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The Self-Access Centre - English - Reading

Reading is a great way to expand your vocabulary. The Self-Access Centre offers a range of books, such as novels, poem books, plays, biographies and many more. Check "Description" for more details about each book.

Click here to view an explanation of the level framework
This novel, set in India during the time of the British Raj, tells of a mysterious incident at the Marabar caves involving Adela Quested, a woman who has just arrived from England, and the presumed guilt of the charming Dr Aziz. 1 A Passage To India E.M. Forster Penguin Books Ltd C1, C2 1936 2
A collection of poems by the poet J. D. Taylor. 2 A Passing Through Place J.D. Taylor The King's England Press C2 1998 3
This novel, set in 19th century Florence, Italy, tells of a romance between a young, "unaffected" middle class English woman (Lucy Honeychurch) and the son of the unconventional Emerson family. But Lucy is already engaged to a man back in England, and so begins her struggle between social conventions and her heart. 3 A Room with a View E.M. Forster Penguin Books Ltd C2 1955 2
This is an important and influential biography of the life and work of Albert Camus 4 Albert Camus 1913-60 Philip Thody Hamish Hamilton Ltd C1, C2 1964 1
This sequel concerns Bridget Jones, a single, girl-about-town on an optimistic but doomed quest for self-improvement. If she could just get down to 8st 7lb, stop smoking and develop inner poise, all would be resolved. 5 Bridget Jones The Edge of Reason Helen Fielding Picador B2, C1, C2 1999 1
Fay, celebrated ex-singer, meets the theatrical Julia and they begin a relationship of mutual distrust. It is a friendship sustained through loneliness, desperation and the morbid attraction of opposite characteristics as both women remain out of step with the time in which they live. 6 Brief Lives Anita Brookner Penguin Books Ltd C1, C2 1991 1
Leading an investigation into the neglect and abandonment of a number of young Grantley children throws DI Kate Burrows into contact with the most vile and repugnant of criminals. As a mother herself, Kate finds their crimes almost incomprehensible. And with the case becoming ever more sinister, she knows she needs to find answers quickly. 7 Broken Martina Cole Headline 2009 1
8 Effective Reading: Student Book Pre-intermediate Amanda French, Chris Gough, Macmillan 2010 1
An integrated Reading course designed to challenge and stimulate students on pre-sessional and pre-departure courses. 9 English for Academic Study - Reading - Coursebook Slaght, J. & Harben, P. Garnet 2004 1
This collection of short stories explores the trials of life from youth to old age: the idealism of young people, the stresses of marriage, the anxieties of parenthood, and the loneliness and fears of older people. There is a wide variety of styles of writing, from black humour and satire to compassionate and realistic observative of the follies and foibles of humankind 10 From the Cradle to the Grave Oxford Oxford University Press B2, C1, C2 1993 1
Oxford Bookworms offer students at all levels the opportunity to extend their reading and appreciation of English. 11 Go, Lovely Rose H.E. Bates Oxford Bookworms B1, B2 1994 1
A series of graded readers for young adult learners that combines attractive comic strip illustrations with timeless classical literature. It features a blend of contemporary storytelling and artwork. 12 Great Expectations Graphic Novel (Classical Comics) Charles Dickens Thomson ELT A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2 2010 1
Jane Eyre is a poor young teacher who goes to work for the rich Mr Rochester. She loves him and wants to marry him and he loves Jane too, but he hides a terrible secret which will bring them both great sadness 13 Jane Eyre Charlotte Brontë Penguin Books Ltd C1, C2 1994 1
In the ordered riotousness of Hampton Court's maze, Larry Weller discovers the passion of his life. In this book, Carol Shields presents and ironic odyssey through the life of a modern man 14 Larry's Party Carol Shields Fourth Estate C1, C2 1998 1
"Microscopic Monsters" is full of facts about the tiny world of microbes - viruses, bacteria, amoebas, they're all here, as well as many other diminutive creepy-crawlies. Read the diary of a dust mite, get up close and personal with bacteria and find out what it takes to be a micro surgeon. This book is full of fantastic fact files, quizzes and cartoons. 15 Microscopic Monsters Nick Arnold Scholastic Children's Books B2, C1 2001 1
The five plays translated here are those on which Strindberg's international reputation as a dramatist principally rests and this edition embraces his crucial transition from Naturalism to Modernism, from his two finest achievements as a psychological realist. 16 Miss Julie and Other Plays August Strindberg Oxford University Press C1, C2 1998 1
"New Directions, Second Edition, is a major revision of a successful writing skills book that prepares students for the challenges of college-level reading and writing."--BOOK JACKET. 17 New directions: reading, writing, and critical thinking Gardner, P.S. Cambridge University Press 2005 1
Bill Bryson is an unabashed Anglophile who, through a mistake of history, happened to be born and bred in Iowa. Righting that error, he spent 20 years in England before deciding to repatriate: "I had recently read that 3.7 million Americans according to a Gallup poll, believed that they had been abducted by aliens at one time or another, so it was clear that my people needed me." That comic tone enlivens this account of Bryson's farewell walking tour of the countryside of "the green and kindly island that had for two decades been my home." 18 Notes From A Small Island Bill Bryson Black Swan B2, C1, C2 1996 1
A story of three women who find themselves in a remote part of Donegal at a defining moment in their lives. Through their stories, Deirdre Madden explores the themes of friendship, family and the nature of creativity, confirming her reputation as one of Ireland's most talented writers 19 Nothing is Black Deirdre Madden Faber & Faber B2, C1, C2 1994 1
A collection of poems written in English, French and Italian 20 Poems Poemes Pesie John White B2, C1, C2 1993 1
The aim of this book is to enable learners to improve their reading skills. 21 Practical Faster Reading Mosback, G. & Mosback, V. Cambridge University Press 2003 7
A collection of poems written in English, French, German and Italian 22 Quartet Quartett Quartetto Quatuor John White B2, C1, C2 1993 1
23 Reading upper-intermediate Brian Tomlinson, Rod Ellis Oxford University Press 1987 1
Red Rabbit is an innovative and intriguing entry in the Tom Clancy canon, satisfyingly sketching in details of his hero Jack Ryan's early life. The author can still be counted on to deliver the expected Clancy trademarks: this one is full of intriguing, well-researched detail, and studded with the adroitly staged action set-pieces we have come to expect. Working on the bottom rungs of the CIA's analysis departments, Jack Ryan is given the unenviable mission of debriefing a key Soviet defector. He discovers a dark secret: there is a plot afoot to murder Pope John Paul. Of course, this is only one aspect of a massively complex skein of skulduggery, and as Jack penetrates to the heart of the mystery (with less assurance than usual--he is younger, after all), Clancy admirers will definitely feel all the right areas are being massaged. Not, perhaps, vintage Clancy, but still a stylish and economical piece of work that grips from the first page. 24 Red Rabbit Tom Clancy Penguin Books Ltd B2, C1, C2 2002 1
An epic story of lust, cruelty, and sensuality, this historical novel is set in Carthage in the days following the First Punic War with Rome. 25 Salammbo Gustave Flaubert C2 1931 1
26 Shades of Meaning Mark Ellis and Printha Ellis Longman 1982 1
When a large plane is hijacked, the Prime Minister looks at the passenger manifest and becomes worried. There is someone on that plane who will soon be dead if the hijackers find out who he is. An exciting story with a glossary of complicated words at the bac 27 Skyjack! Tim Vicary Oxford University Press A2, B1, B2 1989 1
Strategic Reading' is a three-level series designed to develop reading, vocabulary-building, and critical thinking skills. The series is aimed at low-intermediate to high-intermediate young-adult and adult learners. 28 Strategic Reading 3 - Students' Book Richards, J.C. & Eckstut-Didier, S. Cambridge University Press 2003 1
Strategic Reading' is a three-level series designed to develop reading, vocabulary-building, and critical thinking skills. The series is aimed at low-intermediate to high-intermediate young-adult and adult learners. 29 Strategic Reading 3 - Teacher's Manual Bonesteel, L. Cambridge University Press 2004 1
Study Reading is a course for learners of intermediate level or above who need to develop their reading skills for study purposes. It is ideal for students working on their own, and contains a detailed answer key. The book is divided into three parts. Part 1 introduces basic reading skills. Part 2 is theme based, with texts from a variety of disciplines, and aims to extend the skills introduced in Part 1. Part 3 covers the reading skills required for project, dissertation and thesis work. By doing a variety of task-based, problem-solving activities – and through direct advice - learners are encouraged to refine their reading strategies through exposure to the ideas of others. The Second Edition of Study Reading includes more recent texts in the academic disciplines represented and also takes account of new media, including on-line resources. Activities are also included for IELTS practice. 30 Study Reading : A Course in Reading Skills for Academic Purposes (2nd Edn.) Glendinning, E.H.. & Holmström, B. Cambridge University Press 2004 2
Ever since it was published in 1843 it has had an enduring influence on the way we think about the traditions of Christmas. 31 The Christmas Books - A Christmas Carol & The Chimes Charles Dickens Penguin Books Ltd C1, C2 1971 2
Michael Ondaatje's Booker Prize-winning story of love, betrayal and loss set against a background of war, spies and intrigue. 32 The English Patient Anthony Minghella Methuen B2, C1, C2 1997 1
When the body of Sir Charles Baskerville is found in his garden, there are no signs to explain his death. Did he die of fright? Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson have another mysterious case to solve. The terrible spectacle of the beast, the fog of the moor, the discovery of a body, this classic horror story pits detective against dog. When Sir Charles Baskerville is found dead on the wild Devon moorland with the footprints of a giant hound nearby, the blame is placed on a family curse. It is left to Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson to solve the mystery of the legend of the phantom hound before Sir Charles' heir comes to an equally gruesome end. The Hound Of The Baskervilles gripped readers when it was first serialised and has continued to hold its place in the popular imagination. 33 The Hound of the Baskervilles Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Penguin Books Ltd C1, C2 1981 1
This book gives accounts of the lives and works of twelve monastic saints of the Russian Orthodox faith 34 The Northern Thebaïd St Herman of Alaska Brotherhood C1, C2 1975 1
The aim of this book is to provide an introduction to English literature which is clear and readable. It begins with the earliest recorded writings in English and extends to the present day, going well beyond the traditional 'Beowulf to Virginia Woolf' range 35 The Penguin Guide to English Literature - Britain and Ireland Ronald Carter & John McRae Penguin Books Ltd B2, C1, C2 1996 2
Along comes Gez Walsh with another collection of odd odes and dubious ditties. Apart from old favourites such as Wilf, the central character, trying to come to terms with the knowledge that life is just the pits (or maybe the zits?) sometimes, we have the wilder flights of Gez's fantasy, embodied in the "Rocking Vicar" and the tale of "Poorly Julie" who ate that most unhealthy of foods, broccoli, and "Grandma", who mistakenly nibbled rabbit droppings. Giggle again at the rude, crude lewdness of it all and join the Gez Walsh fan club with its growing band of spotmaniacs. Kids! - if you've ever suffered the embarrassment of watching your dad disco dancing at a party whilst telling everyone he's Baby Spice, this book is for you! 36 The Return of the Spot Gez Walsh The King's England Press A2, B1 1997 1
Gez Walsh burst onto the poetry scene in 1997 armed with his first collection of children's verse, The Spot on My Bum: Horrible Poems for Horrible Children, which was rapidly to become a cult classic. 37 The Spot on my Bum Gez Walsh The King's England Press A2, B1, B2 1997 1
What could be more relaxing than a refreshing holiday on the river with your two best friends and faithful canine companion, Montmorency? 38 Three Men in a Boat Jerome K. Jerome Oxford Bookworms B1, B2 1990 1
A collection of poems written in English, French and Italian 39 Trinity Trinita Trinite John White B2, C1, C2 1994 1
This delightful portrayal of a picturesque rural society, tinged with gentle humour and quiet irony, established Hardy as a writer. 40 Under the Greenwood Tree Thomas Hardy Penguin Books Ltd C1, C2 1994 1
This booklet outlines commonly occuring medical problems. It gives unbiased and useful information for when you have to decide whether to consult a doctor 41 What Should I Do? E. van der Does Ketting Partners B1, B2, C1, C2 1998 1
42 Widely read Samuela Eckstut and Diana Lubelska Longman 1989 1

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