Гайд по чтению книг на АНГЛИЙСКОМ! Лайфхаки, план и рекомендации

How to Start Reading in English?

Introduction to the Guide

• The speaker mentions reading only one book in English throughout 2024 but managed to read 11 books in the previous month, all in English.

• Emphasizes that this video is a comprehensive guide on how to start reading in English, including life hacks and specific recommendations for genres, authors, and books.

• Requests viewers to watch the entire video without skipping parts to fully grasp the methodology presented.

Reasons for Reading in English

• The speaker shares personal motivations for reading in English, noting that each individual may have different reasons.

• Highlights that many fantasy series are published with delays or are not translated into Russian, making it difficult for readers who prefer those genres.

• Points out that some highly acclaimed books are unavailable in translation, such as "The Wheel of the Many," which he wants to read upon its release.

Challenges with Translations

• Discusses issues with translations of popular series like "Dungeon Crawler Carl," where poor quality translations diminish enjoyment and understanding of humor present in the original text.

• Expresses a desire to experience new releases firsthand without encountering spoilers or external opinions affecting his perception.

Personal Journey and Learning Experience

• Shares his background starting from a B2 level of English; he had been learning it for years but struggled with reading until recently.

• Describes how working at an American company motivated him to improve his language skills quickly due to professional requirements.

Transitioning from Understanding Speech to Reading

• Reflects on the difficulty transitioning from being able to understand spoken English (like YouTube videos and podcasts) to reading books comfortably.

• Notes that it took about 2–3 months of dedicated practice before he could read easily and enjoyably. He suggests others should expect similar timelines for improvement.

Strategies for Improving Reading Skills

• Indicates that while initial struggles are common, consistent practice leads to significant progress within a few months.

• Encourages viewers not only focus on grammar but also engage actively with content through various forms of media.

How to Improve Your English Reading Skills

Understanding the Challenge of Speaking vs. Reading in English

• The speaker discusses their limited speaking practice in English, averaging only three hours a week, while consuming content like movies and books primarily in English.

• They emphasize that comprehension is not an issue, but speaking remains challenging; the focus will be on reading skills rather than general speaking advice.

• The goal is to learn how to read contemporary books in English, particularly in genres like fantasy.

Immersing Yourself in English Content

• The speaker recommends surrounding oneself with useful English content, specifically book-related videos (Booktube), which provide vocabulary and recommendations.

• Finding favorite Booktube creators can help build trust in their recommendations; they mention discovering 90% of their reads through these channels.

• Starting with videos featuring Russian subtitles can ease into watching without them, eventually transitioning to English subtitles as comfort grows.

Transitioning from Videos to Podcasts

• Listening to podcasts during daily activities is suggested as a way to further immerse oneself; the speaker shares personal experiences enjoying book-related podcasts.

• They recommend starting with manga for reading practice due to its visual storytelling aiding comprehension while expanding vocabulary.

Building Confidence Through Manga

• The speaker notes that manga significantly boosted their reading skills; understanding context through images makes it easier despite initial challenges with vocabulary.

• They advise spending ample time on manga until one feels comfortable reading without a dictionary, suggesting this could take around six months based on personal experience.

Choosing Appropriate Genres and Books

• When ready for novels, selecting genres of interest is crucial; the speaker warns against forcing oneself into recommended books that don't align with personal tastes.

• They suggest starting with popular series like "One Piece" or "Naruto" for beginners or "Bakuman" for those seeking more text-heavy narratives without fantasy elements.

Reading Strategies for English Literature

The Role of Adapted Literature and Manga

• The speaker discusses the replacement of children's fairy tales with manga, emphasizing that manga features simple English and visuals that aid comprehension.

• They criticize adapted literature, particularly classic works, arguing it lacks the original poetry and depth that makes reading worthwhile.

Challenges with Classic Literature

• The speaker shares their personal experience, stating that reading familiar texts in translation was uninteresting and ineffective for learning.

• They recommend starting with genres like fantasy and sci-fi due to their engaging stories, even if one is not initially a fan.

Recommendations for Fantasy and Sci-Fi

• The speaker advocates for fantasy as a beginner-friendly genre because of its abundance of modern books suitable for various reading levels.

• Young Adult (YA) literature is highlighted as an excellent entry point due to its action-driven narratives and simpler language.

Transitioning to More Complex Texts

• Readers can start with popular YA titles like "The Hunger Games" before progressing to more complex works such as Joe Abercrombie's "First Law."

• The speaker emphasizes the diversity within fantasy and sci-fi, noting the continuous release of new titles alongside established authors like Tolkien and Sanderson.

Finding Suitable Reading Material

• Acknowledging the difficulty in finding enjoyable material, they suggest exploring genres aligned with personal interests rather than solely focusing on classics.

• They propose using resources like Goodreads or YouTube to find recommendations based on desired themes or styles when tackling challenging books.

Practical Tips for Learning Through Reading

• The speaker shares a strategy involving creating a list of ten recommended books from similar genres or themes to gradually increase reading complexity.

• They advise readers to seek out easier versions or related stories if faced with difficult texts, ensuring continued engagement without frustration.

Reading Recommendations for English Learners

Importance of Finding Enjoyable Reading Material

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of reading what you enjoy, suggesting that if a preferred book is too difficult, one should seek similar but easier alternatives.

Suggested Book: "Days at the Marisaki Book Shop"

• The speaker recommends "Days at the Marisaki Book Shop," describing it as a boring book that he personally disliked. However, he suggests it as a good starting point for those reading in English for the first time.

Benefits of Reading Translated Works

• The author of the recommended book is Japanese, and translated works are generally simpler because translators aim to convey meaning without complex language structures. This makes such books more accessible for learners.

Reading Strategy for Vocabulary Acquisition

• While reading, learners should highlight unfamiliar words. If there are fewer than five unknown words on a page, they can continue; otherwise, they should translate and understand those words before proceeding.

Effective Vocabulary Learning Techniques

• A strong vocabulary is crucial for fluent reading in English. The speaker notes that understanding syntax also matters but emphasizes that vocabulary will be the primary challenge initially.

Personal Methodology for Learning New Words

• The speaker shares his approach to filtering new vocabulary based on its usefulness after reading multiple books. He developed a script using ChatGPT to help determine whether certain words are worth learning or can be skipped.

Utilizing Technology in Language Learning

• He mentions sharing his ChatGPT script with viewers to assist them in evaluating new vocabulary by providing definitions and usage frequency ratings from 1 to 10.

Flashcard Applications for Reinforcement

• The speaker recommends using flashcard applications like Anki (now known as Nudge), where users can create separate folders for different books or series and input new vocabulary along with translations and example sentences.

Review Process Using Flashcards

• When reviewing flashcards, users rate their ease of recall which influences how often they see each word again—initially daily, then weekly or monthly based on their self-assessment.

Learning English Through Effective Reading Techniques

The Importance of Learning Vocabulary

• The speaker finds that learning vocabulary through reading is a stress-free method, especially when using flashcards. They emphasize the effectiveness of this approach compared to simply staring at words.

Life Hacks for Easier Reading

• A crucial life hack is to read material that genuinely interests you. This was pivotal for the speaker in breaking through their reading barrier in English.

• Highlight unfamiliar words while reading but continue with the text. If more than ten new words appear on a page, consider it too difficult; otherwise, it's suitable for your level.

• Reading along with an audiobook significantly enhances comprehension and retention. It helps with pronunciation and keeps readers engaged by providing rhythm to sentences.

Strategies for Improving Comprehension

• Listening to audiobooks while reading allows immediate understanding of sentence structure and meaning, making it easier to grasp complex ideas.

• The speaker recommends starting with five books read alongside audiobooks as a foundational practice in their three-book methodology.

Series vs. Standalone Books

• Reading series from the same author can be beneficial as familiarity with style and vocabulary increases over time, making subsequent books easier to read.

Maintaining Focus While Reading

• Using a finger or pointer while reading can help maintain focus and prevent distractions, similar to techniques used in speed reading education.

Immersion Technique

• For effective learning, consider cutting off exposure to native language materials (like Russian literature or media). This forces immersion in English content only, enhancing engagement and enjoyment over time.

The Three Book Method Explained

Introduction to the Methodology

• The speaker introduces their self-developed "three book method," which requires selecting three different books as part of the learning process.

Method of Three Books How to Read Effectively in English

Overview of the Method

• This method is a combination of various techniques tested personally by the speaker, resulting in a unique approach referred to as the "Frankenstein" method.

• The speaker will outline the overall strategy and provide a step-by-step plan for daily reading practices.

Book Selection Criteria

First Book: Easy Read

• The first book should be extremely simple, akin to Days at the Marisaki Bookshop, with no more than five new words per page. This ensures an accessible starting point for readers.

Second Book: Moderate Complexity

• The second book should be interesting yet moderately challenging, suitable for B2 level learners (e.g., works by authors like Karl or Sanderson). It should be read alongside its audiobook version to enhance enjoyment and comprehension.

• The goal here is not to learn countless new words but to enjoy reading in English and get accustomed to following plots without distractions.

Third Book: Challenging Material

• The third book should present significant challenges (e.g., The Will of the Many), where readers engage deeply with the text through analysis, highlighting complex structures and vocabulary. This promotes critical thinking and translation skills.

• Readers are encouraged to select three books that fit their levels using tools like ChatGPT or recommendations from social media platforms like Telegram. Only three books are needed initially, as one will eventually be dropped over time.

Daily Reading Plan

Morning Session: Light Reading

• Begin each day by reading a chapter from the easy book (Days at the Marisaki Bookshop) without any audio aids, focusing on 5–10 pages depending on chapter length. This session helps establish a routine of reading in English upon waking up.

• After completing this session, highlight unfamiliar words but avoid immediate translation; instead, note them down for later review after finishing your morning reading session.

Evening Session: Intensive Study

• In the evening, dedicate time to read two or three pages from the challenging book while actively engaging with its content through translation exercises and vocabulary building using flashcards (e.g., Notion). This deepens understanding of complex language structures and enhances vocabulary retention.

Enjoyment Reading Session

• After completing both sessions' tasks, indulge in listening to or reading from the second book with its audiobook for pleasure—this can last several hours based on personal preference without overwhelming cognitive load while reinforcing learning through enjoyable content consumption.

Reading Strategies for Language Learning

Importance of Enjoyable Reading

• The speaker emphasizes the significance of reading enjoyable books to avoid burnout and maintain interest in language learning.

• It is suggested that readers should aim for books with 5-10 new words per page, making comprehension easier and more engaging.

Recommended Books and Audiobooks

• "My Favorite Carl" and "Project Ava Maria" are highlighted as excellent audiobooks that enhance understanding through quality narration.

• Readers are encouraged to set a two-week goal to finish a light book, breaking down the number of pages into daily reading targets.

Combining Different Reading Techniques

• A strategy is proposed where readers alternate between reading chapters without audiobooks in the morning and listening while reading complex texts in the evening.

• After two weeks, it’s recommended to consolidate learning by keeping only one challenging book alongside an audiobook for further study.

Transitioning to More Complex Texts

• Once comfortable, readers can choose any book they enjoy without worrying too much about difficulty levels; however, it's advised to balance between easy reads and more challenging ones.

• Utilizing audiobooks is beneficial for improving pronunciation, rhythm, and overall language skills during this phase of learning.

Building a Personalized Reading List

• The speaker suggests using tools like ChatGPT to create a personalized reading list based on preferences and complexity levels of new books.

• After several readings (12–13), learners may focus less on vocabulary acquisition and more on enjoyment from their chosen literature.

Book Recommendations

Suggested Titles for Beginners

• The speaker begins recommending simple fantasy and sci-fi books suitable for language learners who prefer straightforward narratives.

Specific Book Suggestions:

1. My Favorite Carl:

• This book features active dialogue and humor reminiscent of "Rick and Morty," making it accessible yet entertaining for those who enjoy gaming themes.

2. The Hunger Games Trilogy:

• Noted as simple literature with an easy-to-understand language; however, opinions vary on each installment's quality.

3. Twilight Series:

• Mentioned without judgment; the speaker enjoys revisiting these stories annually with personal connections influencing their recommendations.

4. Project Ava Maria:

• Praised for its clear English despite complex themes; characterized by engaging dialogues that facilitate comprehension.

Book Recommendations and Insights

Overview of Recommended Books

• The speaker discusses "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black, noting its appeal to young adult readers, particularly women aged 20-25. The language is simple but includes many adjectives that may feel excessive.

• Mention of Rebecca Kuang's works, including the "Poppy War" trilogy and "Yellow Face." The latter is described as modern and easy to read, making it accessible for those familiar with contemporary media.

• Discussion on Brandon Sanderson's writing style, which is straightforward and focuses on storytelling rather than poetic language. This simplicity is seen as a positive aspect for non-native English speakers.

• Sanderson’s books are well-translated into Russian; his series like "Mistborn" and "Skyward" are recommended for their ease of reading in English.

• Introduction to "Red Rising" by Pierce Brown, highlighting its first three books as standalone stories. The first book offers a complete narrative while setting up future installments.

Language Complexity in Recommended Reads

• While the first book of "Red Rising" can be read independently, it ends on a cliffhanger that encourages further reading. The language complexity increases compared to earlier recommendations but remains manageable due to its concise syntax.

• Emphasis on the engaging writing style of "Red Rising," characterized by short sentences that facilitate understanding despite introducing new vocabulary.

Additional Recommendations

• Suggestion of audiobooks for enhanced engagement with texts like "Red Rising," featuring dramatic readings that enhance the experience akin to watching a blockbuster film.

• Mention of “Shadow and Bone” by Leigh Bardugo as another recommendation, though it may include more complex language elements typical of established authors.

• Highlighting the popularity of certain series among male readers despite being marketed towards females; specifically mentioning how both genders enjoy Sanderson's works without gender bias in preferences.

Community Engagement

• Invitation to join a book club focused primarily on fantasy and sci-fi literature where only highly-rated books are selected for discussion.

• Closing remarks express hope that viewers found the recommendations helpful and encourage them to explore these titles together with others interested in reading.

What Resources Are Available for You?

Overview of Additional Resources

• The speaker encourages viewers to reach out and share their progress, emphasizing the importance of communication.

• A free PDF summary is available, containing all discussed information, action plans, and stages outlined in the video.

• The PDF can be accessed quickly through the speaker's Telegram channel, consolidating resources for easy reference.

• The speaker hopes that these resources will help establish a connection with the audience as their new favorite blogger.

• Gratitude is expressed towards viewers for watching the video, highlighting viewer engagement as a key reward for content creators.