My Best Read of the Year: The Book That Sparked a Thousand Conversations!

Hello everyone! I'm Teacher Marinka, and I'm delighted to share my thoughts on this week's topic: The best book you read this year!

As an English/Language tutor, I spend a lot of time reading, but one book this year truly stood out, not just for its story, but for the incredible conversations it inspired.

The Little Prince – A Great Book for Conversation Practice

The best book I read this year was "The Little Prince" (Le Petit Prince) by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.

Yes, I know, it's often considered a children's book. But that's exactly why it was so powerful! This deceptively simple novella offers universal lessons on friendship, love, loss, and the nature of adulthood.

Why It Captivated Me: I reread it this year and was struck by how every chapter presents a new, deep philosophical question. The Prince's encounters with the King, the Vain Man, the Drunkard, and the Businessman are all brilliant satires on adult life. I found myself pausing every few pages to think: Am I like the Businessman? What is truly important in my life?

A Conversation Goldmine: The simple, direct language of "The Little Prince" makes it perfect for English learners of all levels. It's a fantastic "graded reader" that also serves as a phenomenal discussion starter.

For Beginner/Intermediate Learners: We can focus on the straightforward vocabulary and simple sentence structures while practicing essential narrative skills: "The Prince visited a new planet. He saw a man who owned all the stars. Why did he want the stars?"

For Advanced Learners: We can dive into the philosophical themes: "What is the author's commentary on grown-up priorities?" "How does the fox's lesson on 'taming' relate to modern friendships?" The text opens doors to discussing abstract concepts like meaning, responsibility, and imagination.

Let's Discuss Your Favorite Book!

What about you? What was your best read this year?