Reading is not only a great way to relax and escape reality, but it also helps improve your language skills and expands your vocabulary.
With this collection of 15 amazing English stories to read, you will not only be entertained but also enhance your English language proficiency. So, let’s dive into the world of these captivating stories and discover their intriguing summaries.
English Stories to Read:
When reading English stories, it is important to read slowly and take the time to understand each sentence. As readers become more familiar with the language, they can begin to analyze the story’s plot, characters, and themes. Reading stories in English can also help readers develop their writing skills by exposing them to different writing styles and techniques. 1
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- “The Tortoise and the Hare” by Aesop
- “The Ant and the Grasshopper” by Aesop
- “White Wing: The Tale of the Doves and the Hunter”
- “Royal Servant”
- “Emily’s Secret”
- “The Bogey Beast” by Flora Annie Steel
- “Love Is in the Air”
- “The Tale of Johnny Town-Mouse” by Beatrix Potter
- “Cinderella” by Charles Perrault
- “The Happy Prince” by Oscar Wilde
- “Orientation” by Daniel Orozco
- “Paper Menagerie” by Ken Liu
- “The School” by Donald Barthelme
- “Girl” by Jamaica Kincaid
- “Miracles” by Lucy Corin
- “The Monkey’s Paw” by W.W. Jacobs
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1. “The Tortoise and the Hare” by Aesop
“The Tortoise and the Hare” is a fable about a race between a slow and steady tortoise and a fast and overconfident hare. The hare, believing his speed will guarantee victory, takes an early lead and decides to rest, underestimating the tortoise.
Meanwhile, the tortoise continues at a steady pace and eventually overtakes the hare, winning the race. The story teaches the moral lesson that consistency and perseverance can triumph over arrogance and impatience.
2. “The Ant and the Grasshopper” by Aesop
“The Ant and the Grasshopper” is a fable English story for reading that tells the story of an ant who spends the summer collecting food and preparing for winter, while the grasshopper spends his time singing and playing.
When winter arrives and the grasshopper has no food, he asks the ant for help, but the ant refuses, teaching the grasshopper the importance of hard work and preparation. The story highlights the moral lesson that it is important to be diligent and plan ahead for the future.
3. “White Wing: The Tale of the Doves and the Hunter”
“White Wing: The Tale of the Doves and the Hunter” is one of the best English stories to read. It is about a group of doves living peacefully in a serene forest. However, their tranquility is disrupted when a hunter arrives and starts capturing the doves.
In their struggle for survival, the doves devise a plan to outsmart the hunter, using their unity and cleverness to escape his clutches. Through their bravery and determination, the doves not only save themselves but also teach a valuable lesson about the power of teamwork and resilience.
4. “Royal Servant”
“Royal Servant” is a story about a young servant named William who finds himself unexpectedly thrust into the world of royalty when he is chosen to serve the prince. As William navigates the complexities of palace life, he encounters intrigue, betrayal, and romance.
Through his loyalty and resourcefulness, William becomes an indispensable ally to the prince, ultimately helping to uncover a plot against the kingdom. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about friendship, love, and the true meaning of loyalty.
5. “Emily’s Secret”
“Emily’s Secret” is a story about a young girl named Emily who discovers a hidden treasure in her grandmother’s attic. As she unravels the mystery behind the treasure, Emily learns valuable lessons about family, love, and the power of secrets. The story takes readers on an enchanting journey filled with adventure, friendship, and self-discovery.
6. “The Bogey Beast” by Flora Annie Steel
“The Bogey Beast” is a short story written by Flora Annie Steel. It tells the tale of a young girl named Bim, who is plagued by a mysterious creature known as the Bogey Beast. The creature torments her by whispering frightening stories and causing her to have nightmares.
Bim’s father, a wise and brave man, eventually confronts the Bogey Beast and banishes it from their lives, bringing peace and tranquillity back to their home. The story highlights the power of courage and determination in overcoming fears and challenges.
7. “Love Is in the Air”
“Love Is in the Air” is a heartwarming story about two individuals who unexpectedly find love while travelling on a plane. The story follows their chance encounter, the instant connection they feel, and the gradual development of their relationship throughout the flight.
Despite the brief duration of their time together, their connection deepens, and they realize that love can truly blossom in the most unexpected places. The story captures the essence of serendipity, highlighting the power of love to transcend boundaries and bring joy into our lives.
8. “The Tale of Johnny Town-Mouse” by Beatrix Potter
“The Tale of Johnny Town-Mouse” is a story by Beatrix Potter that tells the tale of two mice, Johnny Town-Mouse and Timmy Willie. Johnny, a city mouse, invites Timmy, a country mouse, to visit him in the city. However, Timmy finds the city overwhelming and longs for the simplicity of his country home.
Eventually, both mice realize that they are happier in their own environments and decide to return to their respective homes. The story teaches the importance of appreciating and embracing one’s own surroundings rather than constantly seeking what others have.
9. “Cinderella” by Charles Perrault
“Cinderella” is a classic fairy tale that tells the story of a young girl who is mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters but ultimately finds her happily ever after. Through the help of her fairy godmother, Cinderella attends a royal ball where she captures the heart of the prince.
However, she must leave before midnight, as her fairy godmother’s magic will wear off. In her haste, Cinderella leaves behind a glass slipper, which the prince uses to find her and make her his princess. The story emphasizes the themes of kindness, perseverance, and the belief that true goodness will be rewarded.
10. “The Happy Prince” by Oscar Wilde
“The Happy Prince” is a short story written by Oscar Wilde. It tells the tale of a statue of a prince who, despite his own suffering, helps the poor and needy in his city. The statue, adorned with precious jewels and gold, sees the poverty and sadness around him and decides to give away his riches to help those in need.
With the help of a swallow, the prince sacrifices his own beauty and ultimately his life to bring happiness and relief to the less fortunate. The story explores themes of selflessness, compassion, and the true meaning of happiness.
11. “Orientation” by Daniel Orozco
The short story “Orientation” revolves around a young woman named Mona who starts a new job at a company called Innerworkings. As she attends the orientation session, she becomes increasingly disillusioned with the corporate culture and the superficiality of her colleagues.
Mona’s skepticism grows as she witnesses the company’s emphasis on appearances and conformity rather than genuine connection and personal growth. The story highlights the alienation and dissatisfaction that can arise in a highly competitive and image-driven workplace.
12. “Paper Menagerie” by Ken Liu
“Paper Menagerie” is a short English story by Ken Liu that explores themes of identity, culture, and the power of imagination. The story follows a young boy named Jack who is half-Chinese and half-American. His mother, who is from China, creates intricate origami animals that come to life with her magic.
However, as Jack grows older, he becomes embarrassed by his mother’s abilities and his Chinese heritage. Eventually, he realizes the importance of embracing his cultural roots and the value of his mother’s love. The story beautifully depicts the complexities of identity and the impact of cultural heritage on personal growth and relationships.
13. “The School” by Donald Barthelme
“The School” is an English story for reading written by Donald Barthelme. It is a satirical and absurdist tale that portrays a school where the students are taught about various aspects of life, such as love, death, and politics, but they are not taught anything tangible like math or science.
The story highlights the absurdity of traditional education systems and questions the value of knowledge that is purely theoretical and disconnected from practical skills.
14. “Girl” by Jamaica Kincaid
“Girl” is one of the amazing English stories to read that was written by Jamaica Kincaid and depicts a conversation between a mother and her daughter. The story revolves around the mother’s instructions and advice to her daughter, covering various aspects of domestic and social expectations.
Through the repetitive and authoritative tone, the mother emphasizes the importance of being a proper and respectable woman in society. The story touches upon themes of gender roles, societal pressures, and the transmission of cultural values from one generation to another.
15. “Miracles” by Lucy Corin
In the story “Miracles,” the protagonist, Mr. Thompson, is a sceptical man who does not believe in miracles. However, after witnessing a series of extraordinary events, he begins to question his beliefs. He encounters a blind girl who can suddenly see, a man who is healed from a terminal illness, and a woman who is saved from a near-fatal accident.
These events challenge Mr. Thompson’s rationality and lead him to reconsider his stance on miracles. Ultimately, the story explores the transformative power of faith and the possibility of miracles in our lives. It’s very interesting English story for reading.
16. “The Monkey’s Paw” by W.W. Jacobs
“The Monkey’s Paw” is a short story by W.W. Jacobs that follows the White family’s experience with a magical monkey’s paw. The paw grants three wishes to its owner, but with each wish comes a terrible consequence. After the family wishes for money, their son is tragically killed in a machinery accident.
Overwhelmed with grief, they use their final wish to bring him back, only to be horrified by the disfigured and mangled creature that appears at their door. The story explores themes of greed, fate, and the consequences of tampering with supernatural powers.
FAQs about English stories to read:
Q1. Which is the best English story?
The best English story reading is subjective and can vary depending on personal preferences. Some popular English stories include “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen, “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and “1984” by George Orwell.
The best English story for someone might be one that resonates with their interests, themes, or writing style. It is recommended to explore different genres and authors to find the best English story that appeals to individual tastes.
Q2. Where can I read free online stories?
- Websites like Wattpad and Fanfiction.net offer a wide range of free online stories.
- Project Gutenberg provides access to thousands of classic literature works that can be read for free.
- Many libraries have digital platforms, such as OverDrive or Libby, where you can borrow and read e-books for free.
- Online literary magazines and websites like Medium often publish short stories and fiction pieces that can be read for free.
Q3. Where can I read English short stories?
- Online platforms such as websites and blogs dedicated to English short stories offer a wide range of options to read.
- Public libraries often have collections of English short story books that can be borrowed for free.
- Bookstores, both physical and online, typically have a dedicated section for short story collections in the English language.
- Literary magazines and anthologies often feature English short stories and can be found in bookstores or accessed online.
Q4. What is a good story to read?
A good story to read is subjective and depends on individual preferences. Some popular choices among readers include classics like “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, “1984” by George Orwell, or “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen. Other genres such as mystery, fantasy, or science fiction also offer captivating stories, such as “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn, “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien, or “Dune” by Frank Herbert. Ultimately, the best story to read is one that resonates with the reader’s interests and provides an engaging and thought-provoking experience.
Q5. Which website can I read stories?
There are many websites where you can read stories. Some popular options include Wattpad, Medium, and Archive of Our Own. Additionally, many publishers and authors have their own websites where they share stories and novels.
Q6. How to read short story?
- Start by reading the story’s title and any accompanying information or introduction.
- Read the story slowly and carefully, paying attention to the plot, characters, and their development.
- Take note of any recurring themes, symbols, or motifs that may be present in the story.
- Reflect on the story’s message or any underlying meanings, and consider how the elements of the story contribute to its overall impact.
Q7. How to improve English story reading?
- Practice reading regularly to improve fluency and comprehension.
- Expand vocabulary by looking up unfamiliar words and phrases.
- Analyze the structure and writing style of different stories to enhance understanding.
- Engage in discussions or join book clubs to gain different perspectives and insights on the stories.
In conclusion, these “16 amazing English stories to read” provide a diverse range of narratives that captivate readers and offer a glimpse into different cultures, time periods, and human experiences. Each story is summarized in a concise manner, allowing readers to easily choose which story resonates with them and embark on a literary journey filled with imagination and emotion.
Reference:
- English. (2023d, September 11). English Story Reading: 15 Stories in English to Read to Improve your Reading Skills! – English 100. English 100.