason.

“ Le Comte de Monte-Cristo ” is an illuminating look into 19th-century French philosophy and thinking, revealing what 19th-century writers thought about themselves.

It is written in older, more formal French and has an interesting focus on human nature.

READ MORE: Facts About Alexandre Dumas

Genre/s : literary realism

Madame Bovary was Gustave Flaubert’s first novel, published in the 1850s. Madame Bovary, the main character, is a lady who always wants more – she’s read too many French romance novels and has a romanticized view of her life and marriage.

She’s always aiming for greater social status, great love gestures, beautiful possessions, and other things. She expects that her marriage to Charles Bovary will provide her with this, but he disappoints her, and her life suffers as a result.

This is one of the best French books , and anyone interested in learning more about French literature and 19th-century French society should read it.

Genre/s : Historical Fiction. Romance. Tragedy. 

Les Misérables is based on early nineteenth-century French historical events.

The novel follows characters as they go about their daily lives, giving readers a better knowledge of French culture at the time as well as the details of the 1832 Paris Uprising.

While “Les Misérables” is one of the longer French books available, it is worth reading for its educational look into some significant events in French history, as well as for gaining insight into the action on the ground.

Although the novel is not exactly based on facts, it humanizes historical events and depicts what those events would have been like for real individuals.

Genre/s: Philosophical fiction,  Fictional Autobiography

“ In Search of Lost Time ” is a well-known work of French literature, dubbed “the most revered novel of the twentieth century” by the New York Review of Books.

This seven-volume novel on the passage of time and the concept of memory is written by Marcel Proust . It opens with the narrator biting into a madeleine and being immediately reminded of his idyllic upbringing.

The novel spans multiple volumes and explores themes such as romance, corruption, war, human foolishness, and, most importantly, the search for truth as time passes.

“Remembrance of Things Past” is another title used for the English translation of this book.

Genre/s : Literary Fiction. Philosophical Fiction. 

This novel, published in 2006, chronicles the life of Renée Michel, a Parisian concierge (akin to a superintendent).

L’Élégance du Hérisson explores Renée’s existence through the structure of a Parisian apartment building and the implied juxtaposition of the private and public spaces.

The viewpoint of a bright upper-class inhabitant of the building, a young girl named Paloma Josse, was frequently employed throughout the novel.

Genre/s : Romance. Fantasy. 

The lead singer of the French rock band Dionysos, who also released a concept album based on the novel, is the author of this modern Gothic romance.

The story follows the life of Little Jack, who was born on Edinburgh’s coldest day ever. His heart freezes solid due to the frigid weather, necessitating a replacement, which is fashioned from a cuckoo clock by local witch doctor Madeleine.

Madeleine adopts Little Jack, seeking to protect him and his vulnerable heart from the dangers of fury and love.

Despite this, Little Jack falls in love with a young singer and travels across Europe pursuing her.

Genre/s : Romance. Comedy. Drama.

La délicatesse is about Natalie, who, after the death of her spouse, closes herself off to any potential attachment. It is only when she meets a man who represents the polar opposite of her previous love that she can feel something again.

The novel was so well received in France that it was nominated for numerous literary honors, became a bestseller, and was adapted into a film starring Audrey Tautou.

La délicatesse is written in the style of a mystery, and as a reader, you have about as much information about the heroine as the men that surround her. It’s like peeling away layers of the plot as you turn every page, which adds to the reasons why it is a must-read. 

Genre/s : Dystopian. Satire / Commentary.

Soumission was released on the same day as the terrorist attacks on Charlie Hebdo in Paris , and it became an instant hit.

In this dystopian tale, a Muslim president is elected in France.

It’s French political humor at its finest, as well as analysis, and criticism.

While its obvious lack of political correctness is bound to make some people uncomfortable, it’s a fascinating look at the current political environment in France.

Genre/s : Psychological Thriller

The narrative of a writer suffering from tiredness and writer’s block is told in “ D’Après Une Histoire Vraie .” The heroine Delphine, fatigued and unable to write after the tremendous popularity of her previous novel, encounters L.

It embodies everything Delphine admires: sophisticated and unusually intuitive. She then carves out a niche in the writer’s life slowly but deliberately.

The intensity of this unexpected bond reveals itself in progressively ominous ways as she becomes necessary to Delphine. L begins to threaten Delphine’s identity and safety as their lives become more intertwined.

This is a fascinating read: a book about friendship, writing, and the line between fact and fantasy that is dark, witty, odd, and intriguing.

Author : Marguerite Duras

Year Published : 1984

L’Amant (The Lover) was written by Marguerite Duras in 1984. The novel has been translated into 43 languages and received the 1984 Prix Goncourt. It was adapted into a movie in 1992 of the same title. The movie adaptation starred Jane March and Tony Leung Ka-Fai. The Lover revolves around the intricacies and intimacies of a clandestine romance between a girl from a financially strapped French family and an older wealthy Chinese Vietnamese man. The novel is actually the real-life story of Marguerite Duras herself. She published The Lover when she was 70 years old, 55 years after meeting Leo, the Chinese Vietnamese man. It is often compared to Nobokov’s Lolita.

Author :  Voltaire

Year Published :  1759

Candide was written by one of the most influential French writers and philosophers Voltaire, It is often described as the adult version of The Little Prince. In Candide, Voltaire uses a traveler as his protagonist to compare two different worlds and allow “innocent” questions about unfamiliar ideas. This novel has been widely translated into English. Candide is about a young man living a sheltered life in an Edenic paradise indoctrinated with Lebinizian optimism by Professor Pangloss, his mentor. The novel is regarded as Voltaire’s magnum opus and is often considered part of the Western canon. It has been listed as one of the 100 most influential books ever written.

Author : Victor Hugo

Year Published : 1831

Set in Medieval Paris, The Hunchback of Notre Dame revolves around the character of a hunchback named Quasimodo, an oppressed and oppressive priest Frollo, and a free-spirited and seductive woman named Esmeralda. This popular classic novel actually aims to make its readers appreciate the Notre Dame Cathedral. Victor Hugo focused on the Gothic architecture that the church is known for. The novel has been adapted for the big screen several times already– the most notable was the one released in 1939 directed by William Dieterle.

Although some of the adaptations diverted from the novel.  

Author: Albert Camus

Year Published : 1942

This novel by Albert Camus is a staple of the French curriculum in schools. It is one of the best French novels in English-speaking countries. The Stranger has received critical acclaim for its philosophical outlook, absurdism, syntactic structure, and existentialism.  In a poll by Paris newspaper Le Monde, The Stranger emerged as number one in its 100 Books of the 20th Century. Set in 20th-century Algeria, The Stranger tells the story of Mersault, an indifferent settler in French Algeria. The book was adapted for the film via the movie Lo Strainero (Italian) in 1967 and Yazgi (Turkish) in 2001.  It was also the subject of The Cure’s debut single “Killing an Arab” in 1979.

Author: Emile Zola

Year Published: 1883

Au Bonheur Des Dames is the eleventh novel in the Rougon-Macquart series of Emile Zola. It first came out in serialized form from 1882 to 1883 and as a novel in 1883. Au Bonheur Des Dames follows Denise Baudu, a 20-year-old woman from Valognes who comes to Paris with her younger brothers to work as a saleswoman at the department store Au Bonheur des Dames. In the novel, Zola describes the inner workings of the store from the employees’ perspective, the substandard food, and the bare lodgings for female employees. It also focuses on the budding romance between Octave Mouret, the owner of the department store, and Denise,

Author: Simone de Beauvoir

Year Published :   1949

The Second Sex is one of Simone de Beauvoir’s most popular and controversial books, It is so controversial that it was banned by the Vatican. The Second Sex revolves around the treatment of women in current society as well as throughout history. The novel is considered groundbreaking work for feminist philosophy.  Many consider it the Bible of modern Western feminism. Written in two volumes, The Second Sex dissects women’s place in history in the home, literature, and others in places like Ancient Greece and Rome. While some of the parts are quite abstract, other parts were a result of the author’s research into science, biology, and the female body.

Author: Honore de Balzac

Year Published : 1835

Pere Goriot is considered Honore de Balzac’s most important novel. Pere Goriot is an example of the realist style of writing, that is using minute details to create characters and subtext. The novel revolves around three characters namely Goriot, Vautrin, and Rastignac. The setting of the novel is in Paris during the Bourbon Restoration. The story happens in 1819, four years after the downfall of Napoleon. One of the themes in the novel is social stratification.  Throughout his characters and narration, Balzac lays bare the social Darwinism that is taking place in today;s society.

Author: Marcel Pagnol

Year Published:  1957

La Gloire de Mon Pere is the first of four volumes in Pagnol’s Souvenirs D’Enfrance series and the sequel to My Mother’s Castle. The novel is Pagnol’s autobiography from his early years to his travels in and around Marseilles. He opens up with the stories about his parents, Joseph and Augustine. The novel is described by many as the advent of the prose writing style. It tells the story of his family’s relocation from the little town of Aubagne to the bustling city of Marseilles. The novel was adapted into a film released in 1990 starring Philippe Caubere, Nathalie Roussel, Therese Liotard, and Julien Camaca. The film was directed by Yves Robert who also wrote the script alongside Louis Nucera and Jerome Tonnerre.

Author : Choderos de Laclos

Year Published :  1782

Dangerous Liaisons is a novel that revolves around betrayal, corruption, and depravity within the French nobility. The book is about the story of Marquise de Meteuil and Vicomte de Valmont, lovers who became rivals who find pleasure in ruining others and ended up destroying each other. It depicts the corruption among the French nobles before the French Revolution. It served as the inspiration for the 1988 awarding-winning movie of the same title which stars John Malkovich, Michelle Pfeiffer, Keanu Reeves, and Uma Thurman. It was also the inspiration behind the movie Cruel Intentions, starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Philippe, Selma Blair, and Reese Witherspoon, Although the book did not win any awards, the film adaptations did.

Author : Guillaume Masso

Year Published : 2014

Known for writing thrillers with a touch of the supernatural, Guillaume Masso gives us a sample of his writing in Central Park. Currently, the top-selling French writer today, Masso tells the story of Alce and Gabriel who wakes up on a Central Park bench handcuffed to each other. The two come from different countries in Europe and neither of them do not know how they got there. Central Park As the two try to figure out why they were in their previous predicament, Alice and Gabriel scour around New York for answers until they found some clues that point to a previous adversary from the past.

Author : Moliere

Year Published :  1666

The Misanthrope is one of Moliere’s most celebrated plays. It is a satiric comedy consisting of five acts. It revolves around the French aristocracy and pokes fun at some flaws of humankind. Le Misanthrope tells the story of Alceste, a 17th-century gentleman who is intolerant of the flatteries and hypocrisies of society, and Celimene, who has shown cruelty to many of her suitors, except Alceste. When Alceste asked Celimene to marry her, she agreed but Alceste had one condition– that they live a simple and quiet life away from society, something which Celimene cannot do. Moliere uses the play to criticize the rampant problems in society at that time but criticizes him as well.

Author :  Marcel Proust

Year Published :  1913 – 1927

This novel by Marcel Proust is the author’s autobiography written in seven parts.  It is one of the most famous French books and the New York Review of Books calls it “the most respected novel of the 20th century.” It follows the narrator’s recollection of childhood and experiences into adulthood during the late 19th and early 20th century France. The first part of his novel was refused on several occasions but was finally issued at Proust’s expense. Initially, he planned to only have three volumes, However, after several revisions and enrichment of text, his novel tripled in length. In 1919, two more volumes were published.

Author : Andre Gide

Year Published : 1902

The Immoralist is actually an autobiography of the author himself. At first, no one will notice it because of the way Gide disguised it by using the first-person short story as a distraction from the connection to his own life. He also used the style in discussing the moral ambiguities of life. The story revolves around Michel, who finds himself caught up in a complex network of overlapping relations and responsibilities. At a very young age, Michel lost both his parents– his mother when he was 15 and his father when he was 25. The story tells how Michel incurred tuberculosis and how he successfully recovered from it. The Immoralist also depicted the complex relations between the residents of colonial France and French Algeria.

Author : George Sand

Year Published :  1832

Indiana was the first novel that Amantine Lucile Aurore Dupin wrote using the pseudonym George Sand. The book delved around many themes that were prominent during that time such as the longing for romance, adultery, class struggle, and the French empire, to name just a few. In Indiana, George Sand combines some elements of romanticism, realism, and idealism. Indiana is the name of the story’s heroine. She traces her roots to French colonial settlers from Ile Bourbon (present-day Reunion). Throughout the novel, Sand depicts the class struggle and social codes that impacted French women of that time, Indiana wanted to leave Colonel Delmare, her husband who is an ex-army officer, but she cannot because she is not protected by law.

Author : Madame d’Aulnoy

Year Published :  1697 – 1698

Written in four volumes, this work by Madame d’Aulnoy is considered “lost” or “untraceable.” Recent editions of the novel were just based on 18th-century editions as even a single copy of any of the four volumes could not be located. However, one complete copy of the book did actually survive in private hands. It first appeared in 1737 and again in 1979. Also, a similarly complete set of Fairy Tales is preserved in Wiiirtembergische, a public library in Stuttgart, Germany. Madame d’Aulnoy is credited for coining the term “fairy tale.” Some of her tales include the original “Beauty and the Beast,” which involves the story as we know it today. Her tales are easy to understand and read, fun, and imaginative.

Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.

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47 French Book Terms 📚

List of French book vocabulary and the French library vocabulary + translation, how to translate library in French, different types of French books…

Let’s study the French boo k vocabulary, and the French library vocabulary.

17 French Book Words

• les romans – novels
• les romans policiers – detective stories
• les romans fantasy – fantasy novels
• les livres de science-fiction – sci-fi books
• les livres qui font du bien –  books that give a feel-good factor
• un coup de cœur – a book that one really enjoyed
• les livres audio – audio books
• les livres en gros caractères – books in large print
• les contes et légendes – tales and legends
• les albums – picture story books
• les romans première lecture – children ’s reading books (1st level)
• les romans deuxième lecture – children’s reading books (2nd level)
• les romans jeunes – teenage fiction
• les BDs (bandes dessinées) – comic strip books
• les mangas – mangas
• les documentaires –  non-fiction books
• des livres à consulter sur place – books to read in situ

A new approach to learning both traditional and modern French logically structured for English speakers.

More Details & Audio Samples

6 Types of Books You’ll Find at a Library in France

• des livres de fiction pour adultes et pour adolescents, fiction books for adults and teenagers,
• des livres de fantasy, fantasy books,
• des romans policiers, detective novels,
• des BD pour adultes et jeunes, comics for adults and young people,
• des livres de lecture pour enfants de l’âge primaire, reading books for children of young age,
• des albums pour les enfants en bas âge, les tout-petits. albums for young children, toddlers.

How do you say Library in French?

Unfortunately, translating library in French is tricky. The French translation for library is “la bibliothèque”.

But there is a French word which looks a lot like the English word “library”: la librairie. And la librairie means the book store!

French Library Vocabulary

• la lecture – reading
• le lecteur / la lectrice – reader
• le/la bibliothécaire – librarian
• Est-ce que vous êtes abonné(e) à la bibliothèque ?-  Are you a member of the library ?
• un abonnement de douze mois – a 12-month membership
• une cotisation de 10€ – a 10€ membership charge
• renouveler la cotisation-  to renew the subscription
• emprunter un livre – to borrow a book
• rapporter le livre – to bring the book back
• réserver un livre – to reserve a book
• classer dans l’ordre alphabétique – to sort by alphabetical order
• classer dans l’ordre numérique – to sort by numerical order
• une liste d’attente –  a waiting list
• faire une suggestion – to make a suggestion
• un rayon – a shelf ; a … section
• un étagère – a shelf
• un présentoir – a showcase
• la section adultes/adolescents/enfants – the adults’/teenage/children’s section
• la rentrée littéraire –  the new book season  (September, and very important in France !)
• les nouveautés – new arrivals
• le code barre – bar code
• une pastille –  a sticker (round)
• une gommette – a strip for identification

Bonjour ! My name is Suzanne. I am British born, and have dual British and French nationality. I have been teaching French for the past 40 years, internationally. My husband Peter & I moved to Jugon-Les-Lacs, a charming village of Northern Brittany over 20 years ago where I now offer French immersion stays at the teacher's home . I hope you will come visit me one day!

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The ten best books for learning French

Depending on his or her level and objectives, each learner must select the resources that are essential to progress, especially books . Faced with the multitude of options offered by publishers, how can we identify the best books for learning French ? Which books are appreciated by both students and teachers for their interesting content and pedagogical approach? Another very effective way to learn French is to participate in a French language stay in France, where total immersion promotes learning. The Centre International d'Antibes can take care of all aspects of the stay (accommodation, catering, activities...), allowing students to concentrate on their linguistic progress. To choose the best French language school in France , it is advisable to consult verified reviews on platforms such as Trustpilot or Google .

The best French grammar books

A veritable French institution since 1913, the Bescherelle series includes the collective work La conjugaison pour Tous (Conjugation for Everyone), published by Hatier, as well as shorter publications devoted to spelling, vocabulary and so on. Easily identified by any French schoolchild thanks to its red covers, the series was created by the nineteenth century by two famous grammarians, Louis-Nicolas and Henri Bescherelle. Bescherelle is renowned for its verb conjugation tables, mind maps and lists of reference verbs that can be used to conjugate other verbs. With more than 8,000 verbs included, it’s clear to see why Bescherelle is so successful!

Written by Maïa Grégoire and Odile Thievenaz, La Grammaire progressive du français (A Progressive Grammar of the French Language), published by Clé International, is one of the best books for learning French grammar and is aimed at those who want to improve their skills. The book benefits from vibrant presentation: the lesson, on the left-hand page, is followed by exercises that put it into practice on the next page. The most recent edition includes nearly 150 self-marked tests and almost 300 interactive exercises online. The book’s strength is its clear, structured approach, which explains why many teachers use it in their lessons. It is also well-suited to self-taught learners and is available for all levels.

Good books for adults and children to read

The Berlitz Self-Teacher: French (Berlitz Editors). This short book devoted to French from the famous American publisher includes lots of activities to help learners communicate in everyday situations. It is based on a learning method that prioritises an intuitive approach to grammar. Through everyday conversations, students gradually develop a knowledge of grammar and improve their pronunciation.

Do you know the difference between notable and notoire, or between se rappeler de and se souvenir? Le Français correct pour les Nuls (Correct French for Dummies) by Jean-Joseph Julaud (published by First) was written by a former French teacher and covers the major rules of grammar and vocabulary. Thanks to its compact format, it can be slipped into a bag – very practical should you want to consult it at a moment’s notice! The fun style will help to stop you from falling into any French-language traps, while the assessment tests can be used to measure your progress on agreement, conjugations, etc. In short, it’s a really practical book for everyday use.

Don’t forget that young children can also learn the language of Molière! Les Petits Loustics (Little Scamps) by Hugues Denisot, Marianne Capouet and Brigitte Eubelen (Hachette FLE) is a method for learning French designed for young children. It covers familiar themes such as “My body”, “Toys”, “Animals” and so on. Through these, children become used to following short stories, recognising and naming objects, and engaging in simple acts of conversation (expressing preferences, choosing clothes, answering common questions, etc.).

Learning French for beginners

What is the best book to learn French for beginners? Easy French Step-by-Step by Myrna Bell Rochester (McGraw-Hill Contemporary) is a very comprehensive book which focuses largely on grammar skills and can be used by beginners. Each chapter offers clear explanations on points of grammar, consolidation activities, short texts to improve written comprehension and lists of key words. It is a clear, accessible book that enables learners to make step-by-step progress and to evaluate what they have learned.

Edited by Farideh Touchard, Lire et écrire en français, Méthode d'alphabétisation progressive (Reading and Writing in French. A Progressive Literacy Course), published by Belin Éducation, offers a literacy course in the form of 70 worksheets. It is suitable for adults who are complete beginners in the language and would like to learn the basics of French (writing, reading, pronunciation, etc.). It covers everyday needs (using public transport, visiting the doctor, etc.), making it a great choice as a supplement to cheap French courses in france !

Learning French through literature

Finally, don’t forget that novels can also help you to improve your French with books . But which novels should you pick first? The choice is so vast that it’s tricky to give a short answer, not to mention the fact that much depends on the tastes, requirements and language level of the reader. La Gloire de mon père (My Father’s Glory) by Marcel Pagnol is the autobiography of the renowned writer and filmmaker. The author, who was born in Aubagne, recounts key episodes from his childhood. More than just a tribute to the father figure, this book is first and foremost one for those who have a fondness for Provence.

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• Books Learning Guide

The 9 Best Books to Learn French Fast

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Books are a traditional way to learn French but they’re also one of the best ways to start studying the language. In this guide, I’ll tell you why you should include books in your study routine and show you the 9 best books to learn French. To make things easier, I’ll also tell you how you can choose the best one for you. After you read this guide, you’ll be ready to start learning (and reading!) in French.

At A Glance: Our Top 9 Picks for Books to Learn French

• Best Overall: Practice Makes Perfect: Complete French All-in-One
• Best for Beginners: French All-in-One for Dummies
• Best for Grammar: Easy French Step-by-Step
• Best for Speaking and Communication: The Berlitz Self-Teacher
• Best for Self-Study: The Ultimate French Review and Practice
• Best for Traveling: French Grammar for Beginners
• Best for Pronunciation: Exercises in French Phonics
• Best for Verb Conjugations: La Conjugaison Pour Tous
• Best for Creating a Study Plan: Fluent in French

How We Picked the Best Books to Learn French

For any language learning products we’ve tested or researched , we follow a strict methodology to make sure our experts make the same considerations and evaluate based on the same criteria. Here are the factors we looked at when testing French books specifically:

• Structure and Topics: We considered the layout and overall organization of the books, then we examined which topics each book covered and how in-depth and relevant the explanations were.
• Quality of Content: We read several chapters of each book to gauge the quality of the content, including the example texts, exercises, and explanations. It’s important that each book contains clear and easy-to-understand content in addition to practical and useful study materials.
• Value for Money: We took the two previous factors and compared them to the price of the book to determine if it offers a good value for the cost.

While the books on this list were carefully picked to help you choose the best resources, other factors can influence how long it will take you to learn French . If you want a personalized answer, you can use our Fluency Calculator to see how long it will take you to reach your desired level of French.

Our Top Books to Learn French

There are so many ways to learn French , but finding one that fits your needs will make studying easier and more enjoyable. Using a book you find engaging will help you stay focused and want to continue studying. But, just like other types of French resources, all books offer something different. 

1. Best Overall: Practice Makes Perfect: Complete French All-in-One

Who Should Use This Book: Complete Beginner to Intermediate

Why This Book is Helpful:

• This book combines 7 workbooks into 1 to help you practice all the language skills you need to communicate at a beginner to intermediate level.
• The “French in Conversation” chapters show you how to apply the vocabulary and grammar you learned in daily life scenarios and give you tips to sound more natural.
• Includes a mobile app to help you practice what you learn in the books.

The  Practice Makes Perfect: Complete French All-in-One book is the best overall to learn French because it includes a huge amount of study material. This book combines 7 different workbooks into one comprehensive source. It covers topics ranging from masculine and feminine nouns to the passé composé tense and even verb transfers and prepositions. There are also chapters that focus completely on conversational French (with topics like meeting people in French-speaking countries , making plans, and asking for help).

This is more of a traditional language textbook because each section follows a defined structure: an introduction to the topic, example phrases and sentences, a list of relevant vocabulary, and finally some practice exercises. The explanations are in English so it makes them approachable and easier to understand, especially if you’re just starting to learn French. If you’re a beginner or intermediate learner, this is a comprehensive option to start your studies. You can read more about it here .

2. Best for Beginners: French All-in-One for Dummies

Who Should Use This Book: Complete Beginner to Pre-Intermediate

• It introduces you to conversational topics in the first chapters, preparing you to start speaking French as soon as possible.
• Its lighthearted and concise explanations make understanding essential French grammar easy.
• There is plenty of additional material like mini dictionaries, visual exercises, and games to help you practice and test your knowledge.

I’m a big fan of the “For Dummies” series and French All-in-One for Dummies is no exception. This is the best option for beginners because it’s a comprehensive resource that starts at zero and guides you through different French topics. It focuses on teaching you how to navigate a variety of everyday situations, like shopping at a store, talking about money, and enjoying a night on the town.

Each of the 6 books included in this compilation covers a different topic. For example, Book 1 covers speaking in everyday conversations, Book 3 focuses on building a solid foundation in grammar, and Book 6 has verb conjugation tables, mini dictionaries, and even a couple of French games you can play to practice your skills. All topics are explained in a lighthearted and straightforward way and include formal and informal conversation practice. You can learn more about the book here .

3. Best for French Grammar: Easy French Step-by-Step

• This book breaks down French grammar into chapters so you start with the essential topics like the verbs “être” and “avoir” before moving on to more advanced ones.
• Every chapter includes a reading comprehension exercise that shows you how to apply the grammar, so you can practice what you learned
• It introduces 300 French verbs in order of frequency and teaches you how to use them in daily life conversations to help you start communicating quickly.

While using the word “easy” when talking about French grammar might sound crazy, Easy French Step-by-Step makes understanding French grammar a breeze. This is the best book to improve your French grammar because it follows a progressive structure that constantly expands what you previously learned. Every chapter has an explanation of the topic followed by key vocabulary and a reading comprehension exercise, which helped me see how to use each tense correctly. 

This book starts with basic French grammar topics: nouns, articles, and adjectives. Then, it teaches you about “être” and “avoir” as well as the tenses you need to talk about the past, present, and future. In later lessons, it guides you through more advanced topics like indefinite adjectives and pronouns and the subjunctive tense. This progression makes the topics easier to understand and logically introduces the next French grammar topic you’ll need to communicate. You can check it out here .

4. Best for Speaking and Communication: The Berlitz Self-Teacher

• It introduces essential sounds in French pronunciation so you won’t struggle with saying basic French words.
• Includes examples of simple, formal, and colloquial phrases so you can understand and participate in French conversations, regardless of the dialect .
• The book is designed to help you speak French without relying on translation.

The Berlitz Self-Teacher is the best for speaking and communication because it focuses on speaking from the start. Even though it’s a book (and a little older than the other options in this list), it shows you how to pronounce different French sounds naturally. Many English speakers have a hard time mastering French pronunciation ( among other things ), but this book breaks it down so you can easily start speaking from the first couple of lessons. 

As you work through the different sections, you’ll read a French conversation and see a pronunciation guide under every sentence. For example, in the first chapter, you’ll read the French sentence “Oui, monsieur, c’est le crayon.” And, underneath it, you’ll find how to pronounce it: “Wee, muss-yuh, seh luh kreh-young.” The book doesn’t follow a specific structure, but if you work through all the lessons, you’ll soon improve your pronunciation and conversation skills. Take a look at the book here .

5. Best for Self-Study: The Ultimate French Review and Practice

Who Should Use This Book: Complete Beginner to Advanced

• It introduces French grammar topics in a logical order, making them easier to understand. 
• It includes beginner to advanced grammar topics, including idioms and proverbs you’ll need to understand and speak French like a native speaker.
• Comes with a mobile app to help you practice your French vocabulary, grammar, speaking, and listening skills.

The Ultimate French Review and Practice is the best choice if you’re studying French by yourself because it’s a total grammar study program. It has 6 sections: Verbs, Nouns and Their Modifiers, Other Elements of a Sentence, Verbs in Two-Clause Sentences, Idiomatic Usage, and a final review section. I like this book because its clear explanations help you quickly learn the most important parts of French grammar

The updated edition of this book also comes with a mobile app that includes additional learning tools like flashcards, quizzes, and audio so you can hear how French is spoken. Since the content of the book is straightforward, it can be used as a reference, even as you reach more advanced levels of French. You can check out the book here .

6. Best for Traveling: French Grammar for Beginners

Who Should Use This Book: Beginner to Pre-Intermediate

• The book introduces the grammar topics you need most to travel to a French-speaking country such as greetings, articles, and the verb “être.”
• The workbook has 300+ grammar exercises that help you practice the vocabulary and grammar you’ll need to interact with French speakers.
• Includes online audio tracks you can download to practice listening to spoken French

I recommend French Grammar for Beginners for travelers because it’s meant to be a quick introduction to the language. It’s a crash course in the skills you’ll need during your next trip to a French-speaking country. The book has 30 lessons that break down grammar concepts and includes short stories and an essential phrases section. It takes a straight-to-the-point approach to help you understand the basics in 30 days (you’re supposed to complete one lesson per day). 

I enjoyed this book because of its concept: 1 lesson that covers 1 different topic each day. It’s easy to stay on track with this simple structure. It covers practical topics like the difference between “en” and “y”  and explains how to use “il y a” correctly. There’s also an embedded workbook and online audio to practice everything you learn. You can check it out here .

7. Best for Pronunciation: Exercises in French Phonics

• Each chapter focuses on a specific French sound and includes examples and exercises to help you master it.
• Includes a guide that teaches you how to read French phonetic symbols and their English equivalents to make pronunciation clearer.
• The book also explains how to pronounce groups of letters English speakers struggle with like the liaison, diaresis, and silent letters that are not in final position.

If you want to master French pronunciation, Exercises in French Phonics is the best option because it packs all the essential pronunciation rules into one resource. This book only has 79 pages, but it covers topics such as nasal sounds, silent letters, and letters pronounced irregularly. There’s also a whole section on how and when to pronounce the liaison between words, which is something I always struggled with.

This book strictly focuses on pronunciation and each chapter teaches one specific sound. There’s a chapter dedicated to the AI and AY sounds, the GN sound, the opened and closed O, and more. Note that this book works best for serious students and it’s not meant for a casual learner looking to pick up a few words and phrases. So, if you’re a motivated learner looking to improve your pronunciation, you can grab your copy here .

8. Best for Verb Conjugations: La Conjugaison Pour Tous

Who Should Use This Book:   Intermediate to Upper-Intermediate

• There are 105 conjugation tables that illustrate French conjugation rules in a way that’s clear and easy to understand.
• It explains the grammar patterns of French verbs so you can conjugate them in every tense.
• The mind maps and diagrams make remembering the purpose of tenses and conjugations easier than other methods.

La Conjugaison Pour Tous is the best choice to learn French verbs because it carefully explains the rules of conjugation. The book is divided into 4 parts that classify the French verbs into three types (-er, -ir, and -re) and uses diagrams to help you remember the conjugations. It also provides mind maps, which I haven’t seen in other books, and made the verb tenses easier to understand.

It’s a highly useful book but it may be a little difficult for beginners because it’s completely in French. The mind maps, diagrams, and the use of colors are excellent memory tools that make conjugations become second nature. Learn more about the book here .

9. Best for Creating a Study Plan: Fluent in French

Who Should Use This Book: Beginner to Advanced

• It focuses on giving you the strategies you need to learn the language effectively
• The book includes a long list of resources you can use to immerse yourself in French.
• You’ll find tips to improve all language skills such as reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Fluent in French isn’t your typical French textbook. It’s a guide that shows you how to learn French and how to create your own study plan. This book gives you tips and tricks to learn French as well as helpful techniques to increase your fluency. From breaking the myths of language learning to common mistakes in French and how to fix them, this book is all about creating the perfect strategy that helps you learn French.

Every language learner eventually hits a plateau where it seems impossible to move forward. This book gives you actionable advice (you can even find a chapter on this topic!) to help you continue on the path to fluency. I want to make it clear that this book is a supplement to your other French resources – it’s not going to teach you the language itself. However, the strategies it shows you will save you time, energy, and a lot of frustration as you continue making progress. You can pick up this book here .

Other Types of Books to Practice French

French language books can teach you all you need to know about vocabulary and grammar, but there’s no better way to put your knowledge to the test than reading a book in French. Now, this might sound complicated if you’ve never tried it before, but it doesn’t have to be! There are different types of French books and you can start with whichever ones make you feel most comfortable. These are some books every French learner should read:  

Easy French Novels

Even if you’re a beginner, you can start reading French with easy and popular titles. Reading in French can quickly increase your vocabulary and is a useful way to test and develop your skills. You can start with books like Le Petit Prince or Madeleine . Both are classic French books and very short reads so you won’t feel overwhelmed. If you’re ready for something new (and fun) you can try reading Le Petit Nicolas . 

Bilingual Books

With bilingual books you can have the best of both worlds: you can practice reading in French while having the English translation at hand if you need help understanding the story. While this might feel like cheating to some learners, it can be a useful way to learn new vocabulary while you test your reading skills. You can try Bilingual Fairy Tales to start with stories you’re likely to have heard before or, if you’re feeling more confident, you can read the bilingual version of The Secret Garden . If you’re at an intermediate or upper-intermediate level, I recommend you pick up Short Stories in French .

Comic Books

Comic books are entertaining and an amazing way to practice reading French. Because they are very visual, it’s easy for French learners to associate the language with the actions and events in the story. If you’re at a pre-intermediate level, you can try reading Asterix and Obelix or The Adventures of Tintin for an interesting reading experience. And, if you’re at an upper-intermediate or advanced level, you might enjoy reading Persepolis .

Why Learn French With Books?

Books have been popular ways to learn a new language for years, and there’s a reason why. There are many reasons why you should learn French , whether you’re a complete beginner or more advanced. These are some benefits of using books to learn French:

You can take them wherever you go

Books are convenient if you’re someone who’s constantly on the go. With books, you don’t need to worry about having to charge a battery, Wi-Fi, or even electricity available. All you need to do is have your French book at hand whenever you want to review your French vocabulary or grammar. If you’re traveling, having a French book can be a lifesaver.

Choose what to study next

This is one of the most convenient parts of using a book to learn French because it gives you freedom in your studies. You don’t have to start studying the language with lesson 1 if you already know how to say “Comment ça va?” (How are you doing?) or “Je m’appelle…” (My name is…). Instead, you can skip ahead to the topics that interest you. Some of the better French apps also let you do this, but it’s easier to flip a page in a book than click through an app to find what you’re looking for.

Plenty of examples and exercises

One of the reasons why books have always been popular for learning new languages is the amount of examples and exercises they offer. Books often have many examples to teach you how to apply French, but you’ll also find many exercises to help you practice what you learned. 

You only have to pay once

If you’re not a big fan of subscriptions, books are an ideal option. Once you purchase a book, you never have to worry about paying for it again. This is a one-time investment–and a worthy one when it comes to learning French! Some of the best French courses also follow this model, and it usually turns out to be a lot cheaper than a subscription.

Find the Best Ways to Learn French with Langoly

With this list, you can find the right book for you, putting you one step ahead in your French journey. If you’re looking for effective learning tools, our French hub has many French resources to help you study on your own.

To become fluent, you can use a combination of resources such as  French YouTube videos to develop your listening comprehension or download a language app for short study sessions. Choosing resources that you enjoy using will make learning French easier and help you stay on track to French fluency.

Best French Books FAQ

The best book for learning French is Practice Makes Perfect: Complete French All-in-One because it combines 7 workbooks into one book and allows you to practice all language skills. If you’re looking for a comprehensive resource that can help develop your skills, this book has a progressive structure that makes understanding the language easy. Even if you’re a complete beginner, this book can introduce you to basic elements of French pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary.

The best way to learn French on your own is by immersing in the language and using the right resources for your learning style. For example, if you like interactive exercises and short lessons, there are French apps that can quickly increase your vocabulary. But, if you want to focus on your conversational skills, a French podcast will allow you to listen to spoken French. 

Yes, reading books helps you learn French. Even if you’re at a beginner level, you can try reading French books for children to test your knowledge and learn words in context. Doing this immerses you in the language and makes remembering vocabulary and grammar rules easier.

Kelsey Wetherbee

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Blog – Posted on Wednesday, Apr 03

How to write a book review in 3 steps.

If the idea of reading for free — or even getting paid to read — sounds like a dream come true, remember that it isn’t a pipe dream. There are many places aspiring book reviewers can read books for free, such as Reedsy Discovery — a new platform for reviewing indie books. Of course, if you’re giving serious thought to becoming a book reviewer, your first step should be learning how to write a book review. To that end, this post covers all the basics of literary criticism. Let’s get started!

The three main steps of writing a book review are simple:

• Provide a summary: What is story about? Who are the main characters and what is the main conflict? 
• Present your evaluation: What did you think of the book? What elements worked well, and which ones didn’t? 
• Give your recommendation: Would you recommend this book to others? If so, what kinds of readers will enjoy it?

You can also download our free book review templates and use it as a guide! Otherwise, let’s take a closer look at each element.

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How to write a review of a book

Step 1. provide a summary.

Have you ever watched a movie only to realize that all the good bits were already in the trailer? Well, you don’t want the review to do that. What you do want the summary to do is reveal the genre, theme, main conflict, and main characters in the story — without giving away spoilers or revealing how the story ends.

A good rule of thumb is not to mention anything that happens beyond the midpoint. Set the stage and give readers a sense of the book without explaining how the central issue is resolved.

Emily W. Thompson's review of The Crossing :

In [Michael] Doane’s debut novel, a young man embarks on a journey of self-discovery with surprising results.

An unnamed protagonist (The Narrator) is dealing with heartbreak. His love, determined to see the world, sets out for Portland, Oregon. But he’s a small-town boy who hasn’t traveled much. So, the Narrator mourns her loss and hides from life, throwing himself into rehabbing an old motorcycle. Until one day, he takes a leap; he packs his bike and a few belongings and heads out to find the Girl. Read more...

Here are a few more reviews with well-written summaries for you to check out. The summary tend to be the longest part of the book review, so we won’t turn this post into a novel itself by pasting them all here: Le Cirque Navire reviewed by Anna Brill, The Heart of Stone reviewed by Kevin R. Dickinson, Fitting Out: The Friendship Experiment reviewed by Lianna Albrizio.

Non-fiction summary tip: The primary goal of a non-fiction summary is to provide context: what problems or issues has the book spotted, and how does it go about addressing them? Be sure to mention the authors of the title and what experience or expertise they bring to the title. Check Stefan Kløvning’s review of Creativity Cycling for an example of a summary that establishes the framework of the book within the context of its field.

Step 2. Present your evaluation

While you should absolutely weave your own personal take of a book into the review, your evaluation shouldn’t only be based on your subjective opinion. Along with presenting how you reacted to the story and how it affected you, you should also try to objectively critique the stronger and weaker elements of the story, and provide examples from the text to back up your points.

To help you write your evaluation, you should record your reactions and thoughts as you work your way through a novel you’re planning on reviewing. Here are some aspects of the book to keep in mind as you do.

Your evaluation might focus heartily on the book’s prose:

Donald Barker's review of Mercenary : 

Such are the bones of the story. But, of course, it is the manner in which Mr Gaughran puts the bones back together and fills them with life that makes “Mercenary” such a great read. The author’s style seems plain; it seems straightforward and even simple. But an attempt at imitation or emulation quickly proves that simple it is not. He employs short, punchy sentences that generate excellent dialogue dripping with irony, deadpan humour and wit. This, mixed with good descriptive prose, draws the characters – and what characters they are – along with the tumultuous events in which they participated amidst the stinking, steaming heat of the South American jungle, out from the past to the present; alive, scheming, drinking, womanising and fighting, onto the written page.

You can give readers a sense of the book by drawing comparisons to other well-known titles or authors:

Laura Hartman's review of The Mystery of Ruby's Mistletoe :

Reading Ms. Donovan’s book is reminiscent to one of my favorite authors, Dame Agatha Christie. Setting up the suspects in a snowbound house, asking them to meet in the drawing room and the cleverly satisfying conclusion was extremely gratifying. I can picture Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot nodding at Ms. Donovan saying “Well done!”

Not everyone’s tastes are the same, and you can always acknowledge this by calling out specific story elements in your evaluation: 

Kevin R. Dickinson's review of The Heart of Stone :

Whether you enjoy Galley’s worldbuilding will depend heavily on preference. Galley delivers information piecemeal, letting the characters, not the author, navigate the reader through Hartlund. A notable example is the magic system, an enigmatic force that lacks the ridge structures of, say, a Brandon Sanderson novel. While the world’s magical workings are explained, you only learn what the characters know and many mysteries remain by the end. Similar choices throughout make the world feel expansive and authentic.

Non-fiction evaluation tip: A book’s topic is only as compelling as its supporting arguments. Your evaluation of a nonfiction book should address that: how clearly and effectively are the points communicated? Turn back to Stefan’s critique for an example of a non-fiction critique that covers key takeaways and readability, without giving away any “big reveals.”

Step 3. Give your recommendation 

At the end of the day, your critique needs to answer this question: is this a book you would (or wouldn’t) recommend to other readers? You might wrap up by comparing it to other books in the same genre, or authors with similar styles, such as: “Fans of so-and-so will enjoy this book.” 

Let’s take a look at a few more tips:

You don’t need to write, “I recommend this book” — you can make it clear by highlighting your favorable opinion:

Following in the footsteps of Jack Kerouac and William Least Heat-Moon, Doane offers a coming of age story about a man finding himself on the backroads of America. Doane’s a gifted writer with fluid prose and insightful observations, using The Narrator’s personal interactions to illuminate the diversity of the United States.

Despite his flaws, it’s a pleasure to accompany The Narrator on his physical and emotional journey. The unexpected ending is a fitting denouement to an epic and memorable road trip.

Add more punch to your rating by mentioning what kind of audience will or won’t enjoy the book:

Charleigh Aleyna Reid's review of The King of FU :

I would recommend this book to anyone who grew up in the 90’s and would like to reminisce about the time, someone who is interested to see what it was like to be a 90’s kid, or perhaps anyone who is looking for a unique, funny story about someone’s life.

Unless you found the title absolutely abhorrent, a good way to balance out a less favorable book review it to share what you did like about the book — before ultimately stating why you wouldn’t recommend the novel:

Nicola O's review of Secrets of the Sea Lord :

Overall, there are plenty of enjoyable elements in this story and fans of Atlantis and mer mythology should give it a try. Despite this, it does not rise above a three-star rating, and while I had some difficulty pinning down why this is, I concluded that it comes from a surprisingly unsophisticated vocabulary. There are a couple of graphic sex scenes, which is absolutely fine in a paranormal romance, but if they were removed, I could easily imagine this as an appealing story for middle-schoolers.

Non-fiction recommendation tip: As with fiction book reviews, share why you did or didn’t enjoy the title. However, in one of the starkest divergences from fiction book reviews it’s more important than ever that you mention your expectations coming into the non-fiction book. For instance, if you’re a cow farmer who’s reading a book on the benefits of becoming a vegetarian, you’re coming in with a large and inherent bias that the book will struggle to alter. So your recommendation should cover your thoughts about the book, while clearly taking account your perspective before you started reading. Let’s look once more at Stefan’s review for an example of a rating that includes an explanation of the reviewer’s own bias.

Bonus tips for writing a book review

Let’s wrap up with a few final tips for writing a compelling review.

• Remember, this isn’t a book report. If someone wants the summary of a book, they can read the synopsis. People turn to book reviews for a fellow reader’s take on the book. And for that reason...
• Have an opinion. Even if your opinion is totally middle-of-the-line — you didn’t hate the book but you didn’t love it either — state that clearly, and explain why.
• Make your stance clear from the outset. Don’t save your opinion just for the evaluation/recommendation. Weave your thoughts about the book into your summary as well, so that readers have an idea of your opinion from the outset.
• Back up your points. Instead of just saying, “the prose was evocative” — show readers by providing an actual passage that displays this. Same goes for negative points — don’t simply tell readers you found a character unbelievable, reference a certain (non-spoiler) scene that backs this up.
• Provide the details. Don’t forget to weave the book’s information into the review: is this a debut author? Is this one installment of a series? What types of books has the author written before? What is their background? How many pages does the book have? Who published the book? What is the book’s price?
• Follow guidelines. Is the review you’re writing for Goodreads? For The New York Times ? The content and tone of your review will vary a good deal from publication to publication.
• Learn from others. One of the best ways to learn how to write a great review is to read other reviews! To help you out with that, we’ve published a post all about book review examples .

Writing book reviews can be a rewarding experience! As a book-lover yourself, it’s a great opportunity to help guide readers to their next favorite title. If you’re just getting started as a reviewer and could use a couple more tips and nudges in the right direction, check out our comprehensive blog post on how to become a book reviewer . And if you want to find out which review community is the right fit for you, we recommend taking this quick quiz:

Which review community should you join?

Find out which review community is best for your style. Takes 30 seconds!

Finally, if you feel you've nailed the basics of how to write a book review, we recommend you check out Reedsy Discovery , where you can review books for free and are guaranteed people will read them. To register as a book reviewer, simply go here !

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Tana French’s Moody, Mesmerizing New Thriller

“The Hunter,” set in western Ireland, is a sequel to 2020’s “The Searcher.”

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THE HUNTER, by Tana French

Four years ago in these pages, the critic Janet Maslin published a guide to “ the essential Tana French. ” For some of French’s fans, all the novels are essential. Others prefer her standalones or her Dublin Murder Squad series — six loosely connected mysteries that explore different viewpoints and settings within the reassuring confines of one department. Unpredictability and a refusal to be boring are part of French’s talent, and they make the books (almost) as much fun to debate as they are to read.

“ The Searcher,” published in 2020 , felt like a sort of cousin to the earlier books; its hero, Cal Hooper, is an ex-cop from Chicago who’s seeking a measure of peace by moving to a remote village in western Ireland. Instead, a rebellious, preteen outcast named Trey Reddy enlists his help in finding her missing brother. As Cal soon learns, Ardnakelty’s hills are roiling with “unseen things”; the close-knit community is claustrophobic and self-policing. Its tacit rules and codes prove nearly impenetrable.

In “The Hunter,” Cal, two years older, is still living in Ardnakelty. By now, rural Ireland has lost its romantic charm, but he has found actual romance with a local woman, Lena, and developed a paternal relationship with the teenage Trey. Smart, angry and talented, Trey — who helps Cal refinish and repair old furniture — has earned the grudging respect of villagers slow to relinquish their idea of the Reddy family as the anointed town losers.

When Trey’s feckless father, Johnny, reappears, he’s trailing get-rich-quick schemes and a wealthy Londoner eager to reconnect with his roots — a “plastic paddy” filled with dreams of the Ould Sod. Cal and Lena want Trey to stay well clear, but she has different ideas. This is more than a teenager’s rebellion; what Trey can’t see is that the adults are battling for her future in a place where fatalism has just about taken the place of religion.

To an outsider, the predictable rhythms of village life (Thursdays at the pub; gossip at the grocery store) look quaintly unchanged; we — through Cal — know differently. No one in Ardnakelty is under any illusions: Elderly bachelors lack for wives, young people can’t find jobs and climate change is destroying their way of life in real time.

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Dictionnaires de langue en ligne

'; audChoice = audChoice.replace(/ selected=["']selected["']/gm, '');var audT = document.getElementById('audT');if ((audT) && (audPref)) { //Parse the content if(audPref.indexOf(':') > -1) { var audPrefAccent = audPref.split(':')[0]; var playbackRate = audPref.split(':')[1]; } else { var audPrefAccent = audPref; var playbackRate = 1; } var re = new RegExp('( UK and possibly other pronunciationsUK and possibly other pronunciations/rɪˈvjuː/US:USA pronunciation: IPA and respellingUSA pronunciation: IPA/rɪˈvju/ ,USA pronunciation: respelling(ri vyo̅o̅ ) | | | | | | WordReference English-French Dictionary © 2024: Anglais Français (check, read) vérifier , revoir    ( ) relire   Can you review my message before you send it?   Pouvez-vous vérifier ( revoir) mon message avant de l'envoyer ? (re-examine) revoir , réexaminer   Let me review what happened to see if we can do anything about it.   Laissez-moi revoir ( réexaminer) ce qui s'est passé pour voir si on peut faire quelque chose. (revise lessons) ( ) réviser   I'm reviewing my geography for a quiz tomorrow. (critique, analyse) ( ) passer en revue, examiner    ( ) faire la critique de   The reporter reviewed the new product for the newspaper.   Le reporter a passé en revue ( examiné) le nouveau produit pour le journal. (critique) ( ) compte rendu    ( ) critique   The review did not say many good things about this car.   What do the review say about that new film?   Le compte rendu n'a pas mentionné beaucoup de points positifs pour cette voiture.   Que dit la critique sur ce nouveau film ? (hotel, service, etc.: customer's report) ( ) avis   The hotel has had a hundred reviews, only two of them negative. (analysis) analyse     examen   Her review of the scientific study found no problems with the reasoning or methods used.   Son analyse de l'étude scientifique n'a identifié aucun problème quant à la logique ou aux méthodes utilisées. (examination) examen     revue   He undertook a thorough review of the company's computer security.   Il a entrepris un examen rigoureux de la protection informatique de la société.   Il a entrepris une revue rigoureuse de la protection informatique de la société. Anglais Français (publication) ( ) revue   The Hollywood Review is a respected movie industry magazine.   La revue 'Hollywood' est un magazine respecté de l'industrie cinématographique. (military: inspection) ( ) revue   The general conducted a formal review of the troops while they stood at attention.   Le général a passé les troupes en revue alors qu'elles étaient au garde-à-vous. (reexamination, reassessment) réexamen   The school's approach to discipline needs a full review.   L'approche que cette école a concernant la discipline a besoin d'un réexamen ( doit être réexaminé). (revision of lessons before an exam) ( ) révision   The teacher told us to read page 6 of the textbook as a review for the history test. (inspect: troops) ( ) passer en revue   The general reviewed the troops before battle.   Le général a passé les troupes en revue avant la bataille. (view in retrospect) ( ) revoir , réexaminer   A few years later he reviewed his actions and decided that he would not do things the same way again.   Quelques années plus tard, il a revu ( réexaminé) ses actions et a décidé qu'il ne procèderait pas de la même manière à l'avenir. WordReference English- French Dictionary © 2024: Anglais Français (be examined or reconsidered) être à l'étude   The proposed changes to the law are still under review.   Les changements proposés à la loi sont encore à l'étude. (evaluating committee) commission d'examen   The board of review considers appeals by residents who are unable to pay property taxes. (critique of a book) critique littéraire   Alexandra writes the book reviews for a national newspaper.   Alexandra écrit des critiques littéraires pour un journal national. (economic or banking report) bilan financier   The company released a financial review. (employee appraisal) entretien d'évaluation   Every employee has a job performance review at the end of each year. (supreme court review) ( ) recours judiciaire (court review: public body action) ( ) contrôle juridictionnel (law: revision) ( ) examen de la compétence   A jurisdictional review was conducted to decide whether the legislation contravened the Constitution.   L'examen de la compétence a été réalisé afin de déterminer si la loi contrevient à la Constitution. (scholarly paper) analyse documentaire     références bibliographiques   Rebecca is writing a literature review summarizing current knowledge on this subject. (critique of a film) critique de film   I rarely read movie reviews: I prefer to make my own judgements. (assessment by one's colleagues) évaluation par ses pairs    ( ) évaluation par ses collègues    ( ) évaluation de ses collègues    ( ) inter-évaluation   I completed a peer review of my co-worker's performance.   J'ai fait une évaluation de mon collègue sur ses résultats. (work appraisal) évaluation   After a performance review is an appropriate time for a pay raise. (summary of news articles) revue de presse (procedure for assessing [sth]) démarche d'évaluation de la qualité   All the courses offered by the college go through a quality review process. (extremely favourable critique) critique dithyrambique   The new hit musical opened to rave reviews on Broadway.     critique élogieuse (panel: considers a matter) commission d'étude   If you are not satisfied with the police department's ruling on a complaint, you could appeal to the review board.     commission de révision (to consider a matter) réunion d'évaluation   The latest designs of the product were discussed at a review meeting. (meeting to consider a matter) session d'évaluation   A review session will be held at the end of the course. (thorough and detailed appraisal) analyse complète   A dissertation should include a systematic review of the relevant literature.     analyse méthodique Discussions du forum dont le titre comprend le(s) mot(s) "review" : Go to Preferences page and choose from different actions for taps or mouse clicks. Dans d'autres langues : espagnol | italien | portugais | roumain | allemand | néerlandais | suédois | russe | polonais | tchèque | grec | turc | chinois | japonais | coréen | arabe Publicités Publicités utilisez pour une recherche plus rapide de WordReference. © 2024 WordReference.com English version un éventuel problème. Skip to primary navigation Skip to main content Skip to primary sidebar Skip to footer StoryLearning Learn A Language Through Stories The 13 Best French Children’s Books To Learn French No Matter Your Age When learning French , one of the keys to success is making sure you use a variety of different resources so you're exposed to as much natural, authentic language in as wide a range of contexts as possible. Nowadays, you’re spoilt for choice with the online study materials you can turn to. But sometimes, the old ways are still the best – and reading is still an excellent way to improve your French. However, knowing what to read can be difficult, especially since reading is at its most effective when you have reading material that’s at just the right level for you. Many learners find it useful to start reading kids’ books before they move on to tackling native-level material intended for adults. And to help you find something suitable, here are my top recommendations for French children’s books for you to try. By the way, if you want to learn French fast by reading, my top recommendation is  French Uncovered  which teaches you through StoryLearning®.  With  French Uncovered,  you’ll use my unique StoryLearning® method to learn French through story…not rules. It’s as fun as it is effective. If you’re ready to get started,  click here for a 7-day FREE trial . Table of Contents 1. Le Petit Prince –  Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Any list of French children’s books can really only start in one place, and that’s with Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s Le Petit Prince . It’s inarguably the best-known and most beloved of all French children’s books the world over. The book was first published simultaneously in English and French in the United States in 1943 after de Saint-Exupéry’s death. It went on to be translated into over 500 different languages and dialects, making it the second most translated work in history, behind only the Bible. The narrator of the story is a pilot who crashes his plane in the Sahara and meets the Little Prince there – and in conversing with the Little Prince, he learns of his fantastical story. Although primarily a children’s book, Le Petit Prince is deceptively complex and layered and so will also appeal to adult readers, especially those who haven’t quite lost touch with their inner child. Its simple style and short length also make it an excellent place to start for learners of French. And you'll probably find yourself enjoying this classic French children’s book at some point on your learning journey. 2. Les Trois Mousquetaires –  Alexandre Dumas You've probably at least have heard of Les Trois Mousquetaires ( The Three Musketeers ). If you're an ambitious learner looking for a tale of action and high adventure, this could be an obvious place to turn. The story follows the life of d'Artagnan, a young man who leaves Gascony and sets off for Paris in the hopes of enrolling in the élite unit, the Musketeers of the Guard. Things start badly for him, and he soon finds himself duelling with three of the most famous Musketeers of the day. However, d'Artagnan eventually becomes close friends with the three, and the novel then recounts the adventures they go on to share. This book is less suitable for those with a lower level of French, both because it’s very long and also because it was written in the mid-19 th century, making some of the language it uses quite challenging. However, it’s a classic of the genre and a well-known work of French literature. So if you're an advanced learner who is up for a challenge, you should consider giving it a go. 3. Le Tour Du Monde En Quatre-Vingts Jours – Jules Verne A tale of adventure that blurs the distinction between French children’s books and novels for grownups is Le Tour du monde en quatre-vingts jours by Jules Verne. The book is known in English as Around the World in Eighty Days and was first published in 1872. The novel tells the tale of Phileas Fogg, an imperturbable Englishman who places a wager with the other members of his club that he can complete a trip around the world in no more the 80 days. His attempt sees him pass through India, Japan and the United States among others by boat, train and any other means of transport available in his effort to win the bet. Again, the language is slightly dated, making it more challenging if your French isn’t quite up to the level.  However, its shorter length helps make it more accessible than something as long as Les Trois Mousquetaires . And the style of writing is also relatively easy to understand. If you like this, you can also try other novels by Jules Verne, including Vingt mille lieues sous les mers ( Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Seas ) and Voyage au centre de la Terre ( Journey to the Centre of the Earth ). I learnt an important lesson about reading in French when I first read Jules Verne – and that was not to look up and write down every word I didn’t know while reading but rather to guess words I didn’t know and to read mostly for enjoyment instead. Otherwise, you’ll end up looking up lots of obscure words you’ll never need to use – like words related to 19 th -century travel – and it will take you about six months to finish a single short novel. This is good advice to apply whenever you try reading books in a foreign language! And in fact, it just happens to be one of the 10 rules of StoryLearning. 4. Histoire de Babar – Jean de Brunhoff For something a bit lighter, you can try the Babar books, the first being Histoire de Babar by Jean de Brunhoff, which first appeared in 1931. This series of French children's books also exists translated into English. But if you’re learning French, it can be rewarding to read them in the original. They consist of illustrated stories about an elephant named Babar who, in the original story, leaves the jungle and visits Paris after his mother is killed by a hunter. Following his time in Paris, he returns to Africa where he is proclaimed the King of the Elephants and brings new levels of civilisation to his subjects after his experiences abroad. In the years since their publication, the books have been subject to negative interpretations, specifically because the plot can be seen as glorifying French colonialism. While this may be true – and in this sense, some elements have not aged well – the Babar books still delight readers in many ways, providing a fun means of improving your French while enjoying stories that generations of French kids have grown up reading. In French and also Belgian popular culture, BD – bande dessinée or comic strips – occupy a special place, and most children enjoy reading them. Among the most famous outside of France is Astérix . This BD tells of the adventures of the eponymous hero and his band of Gaulish warriors who spend their time resisting the Roman occupation with the help of a special magic potion. Reading BDs like Astérix is an enjoyable and effective way of improving your French because the language is usually easy to understand, and the pictures can help you get a handle on the gist of the story. You’ll also get plenty of exposure to real language in terms of grammar and vocabulary at the same time as learning more about French culture and cultural references , all of which can only help give your overall French ability a boost. 6. Le Petit Nicolas – René Goscinny, Illustrated By Jean-Jacques Sempé Le Petit Nicolas started as a BD in Belgium depicting an idealised version of France in the 1950s. But the author and illustrator later decided to adapt it into book form. The books revolve around Nicolas, a young boy who serves as the narrator. Nicolas tells the stories through the eyes of a child who often misunderstands the behaviour of the adults around him, which forms the basis of many of the jokes. The Nicolas books are especially endearing due to the naïve nature of the main protagonist as well as the quaint view of French life they portray. Set in the 1950s, the stories may be a little dated now. But they're still fun to read and offer a window into the France of yesteryear and the preoccupations of a young boy trying to make sense of the world around him. 7. Les Contes De Perrault – Charles Perrault Active in the 17 th and the very first years of the 18 th centuries, Charles Perrault was a French author who is credited with inventing the fairy tale as a literary genre. Although you may not have heard of him before, almost everyone knows his most famous contes (tales) since he penned classics like: Le Petit Chaperon Rouge (Little Red Riding Hood) Cendrillon (Cinderella) and La Belle au bois dormant (Sleeping Beauty). As you might expect, his original stories aren't always easy for beginners to read since his language is now dated.  However, for more curious advanced readers interested in discovering the original versions of these well-known tales, his works can make a fascinating read. 8. Les Malheurs De Sophie – Sophie Rostopchine, Countess of Ségur Les Malheurs de Sophie ( Sophie’s Misfortunes ) is a classic French children’s novel written by Russian-born Sophie Rostopchine, Countess of Ségur. Published in 1858, the book details the life and tribulations of Sophie, a mischievous little girl growing up in a castle in the countryside of 19 th -century France. It has remained popular among French children to this day and was formerly also a traditional text used to teach young girls French in the UK. It’s a suitable option for both children and adults looking to improve their French – although you will need a certain level of French to understand it since it was written with native-speaking French children in mind. The Le Loup (The Wolf) stories are a collection of 24 illustrated books aimed at children with a friendly wolf as the main character. The first book in the series is Le loup qui voulait changer de couleur ( The Wolf Who Wanted to Change Colour) . Others include Le loup qui voulait être un artiste ( The Wolf Who Wanted to be an Artist ) and Le loup qui avait un nouvel ami ( The Wolf Who Had a New Friend ). As you can probably guess from these titles, each book tells the story of the wolf’s latest adventures. They’re the kind of books that will appeal to younger readers who are learning French – as well as older learners who enjoy reading these kinds of kids’ books. Bear in mind, however, that these books have been written with native speakers rather than learners in mind. For example, the stories use the literary past historic tense, something that beginners won’t be familiar with. So you’ll still need a certain level to be able to understand. 10. T’choupi T’choupi is a series of books (and animated cartoons on YouTube) aimed at even younger kids – children who you read to and those who are beginning to read for themselves. The stories are designed to teach young children basic life lessons like sharing their toys. For example, one book has the title T’choupi ne veut pas prêter (T’choupi doesn’t want to lend/share). This is a good example of the kind of common themes you can expect. T’choupi is prone to tantrums, and he usually learns the error of his ways as the stories progress. This should also give you an idea of the kind of age group these books are aimed at – they wouldn’t be especially rewarding for an adult interested in reading French children's books to improve their fluency. However, if you have a bilingual child – or a very young child who is already starting French lessons – the 55 books in this series would be ideal, especially thanks to the adorable illustrations and lively plots. 11. Petit Ours Brun The Petit Ours Brun (Little Brown Bear) collection is aimed at a similar age group as the T’choupi books and features broadly similar storylines and attractive illustrations. However, the main difference is that the Little Bear inhabits a much more idealised – and perhaps outdated – world where the mum stays at home, the dad goes out to work and the Little Bear himself is a well-behaved only child. The books are recommended for children between two and six years old. So they’re good for reading to younger children or letting children read for themselves once they learn. Again, they’re not great for adults looking for something to help improve their own French. But if you have young children who are learning French and want to practise your French at the same time, reading books like this with your kids could help you kill two birds with one stone. 12. Martine – Marcel Marlier And Gilbert Delahaye The Martine series is a collection of illustrated French-language books by Marcel Marlier and Gilbert Delahaye, both from Belgium, that first appeared in 1954. The 60 th and final book in the series was published in 2010, the year before the death of illustrator, Marlier. The books have proved to be incredibly popular, selling over 100 million copies since their inception.  They follow the adventures of Martine and her two brothers, Jean and Alain. Titles include Martine à la ferme ( Martine at the Farm ), Martine fait du camping ( Martine Goes Camping ) and Martine au zoo (Martine at the Zoo), giving you an idea of the kind of plotlines to expect. These are the kind of books that younger readers will appreciate most. But due to the everyday nature of the stories they tell and the experiences of Martine in each book, they’re also good for lower-level adult learners looking to pick up some basic vocab from kids’ books. 13. Niourk – Stefan Wul A science fiction novel aimed at young teenagers, Niourk (1957) is set in a future dystopian world where only tribes with Stone Age technology manage to survive. A child, who has been sentenced to death once the tribe’s shaman comes back from the sacred city, instead sets off for the sacred city himself when the shaman fails to return. There, he discovers remnants of the past, and the meaning of the novel’s title is revealed. Although you may already be able to guess, especially with the help of the images of the Statue of Liberty that adorn the cover of many editions of the book. Stefan Wul writes with an easy style for intermediate/upper intermediate readers and above to understand. And his stories are gripping and engaging, making them a recommended choice for science fiction fans who are also intent on improving their French. FAQs About French Children's Books What are some good French children's books to learn French? 1. Le Petit Prince –  Antoine de Saint-Exupéry 2. Les Trois Mousquetaires –  Alexandre Dumas 3. Le Tour du monde en quatre-vingts jours – Jules Verne 4. Histoire de Babar – Jean de Brunhoff 5. Astérix 6. Le Petit Nicolas – René Goscinny, illustrated by Jean-Jacques Sempé 7. Les Contes de Perrault – Charles Perrault 8. Les Malheurs de Sophie – Sophie Rostopchine, Countess of Ségur 9. Le Loup 10. T’choupi 11. Petit Ours Brun 12. Martine – Marcel Marlier and Gilbert Delahaye 13. Niourk – Stefan Wul French Children's Books – Enjoy What You Read As I mentioned in the introduction, varying your study material is an important element in successful language learning, and reading can play a big part in this. It’s essential to choose reading material that challenges you but that isn’t too difficult. If you understand about 80%, then it won’t be too hard, but it will still be difficult enough to push you to improve. This is a key part of the StoryLearning method. In this list, I’ve tried to give you a good selection of material to choose from, including different types of novels, books for different ages and material at different levels.  That way, you should be able to find something at the right level for you and also something that you enjoy – because enjoying what you read will help you get the most out of whatever material you choose to consume. Language Courses Language Blog Testimonials Meet Our Team Media & Press Steal My Method? I’ve written some simple emails explaining the techniques I’ve used to learn 8 languages… Which language are you learning? What is your current level in  Where shall I send them? We will protect your data in accordance with our data policy. Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective tips… Download Your Free StoryLearning® Kit! Discover the world famous story-based method that 1,023,037 people have used to learn a language quickly… What is your current level in WAIT! 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Join 84,574 other language learners getting StoryLearning tips by email… “After I started to use your ideas, I learn better, for longer, with more passion. Thanks for the life-change!” – Dallas Nesbit Perfect! You’ve now got access to my most effective [level] [language] tips… Find The Perfect Language Course For You! Looking for world-class training material to help you make a breakthrough in your language learning? Click ‘start now’ and complete this short survey to find the perfect course for you! Do you like the idea of learning through story? Do you want…? review translation | English-French dictionary review board , book review , judicial review , peer review 'review' also found in translations in French-English dictionary station Edit the entry Delete the entry Add a suggestion Add comment ! Put in pending Sign up to add your entry 118 IMAGES FRENCH Chapter Book Review Template The 8 Best French Books for Beginners 16 Fantastic French Books Available in English Translation Book review of Demystifying the French Critique de livre Book Review Worksheet French Best 7 French Books for Beginners COMMENTS 16 Best Books For Learning French Check prices and reviews. This second title, The Ultimate French Review and Practice by David Stillman and Ronni Gordon, is an excellent companion to the Complete French All-in-One. Ultimate French is also a publication of McGraw Hill. While both of these books cover the same areas (grammar, verb conjugations, etc.), Ultimate French's explanations are slightly more nuanced. Book Reviews Reviews for a General Audience. Literature and popular works (memoirs, travel writing, manuals, etc.) are often reviewed by journalists or fellow authors upon publication in newspapers or magazines. Use the following databases to find reviews in these publications. Book Review Index. Talking about BOOKS and READING in FRENCH = a book that has sold in large numbers (=a bestseller) Example in a sentence : "Ce roman est un best-seller dans de nombreux pays." Une critique littéraire (yn kʁitik litɛʁɛʁ) = an evaluation or analysis of a book by a critic (=a literary review) Example in a sentence : "J'ai lu une critique littéraire élogieuse sur ce roman." [English > French] Writing a Book Review in French : r/translator [English > French] Writing a Book Review in French French (Long) I just recently finished reading La Peste by Albert Camus and want to write a review of it in French. I can read and understand almost anything in French, but I'm not as confident in my writing skills since I only really learned how to write in French in high school. ... 12 Best French Books for Beginners 10. "Short Stories in French for Beginners" by Olly Richards and Richard Simcott. 11. "French Short Stories" by Dylane Moreau. 12. The "Astérix" Series by Rene Goscinny. Reading Tips for Beginners. Benefits of Reading French Books for Beginners. FAQ About French Books for Beginners. 10 French Novels to Read Now 10 French Novels to Read Now. PANTIN, France — France, or, rather, the French language, since not all authors who write in French hail from France, is the guest of honor at this year's ... The 10 classic French books to read to improve your French The book explores the intricacies of 19th century Parisian society, allowing readers to dive into French culture and history while following a gripping story. Les Miserables (Victor Hugo) " Les Misérables " by Victor Hugo is a masterpiece of French literature which has been the subject of numerous cinematographic adaptations, including in ... The 22 Best French Books to Read in 2024 La gloire de mon père ( My Father's Glory) by Marcel Pagnol. Marcel Pagnol is THE iconic writer from the South of France. Many of his books are classics, but La gloire de mon père is especially beloved. This autobiographical novel tells the story of Pagnol's early years and adventures in and around Marseille. book review translation in French n. vt. n. Tell students to write the book review in the first person. Dites aux élèves d'écrire la critique de livre à la première personne. It was just a book review. Ce n'était qu'une critique de livre. The maximum length of a book review is 12,000 characters, including footnotes and spaces. 15 Best French Books (From All Genres) Anthology French Books. 7. La Maison de Claudine/ Claudine's House - Colette (1922) This is another book that is suitable for those who are just learning to read in French. In this delightful book, the author Colette's childhood in rural France in the early twentieth century is depicted in a collection of vignettes. Translate book review from English to French Detailed Translations for book review from English to French. book review: book review [the ~] noun. the book review (review; criticism; critique; analysis) - a critical review of a book (usually a recently published book) 1. la rescension; le compte-rendu; la critique littéraire; la critique. 25 Best French Novels That You Must Read Things you'll find in this article. 25 Best French Novels That You Must Read. 1. Le Rouge et le Noir / The Red and the Black by Stendhal (1830) 2. Le Comte de Monte-Cristo / The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas (1846) 3. Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert (1856) 4. 47 French Book Terms 17 French Book Words. les romans - novels. les romans policiers - detective stories. les romans fantasy - fantasy novels. les livres de science-fiction - sci-fi books. les livres qui font du bien - books that give a feel-good factor. un coup de cœur - a book that one really enjoyed. les livres audio - audio books. Best books to learn French and my tips on how to read in French Le Petit Nicolas, is a bit of an OVNI (UFO). It's a comic, but it's a book. And that's why it is valuable for French learners because the visuals are here to reinforce the text. Yes, it is a children's book, but some of the topics can resonate with everyone. (Also you might remember it from my list of French movies) The 10 best books for learning French (at any level)! Les Petits Loustics (Little Scamps) by Hugues Denisot, Marianne Capouet and Brigitte Eubelen (Hachette FLE) is a method for learning French designed for young children. It covers familiar themes such as "My body", "Toys", "Animals" and so on. Through these, children become used to following short stories, recognising and naming ... The 9 Best Books to Learn French Fast The Practice Makes Perfect: Complete French All-in-One book is the best overall to learn French because it includes a huge amount of study material. This book combines 7 different workbooks into one comprehensive source. It covers topics ranging from masculine and feminine nouns to the passé composé tense and even verb transfers and prepositions. How to Write a Book Review in 3 Steps Be sure to mention the authors of the title and what experience or expertise they bring to the title. Check Stefan Kløvning's review of Creativity Cycling for an example of a summary that establishes the framework of the book within the context of its field. Step 2. Present your evaluation. French translation of 'review' French Translation of "REVIEW" | The official Collins English-French Dictionary online. Over 100,000 French translations of English words and phrases. TRANSLATOR. LANGUAGE. GAMES. SCHOOLS. BLOG. RESOURCES. ... The book had good reviews. Ce livre a eu de bonnes critiques. 3. book review in French Translation of "book review" into French . critique littéraire, compte rendu, critique littéraire d'un livre are the top translations of "book review" into French. Sample translated sentence: Nor do they generally become the subject of book reviews. ↔ Et rarement font-ils l'objet d'un compte rendu. Book Review: 'The Hunter,' by Tana French In "The Hunter," Cal, two years older, is still living in Ardnakelty. By now, rural Ireland has lost its romantic charm, but he has found actual romance with a local woman, Lena, and developed ... review review [sth] vtr. (re-examine) revoir ⇒, réexaminer ⇒ vtr. Let me review what happened to see if we can do anything about it. Laissez-moi revoir ( or: réexaminer) ce qui s'est passé pour voir si on peut faire quelque chose. review [sth] vtr. US (revise lessons) (Scolaire) réviser ⇒ vtr. The 13 Best French Children's Books A tale of adventure that blurs the distinction between French children's books and novels for grownups is Le Tour du monde en quatre-vingts jours by Jules Verne.. The book is known in English as Around the World in Eighty Days and was first published in 1872.. The novel tells the tale of Phileas Fogg, an imperturbable Englishman who places a wager with the other members of his club that he ... review translation in French review. n. [+situation, policy, case, contract, salary, system] révision f. → A stringent review of public expenditure began immediately ... → That policy was due for review this year. to be under review être en passe d'être révisé (e) → The present arrangements are under review. to come under review être révisé (e) assignment homework phd report resume review speech thesis