suggestions on few very good books to read to improve AWA

[saiindukuri87]

Hi,
I am a non-native English speaker. I am good at speaking but I am not very confident writing. I will often get stuck searching for proper phrases and clauses to express my ideas in writing. I would like to read some books with rich English usage to get over this weakness. Request your suggestions on few very good books to read. I don't have any preferences, I can read any book from Fiction to philosophy, provided it has got very good language .

[StaceyKoprince]

That's a very interesting question - I've never had this question before.

Before I answer, I just want to point out to others reading this that you're not asking me for books that will help you get better at reading GMAT passages. I would have different recommendations for that question. This question specifically focuses on what can help you get better at writing.

The first thing we need to consider is authors who use proper grammar all the time. Next, we want authors who will use somewhat complex sentence structures some of the time (but not too convoluted or confusing) and who will use good vocab - "GMAT-level" words.

Authors that spring to mind:
Agatha Christie (fiction)
John McPhee (non-fiction)
Jhumpa Lahiri (fiction)
Oliver Sacks (non-fiction)

Anyone else have any ideas or suggestions?

[saiindukuri87]

That's a great suggestion. Well, If not all I will buy at least one of those soon.Stacey, I am also eager to know what books would help one get better in reading GMAT passages. Reading comprehension is in fact one of my weaknesses. You suggestions can go a long way not only for me but also to many of the GMAT aspiring students. Thank You.

[StaceyKoprince]

For reading, I wouldn't use books, actually. GMAT passages are very short - articles are a more appropriate match.

And I already wrote an article about this, including good sources for practice! Take a look here:
http://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2010/09/ ... ading-comp

Also, note: I didn't give you the names of specific books, just the authors. But you can read anything by those authors.