8 Things to Read in Spanish to Get Fluent Fast📚
Check out my top picks for what to read in Spanish - from the newspaper to comics to books.
Reading in Spanish might seem scary initially, with all the unfamiliar words and unique grammar structures. However, as you delve deeper into the texts, new vocabulary will be acquired, allowing you to comprehend the narrative without the need to refer to a dictionary so frequently. So, it is important to not get discouraged and keep forging along.
The following are my top picks for what to read in Spanish with the goal of rapidly increasing your Spanish comprehension:
Diario (Newspaper)
Reading short news stories in Spanish is a valuable method for learning the language. Starting with Spanish news websites is beneficial, as it provides an opportunity to see and learn new words and understand current happenings in the world.
The practice of reading newspapers can expose you to varied vocabulary and different sentence structures, which are crucial in becoming proficient in a new language. By beginning with simpler articles and gradually progressing to more complex ones, you can effectively enhance your Spanish language skills. This method not only helps in learning the language but also offers insights into the culture, lifestyle, and issues of Spanish-speaking communities, making it a comprehensive learning experience.
Here are some Spanish newspapers from around the world that are perfect to practice reading:
Argentina: infobae.com
Spain: El Pais
Miami: El Nuevo Herald
Magazines About Topics You are Interested In
We often say a good way to make children like reading is to have them read something about a topic or character they are interested in. The same applies to reading in Spanish as a second language. If you are not interested in what you are reading, you will get bored. The same happens when reading in our native language. A really good way to read in Spanish is to pick a topic you are really interested in, find a magazine or website about that topic and dive in.
For example, if one of your hobbies in photography, you could read DNG Photo Magazine, a popular photography website in Spanish.
If you really like music, you could read Rolling Stone magazine in Spanish.
Mafalda or Other Comics
Quino's renowned comic series is an ideal, entertaining text to read in Spanish. The amusing short comics narrate the adventures of a 10-year-old girl, Mafalda, alongside her friends and family. Mafalda holds a special place in the hearts of Argentinians, symbolized by her statue in San Telmo, Buenos Aires.
You can buy Mafalda books on amazon here.
You can also follow the offical Mafalda instagram which has many past versions of the comic posted.
Short Stories
Short stories are good to read as their length won’t desmotivate you. Since they aren’t too long, completing them will give you a sense of accomplishment that will motivate you to keep reading new things.
Intriguing stories penned by Hernán Casciari are accessible online, offering varied and enriching content to explore. Find them on amazon here.
You could also read short stories by Pedro Mairal, an Argentine author for free on his website. Or find his collection of short stories on amazon here.
Spanish Novels
Consider indulging in renowned Spanish novels, as they offer extensive insights into the Spanish-speaking world's culture, history, and societal norms. Books by authors like Gabriel García Márquez or Isabel Allende can enrich and provide a profound understanding of literary Spanish. If you are an advanced reader, consider Jorge Luis Borges, the acclaimed Argentine writer.
Reddit in Spanish
Exploring Spanish forums, particularly reddit, can be beneficial in experiencing the language in its more informal and colloquial form. Reddit allows for interaction with native speakers and exposure to varied topics, enhancing cultural and contextual understanding.
Poetry
Spanish poetry, rich in metaphor and symbolism, can be a great way to experience the beauty of the language. The poems of Pablo Neruda or Federico García Lorca offer a lyrical and emotional exploration of Spanish, broadening the reader's appreciation for its versatility and expressiveness.
Bilingual Books
Reading bilingual books, with Spanish text juxtaposed with your native language, can be a strategic approach to understanding context and meaning, enabling a smoother transition to fully Spanish texts.
Here is an example of Tom Sawyer on amazon.
Books you have already read in English
Reading the Spanish translation of books you have already read in English can be a great way to enhance your comprehension of Spanish text. Since you already know the story and plot line, your brain is able to figure out what some words mean, since you can fill in the blanks with what you already know is happening in the book.
Books that are more story based and entertaining that you have already read, like the Harry Potter books or Dan Brown books like The Da Vinci Code, are a good place to start.
For those who have read its pages in their native language, “The Little Prince” is a great choice. The book’s concise and coherent narrative makes it a reader-friendly option for Spanish learners, aiding in consolidating vocabulary and comprehension skills.
Find it on amazon here.
Being determined, sticking to a plan, and reading lots of different things in Spanish will surely help you get better at it. It’s important to not be scared by the hard parts at the start, to really get into the language, and to have fun learning it. You never know, you might be surprised by how quickly you start to understand everything you are reading. Don’t wait, start reading in Spanish now!
What are you reading in Spanish right now? Let us know in the comments below!
Disclosure: Some of the links above to amazon are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.