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Italian Books to Read for Italian Learners

Italian Books to Read for Italian Learners

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Reading in Italian is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the language and get a feel for its rhythms, idioms, and structures. To help you choose, we’ve curated a list of Italian books organized by language proficiency level!

A1-A2: Beginner

  1. "Divina Avventura" by Enrico Cerni, Francesca Gambino, Maria Distefano
    A simplified version of Dante Alighieri’s Divina Commedia, this adventure takes you through Dante's journey in an easy-to-understand format. The book is designed for learners at the A1-A2 levels, with easy vocabulary and clear sentences.
  2. "Storie di 2 minuti" by Valeria Blasi
    This book offers a collection of short stories that can be read in just two minutes. Each tale is brief yet engaging, providing a quick language learning experience. The short format is ideal for quick daily practice.
  3. Adapted Classics by Black Cat Publishers
    Black Cat publishes simplified versions of well-known classics such as Le avventure di Pinocchio or I Promessi Sposi. These books are rewritten for beginners, offering an easy introduction to Italy’s literary masterpieces. Each chapter includes vocabulary and comprehension exercises.

B1: Intermediate

  1. Fabio Volo’s books
    Fabio Volo’s books are known for their conversational and contemporary tone. His works, such as "Il giorno in più", often deal with everyday life, relationships, and personal growth. Volo’s simple, colloquial writing makes his books accessible to intermediate learners, while also providing insight into modern Italian life.
  2. "Io non ho paura" by Niccolò Ammaniti
    This novel tells the story of a young boy who uncovers a dark secret in his small Italian village. It’s a compelling coming-of-age story with suspense and emotional depth. Ammaniti’s straightforward yet evocative writing is ideal for intermediate learners looking for more challenging, engaging texts.
  3. "Novecento" by Alessandro Baricco
    This is the fascinating monologue of a pianist who spent his entire life on a ship, never setting foot on land. The story is poetic and surreal, yet its language is clear and accessible. Its concise length makes it less daunting while still introducing students to rich storytelling and deeper themes.
  4. Italian Translations of Your Favorite Books
    Reading Italian translations of books you already know in your native language is a fantastic way to boost comprehension. Many learners enjoy re-reading favorites like Harry Potter or The Little Prince (Il Piccolo Principe) in Italian. Familiarity with the plot makes it easier to focus on language learning without getting lost in the storyline.

B2-C1: Advanced

  1. Gianluca Gotto’s books
    Perfect for travel enthusiasts, his books use rich but accessible language to discuss life’s deeper meanings, making it a good fit for upper-intermediate learners. They are both inspiring reads and reflections on modern life. Among the others, we recommend “Le coordinate della felicità” and “Succede sempre qualcosa di meraviglioso”.
  2. "L'amica geniale" by Elena Ferrante
    This internationally acclaimed novel tells the story of two friends, Elena and Lila, growing up in post-war Naples. It explores themes of friendship, identity, and social change. The language is rich and descriptive, making it ideal for B2-C1 learners. The captivating story will keep you hooked while improving your Italian.
  3. "In altre parole" by Jhumpa Lahiri
    Jhumpa Lahiri, an American writer, fell in love with the Italian language and wrote this autobiographical work in Italian. It reflects on her journey of learning Italian, offering deep insights into language and identity. Since the book is written by a non-native speaker, advanced learners can relate to her language journey while being exposed to well-crafted Italian prose.
  4. "Fiabe Italiane" by Italo Calvino
    A collection of Italian fairy tales, collected and rewritten by Italo Calvino. These stories are rich with cultural heritage and enchanting tales from across Italy. The slightly archaic but poetic language will push your Italian to new levels.
  5. "Fiabe della buonanotte per bambine ribelli" by Francesca Cavallo and Elena Favilli
    This bestselling collection features short biographies of extraordinary women, from queens to scientists, each written in the form of a bedtime story. The short, inspiring stories are perfect for learners who want to challenge themselves with advanced vocabulary while being inspired by real-life figures.

No matter your level, reading in Italian will accelerate your progress, expose you to Italian culture, and deepen your understanding of the language.

And if you are interested in Italian literature, participate to our free webinar on October 9th, at 12.30 pm (Italian time), by our teacher Fabiano Spessi: “The Italian of literature. Forms, styles, communicative contexts”. We’ll delve deeper into the use of Italian in literature by analysing texts by authors from the 20th century and the 2000s.

Sign up here: https://www.scuolaleonardo.com/it/partecipa-ai-webinar-seminari-per-insegnanti-italiano-l2-ls.html

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