Table of Contents
Are you new to reading and searching for the best novels for beginners? Starting with the right book can make all the difference. Whether you’re looking for romance, coming-of-age, or Indian novels, this beginner-friendly list has something for everyone. Each book includes a brief summary and current Amazon and Goodreads ratings to help you choose your next read.
What Makes a Good Novel for Beginners?
- Simple and clear language
- Engaging and relatable stories
- Short to medium length
- Popular with new readers
1. Take Me Away by Rishabh Bansal
Genre: Romance
A heartfelt coming-of-age romance about dreams, relationships, and resilience. Its relatable characters and simple prose make it perfect for first-time readers.
Amazon Rating: 4.2 | Goodreads: 4.3
2. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Genre: Inspirational Fiction
A global favorite, this novel follows a shepherd’s journey to find his destiny. Its easy language and inspiring message make it a top pick for beginners.
Amazon Rating: 4.7 | Goodreads: 3.9
3. Baaz by Anuja Chauhan
Genre: Historical Romance
Set during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, this book blends romance, humor, and patriotism. Chauhan’s engaging style is ideal for new readers.
Amazon Rating: 4.4 | Goodreads: 4.1
4. Malgudi Days by R K Narayan
Genre: Short Stories
A classic collection set in the fictional town of Malgudi, these simple, heartwarming stories are perfect for anyone starting their reading journey.
Amazon Rating: 4.6 | Goodreads: 4.2
Also read: Best books to read for Success
5. The catcher in the rye by J D Salinger
Genre: Coming-of-Age
This iconic novel about teenage angst and alienation is written in a conversational style, making it accessible for beginners.
Amazon Rating: 4.3 | Goodreads: 3.8
6. The Diary of A Young Girl By Anne Frank
Genre: Memoir
Anne Frank’s diary offers a moving, easy-to-read account of hope and resilience during World War II.
Amazon Rating: 4.7 | Goodreads: 4.2
7. The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
Genre: Literary Fiction
A Booker Prize-winning novel set in Kerala, India, known for its lyrical prose and compelling characters.
Amazon Rating: 4.4 | Goodreads: 4.1
Also read: Best romantic novels by Indian Authors
8. Swami and Friends by R.K. Narayan
Genre: Coming-of-Age
A delightful tale of childhood adventures in Malgudi. The simple language and universal themes make it an excellent starting point.
Amazon Rating: 4.5 | Goodreads: 4.1
9. The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga
Genre: Social Satire
A gripping story about ambition in modern India. Written in accessible English, it’s a modern classic for new readers.
Amazon Rating: 4.3 | Goodreads: 3.8
10. The Room on the Roof by Ruskin Bond
Genre: Coming-of-Age
Ruskin Bond’s debut novel is a warm, simple story set in Dehradun, perfect for beginners.
Amazon Rating: 4.5 | Goodreads: 3.9
11. The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Genre: Mythological Fiction
A fresh retelling of the Mahabharata from Draupadi’s perspective, written in clear, engaging prose.
Amazon Rating: 4.6 | Goodreads: 4.2
12. 2 States: The Story of My Marriage by Chetan Bhagat
Genre: Romantic Comedy
A humorous, relatable romance about a couple from different Indian states. Bhagat’s conversational style is beginner-friendly.
Amazon Rating: 4.2 | Goodreads: 3.7
13. The Zoya Factor by Anuja Chauhan
Genre: Romantic Comedy
A quirky romantic comedy set in the world of Indian cricket. Light, witty, and easy to read.
Amazon Rating: 4.3 | Goodreads: 3.7
14. Fasting, Feasting by Anita Desai
Genre: Family Drama
A family drama exploring Indian social customs, written in clear, accessible prose.
Amazon Rating: 4.1 | Goodreads: 3.7
15. The Far Field by Madhuri Vijay
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
A moving novel about grief and politics in modern India, told through the eyes of a young woman.
Amazon Rating: 4.4 | Goodreads: 4.1
16. Stories from Saratchandra by Saratchandra Chattopadhyay
Genre: Short Stories
Classic Bengali tales, translated into simple English, offering a glimpse into Indian social life.
Amazon Rating: 4.4 | Goodreads: 4.0
17. The Mistress of Spices by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Genre: Magical Realism
A magical realism novel about an Indian immigrant in California, exploring identity and belonging.
Amazon Rating: 4.2 | Goodreads: 3.7
18. The House of Blue Mangoes by David Davidar
Genre: Family Saga
A multi-generational family saga set in South India, perfect for readers seeking an engaging, easy-to-follow narrative.
Amazon Rating: 4.3 | Goodreads: 3.9
19. Almost Single by Advaita Kala
Genre: Chick-lit
A witty, modern take on love and friendship in urban India. Light-hearted and relatable for young adults.
Amazon Rating: 4.1 | Goodreads: 3.6
20. Trust Me by Rajashree
Genre: Romantic Comedy
A comic romance set in Bollywood, blending humor and drama in a breezy, beginner-friendly style.
Amazon Rating: 4.0 | Goodreads: 3.5
Summary Table: Best Novels for Beginners
| Book Name | Author | Genre | Amazon Rating | Amazon Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Take Me Away | Rishabh Bansal | Romance | 4.2 | Buy on Amazon |
| The Alchemist | Paulo Coelho | Inspirational | 4.7 | Buy on Amazon |
| Baaz | Anuja Chauhan | Historical Romance | 4.4 | Buy on Amazon |
| Malgudi Days | R.K. Narayan | Short Stories | 4.6 | Buy on Amazon |
| The Catcher in the Rye | J.D. Salinger | Coming-of-Age | 4.3 | Buy on Amazon |
| The Diary of a Young Girl | Anne Frank | Memoir | 4.7 | Buy on Amazon |
| The God of Small Things | Arundhati Roy | Literary Fiction | 4.4 | Buy on Amazon |
| Swami and Friends | R.K. Narayan | Coming-of-Age | 4.5 | Buy on Amazon |
| The White Tiger | Aravind Adiga | Social Satire | 4.3 | Buy on Amazon |
| The Room on the Roof | Ruskin Bond | Coming-of-Age | 4.5 | Buy on Amazon |
| The Palace of Illusions | Chitra B. Divakaruni | Mythological | 4.6 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 States | Chetan Bhagat | Romantic Comedy | 4.2 | Buy on Amazon |
| The Zoya Factor | Anuja Chauhan | Romantic Comedy | 4.3 | Buy on Amazon |
| Fasting, Feasting | Anita Desai | Family Drama | 4.1 | Buy on Amazon |
| The Far Field | Madhuri Vijay | Contemporary | 4.4 | Buy on Amazon |
| Stories from Saratchandra | Saratchandra Chattopadhyay | Short Stories | 4.4 | Buy on Amazon |
| The Mistress of Spices | Chitra B. Divakaruni | Magical Realism | 4.2 | Buy on Amazon |
| The House of Blue Mangoes | David Davidar | Family Saga | 4.3 | Buy on Amazon |
| Almost Single | Advaita Kala | Chick-lit | 4.1 | Buy on Amazon |
| Trust Me | Rajashree | Romantic Comedy | 4.0 | Buy on Amazon |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which novel should a beginner start with?
Start with a book that matches your interests and has simple language, such as “Take Me Away” by Rishabh Bansal or “Malgudi Days” by R.K. Narayan.
Are Indian novels good for beginners?
Absolutely! Many Indian authors write in accessible English and offer relatable stories, making them perfect for new readers.
How do I choose the right novel for me?
Pick a genre you enjoy, check reader reviews, and start with shorter books to build your reading habit.