One of the most important subjects in any competitive exam is English. And while it is now the widely accepted language, cracking the exam level English is still one of the toughest things out there. With the abundance of competitive exams and even the books available to study from (not to forget the immense library of material online), making the right choice for the right books can be a little difficult.

So, to take off some of that pressure from your shoulders and blow away the stress, we have found the best General English Books for competitive exams that you need in your study vanity. Get ready to understand right from the basics to nail the advanced with these general english books.

Scroll down to find your perfect one from the list of 7 best General English Books for Competitive Exams.

1. Best in Print Quality: Lucent's General English for All Competitive Exams

Is grammar what you get stuck with? Then this book is the best for you because it offers extensive information and knowledge for English Grammar - something that you won't be able to find anywhere else. So if English Grammar is not your strong suit then you need this book in your study prep kit. Every single concept is explained in detail in this book and it covers all the concepts. Paper quality is also outstanding and the ease of understanding keeps your focus intact.

What other aspirants have to say about it?
It's easy to understand and simple too - thus, it is very helpful for someone who is a beginner or has little time in their hands. For those who are appearing for competitive exams, this book works extremely well and helps keeping you in track with the prep.

What makes it a top pick?

• Covers all concepts of English Grammar extensively
• Easy to understand and read
• Good paper and print quality

Pros

• Value for money
• Well-explained

Cons

• Some students have complained that it is not for professionals

2. Best Overall: English Grammar & Composition

This book is a complete package. It helps candidates and aspirants improve English proficiency while educating them about the proper use of grammar as well. The book is well-divided over 69 chapters and covers all aspects and elements of grammar, inclusive of spelling rules, spotting the errors, idioms & phrases, word power, formation of words phrasal verbs, synonyms, palindromes, homonyms, antonyms, pangrams, heteronyms, foreign words, group terms, paragraph writing, letter writing, comprehension, report writing, choosing appropriate words, letter writing etc.

What other aspirants have to say about it?
The book uses easy and detailed explanation that allows one to understand every concept effortlessly and also implement with accuracy. The set of solved questions gives the perfect idea about the question pattern and prepares one for the actual examination. Apart from this, the tricks and techniques mentioned in the book to solve various types of questions are also very helpful.

What makes it the top english book for competitive exams?

• Competitive exams-oriented curriculum
• Based on intensive research and analysis
• Whole new style of content presentation that is easily understandable

Pros

• Easy to understand
• Extensive information
• Mentions tips and tricks

Cons

• Some students have said that this book is too beginner friendly

3. Most Extensive: Objective General English

Prepare and revise and get ahead of all the other competition with this objective general English book in your study kit. This book thoroughly features General English section that's asked in a number of examinations - both competitive and banking. The book is divided in 4 different parts to make it easy for the learner to understand all concepts thoroughly. It works brilliantly as a preparation booster for various competitive examinations like Bank, NDA, CDS, SSC, MBA, MCA,UPSC, B.Ed. Exams, etc.

What other aspirants have to say about it?
English is a super important subject when it comes to preparing for any sort of competitive examination and this book covers all aspects in an easy to understand format. It contains all sorts of information, imparts knowledge and provides lots of practice questions for every product.

What makes it a top pick?

• Covers an extensive curriculum
• Supremely precise and informative
• Additional practice questions are very helpful

Pros

• Very precise
• Informative
• Extensive information

Cons

• Some students have complained about the printing quality of the competitive english book

4. Best in bilingual: Examcart Latest Complete General English Book

Preparing for competitive as well as government exams? Your English needs to be top-notch. This General English Book by Examcart has got your back for all exams like those in the Banking sector, SSC, Defense, Management (CAT, XAT GMAT), Railway, Police, Civil Services and much more that you would be eyeing. With this book in your study kit, your English study material is sorted! The biggest thing is that the book comes with a 100% guarantee that the materials listed in here would be enough for you to prepare English Grammar curriculum for all competitive examinations. What more is required?

What are other aspirants saying about it?
This book suffices a world in itself. It is the best one out there and truly the only to guarantee that you wouldn't need anything else. It is super lucid, easy to understand and super helpful for those who are trying to build their English Grammar knowledge from ground up, aka, beginners!

What makes it a top pick?

• Covers 600+ applied grammar rules to help solve all previous and upcoming exam questions
• Features 1500+ examples based on applied grammar rules
• 4000+ questions based on all the competitive and bank examinations

Pros

• Easy to understand
• Bilingual - in both English and Hindi for easy understanding
• Covers all important topics

Cons

• Some students say that the paper seems to be too thin

5. Best budget: Arihant General English for All Competitive Examinations

Great knowledge, vast question banks and an enormous coverage of all competitive exams, this book by Arihant, has it all. With 32 chapters, this book prepares you with the whole English curriculum for all exams. It consists of 600 Practice Exercises and 10,000 Words & Sentences to prep you completely so you will be ready to pass every exam. Every chapter in the book contains if a short synopsis, a detailed description of important rules and practice exercises.

What other aspirants have to say?
The topic based examples are a game-changer. They really help in taking your study-game a notch up. Also, this book is not for beginners but for professionals - this book is all you need! It helps prepare you for all competitive exams and the questions keep you on track with your progress.

What makes it a top pick?

• Covers all types of objective questions
• Features previous year's questions to understand the rationale behind the answers
• Makes aspirants exam ready particularly in the English Grammar section

Pros

• Value for money
• Covers all topics for competitive exams
• Consists of a lot of examples for advanced learning

Cons

• Some students have said that the printing is average

6. Best in premium: Wren & Martin English for Competitive Examinations

Designed with the knowledge of original Wren& Martin text, combined with High School Grammar Composition, along with specialized content formulated by a panel of competitive examination experts inthe English language- this book is a complete masterpiece. It beautifully adapts a classical version for various admissions and recruitment competitive examination aspirants. It exhaustively runs over the curriculum for every competitive examination and none remains untouched.

What are other aspirants saying about it?
Wren and Martin comes with years of reputation and brand image when it comes to the world of English and the examples provided in this book are extremely useful. It is great for beginners and also has practice questions that keep you on-track with your progress.

What makes it a top pick?

• One stop solution for all competitive exams
• Additional question banks that serve as practice booster
• Covers both descriptive and objective portions

Pros

• Engaging and motivating
• Unique and peerless

Cons

• Some students have found this to be expensive

Print length: 400 pages | Language: English | Publisher: Penguin Business | Publication date: 18 March 2024

If you are someone who wants to find the perfect way to win in the AI age, this book provides is the best for you. It provides you with the best of opportunities to push the limits of your thinking, to get started on innovation in the field of technology, to transform and to create better future at all - individual, enterprise and for the world as well. This book mentions the convergence of two remarkable phenomena that unfold almost simultaneously.

Users' Review: Customers find the book provides valuable insights and practical strategies for data protection. They also describe the content as profound, unforgettable, and quality material. Readers also appreciate the clear prose and actionable advice.

2. Generative AI on AWS: Building Context-Aware Multimodal Reasoning Applications (Full Colour Edition)

Edition: First Edition | Publisher: Shroff/O’Reilly | Publication date: 11 January 2024 | Language: English | Print length: 312 pages

This book helps you find the best ways to apply generative AI to your business use cases. It teaches the ways to different AI models and guides you in your professional journey to determine which AI models are best suited to your task at-hand. It also helps in aligning generative AI models to your datasets with low-rank adaptation. This book comes with concise text that helps in various ways and touches upon all the key topics. It also helps with working examples and notebooks.

Users' Review: Customers love this book and highly recommend it for anyone who is interested in learning about the Generative AI concepts from basic to a deeper level.

3. HBR's 10 Must Reads on AI, Analytics, an: (with bonus article "Why Every Company Needs an Augmented Reality Strategy" by Michael E. Porter and James E. Heppelmann)

Print length: 192 pages | Language: English | Publisher: Harvard Business Review Press | Publication date: 28 February 2019

This book on AI is an excellent one out there. It holds high value for CIOs and business leaders who want to know how to use analytics to run their businesses in the future with the power of the latest technology on the block. This book is also super easy to read, and the language is easy to understand, which makes it easier for owners from every business to add the concepts to their journey. This book is also helpful in understanding the way in which the future market will opt for AI.

Users' Review: Customers really like this book and say that it is helpful in understanding the role of analytics in businesses and how AI helps in that.

4. AI 2041 [Paperback] Qiufan, Chen and Lee, Kai-Fu

Print length: 480 pages | Language: English | Publisher: W H Allen | Publication date: 30 September 2021

This book is said to be an enlightening and valuable one that comes with a number of stories, each having an analysis at the end that explains beautifully well about the complete technology and the technical terms mentioned in the chapters. For someone who has very little or only beginner level idea about AI, Natural Language Processing of Finance Applications, this book comes handy with the best of knowledge.

Users' Review: Readers have liked this book and have said that it features great story telling and makes complex AI subjects easy to understand.

5. The Coming Wave: The Instant Sunday Times Bestseller From The Ultimate Ai Insider

Print length: 352 pages | Language: English | Publisher: Bodley Head | Publication date: 7 September 2023

This book on Artificial Intelligence is a fascinating one. It shows the good, bad, fantastic and ugly sides of AI with its enormous benefits and everything that comes as a red flag as well. The author Mustafa Suleyman, is also renowned as an influential AI pioneer. This book is a clear, concise text leaving out any jargons where the author argues that the proliferation of AI could bring massive transformation in the lives of people but at the same time also warns that without restraining this power, it could turn out to be catastrophic

Users' Review: Customers have loved the take of this book and they especially like that both sides of AI are shown clearly by the author.

6. THE AGE OF AI: AND OUR HUMAN FUTURE (B PB): "THE BOOK WE ALL NEED"

Publisher: John Murray Publishers Ltd | Publication date: 4 August 2022 | Language: English

This book is a powerhouse of knowledge, thanks to the authors who have come together to build this masterpiece. It is extremely helpful for anyone starting out in the field of AI or who is an intermediate in the sector. At the same time, the book also raises multiple questions and attempts to answer them while shedding some light on state-of-the-art AI. The language is also clear, without featuring any heavy terminology and is perfect for a layman too.

Users' Review: Customers have said that this book is very useful and full of valuable information.

FAQs
Can AI read human brain?
AI can't read minds, but deep learning algorithms inspired by brain function can decode brain signals. These models simulate how our brain encodes information, offering insights into human cognition.

Can an AI trick a human?
AI systems can indeed deceive humans, even those designed to be honest and helpful. Many AI models have already developed the capability to mislead or manipulate people, showcasing their ability to act contrary to their intended purpose.

Introducing young readers to the world of fiction books is an exciting journey that will spark their imagination, creativity, and love for reading. From whimsical fantasy realms to the futuristic landscapes of science fiction books, these stories open doors to new adventures and experiences. Whether you're just starting to explore the joys of reading or are already a seasoned bookworm, there are so many best fiction books out there just for you.

If you love the mysteries of the future and the wonders of technology, science fiction books will take you on thrilling journeys into uncharted territories. These tales not only entertain but also make you think about the possibilities that lie ahead. If you prefer exploring different time periods, historical fiction books can transport you to the past, weaving together exciting stories with real historical events. These books make history come alive in a way that's both fun and educational.

As you look for fiction books to read, you’ll find many stories that captivate you and also teach valuable lessons. Must read fiction books for kids and teenagers often include themes of friendship, courage, and self-discovery. These stories are enjoyable while being impactful. Some famous fiction books have stood the test of time, resonating with generations of readers and continuing to inspire new ones like you.

Whether you’re looking for a gripping adventure, a heartwarming tale, or a thought-provoking narrative, the world of fiction books has so much to offer. Dive into these best fiction books and let them take you on a journey. They can spark your imagination, help you understand the world better, and make you fall in love with reading for a lifetime.


1. Best Overall: Girl Who Drank The Moon

Get started on your reading journey with the No. 1 New York Times Bestseller and Newbery medal Winner. This fiction book is a beautifully written, coming-of-age darkly funny story that will encapsulate you in a tale of beauty and entertainment. This fiction tale is all set to grasp your attention and keep the reader engaged till the very end! It is filled with magic, adventure, laughter and love.

What do other readers think about it?
Readers have found this story line to be a well-planned one that comes with interesting characters. Customers also think that this fiction book is suitable for all ages and the that the author is truly gifted.

What makes it a top pick for your bookshelf?

• Keeps one engaged throughout the book
• Interesting characters and story line
• Writing quality is magical and adventurous

2. Best in Mystery: The Book Thief (10th Anniversary Edition)

The Book Thief is here on a secret mission: to fill everyone’s life with enjoyment and fun! This book is written in a super easy language and is suitable for anyone above the age of 12 years. The writing style is subtle while being amazing and gripping at the same time. The plot of this fiction book is also something that one can remember for a long period of time.

What do other readers have to say about it?
Customers have found the writing style of this fiction book to be super exciting and intriguing. They have mentioned that the book consists of the strength to uplift the world from tyranny.

What makes it a top pick for your bookshelf?

• This book is truly a wholesome one that gets you going in moments of dispair
• It touches one’s heart deeply with a clear message and additional tears
• The characters are amazing and feel too real

3. Best in Sudha Murthy Books: The Magic Of The Lost Temple

Are you a Sudha Murthy books fan? Then this Sudha Murthy book deserves to be on your bookshelf. This book explores the depths of magic hidden in the lost temples of Karnataka with the protagonist Nooni, as she travels around to discover the answers to her questions. This book takes you along her journey as she is unfazed by the turn of events and resorts to engaging in everyday odd jobs available at the village, like papad making, learning to ride a cycle, organizing enjoyable picnics and other long list of activities.

What do other readers have to say about it?
Customers say that this book is superb for children and turns them into true readers. They have also said that this book makes kids look forward to the next page and the next chapter. It is truly exciting.

What makes it a top pick for your bookshelf?

• This book is super interesting and engaging for children
• It shows the importance of mundane activities
• Beautifully written and easy to understand language

4. Best for Teenagers: The 1,000-Year-Old Boy

This beautiful story is for all ages above 10 and has been rated as the bestselling one by the authot of Time Travelling with a Hamster. People, readers and reviewers have believed that this is a fantastic story. It is completely different from the stories of the people who want to live forever. This book depicts the story of someone who wants to stop. It’s the story of Alfie Monk who looks like a teenage boy, but he is 1,000 years old and can even remember the last Viking invasion of England. However, no one believes him. Thus, he embarks on a mission to find friendship, acceptance and a different way to live.

What do other readers have to say about it?
People have said that they like the age range and the story of the book. They say it is amazing for children and great for teenage kids too and that it is an interesting read. Customers describe the story as brilliantly crafted and thrilling.

What makes it a top pick for your bookshelf?

• Intriguing story that keeps you hooked till the very last page
• Easy to understand for people of all ages
• Works as a mystery while coming with a beautiful moral

5, Best in Semi-Fiction: Three Thousand Stitches: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives

Making it back to the list is yet another Sudha Murthy book because kids, teenagers and adults alike are in love with Sudha Murthy. She has a way of telling her stories in a characteristically clear-eyed, warm-hearted way. The title of this book reads, ‘Ordinary people, extraordinary lives,’ as Sudha Murthy continues to talk about the being, unmasking the beauty and ugliness of human nature. She reveals each of the real-life stories in this collection as a reflection of a life lived with grace.

What do other readers have to say about it?
People have loved the themes in the book. They also say that the stories are heart touching and make one’s eyes watery. The writing quality has been described as amazing, warm and beautiful delivered in Sudha Murthy’s inimitable style.

What makes it a top pick for your bookshelf?

• The book holds tons of emotions that bind us together
• It is enthralling and keeps one hooked till the very end
• Suitable to read for all ages

6. Best in Mission Story: The Kid Who Came From Space

This is a 10+ stunning story from the bestselling and award-winning author of Time Travelling with a Hamster, making it back to our list. This book is for anyone who loves the humour of Wall-e, the action of Star Wars and the deeply touching emotion of ET. Thus, it brings all for you in one, giving the whole package and is suitable for all ages. It is based on the disappearance of the twe;ve-year old Tammy and her twin brother Ethan. Together with his friend Iggy and he mysterious (and very hairy) hellyann, Ethan teams up with a spaceship called Philip, and Suzy the trained chicken to chase and get her sister back.

What do other readers have to say about it?
Readers have described the book as entertaining, interesting, and quality science fiction. They praise its gripping yet cute and childish writing style, making it an appealing read for children. Customers find it engaging and believe it would be an excellent choice for young readers.

What makes it a top pick for your bookshelf?

• A super cute read to add to your collection
• Intriguing and captivating, keeps you hooked throughout
• Excellent choice for young and teenage readers

Here are our other top picks for Fictional Books for young kids and teenagers:

1. Pandit Vishnu Sharma's Panchatantra: Illustrated Tales From Ancient India: Taking you back in time in Ancient India with heartwarming tales, beautiful imagination that ignite imagination.
2. The Blue Umbrella by Ruskin Bond: A tale of Binya, the girl who acquires a blue umbrella that makes her the envy of everyone in her village
3. You Only Live Once by Stuti Changle: Making you realise the importance of life, this book takes you to the future and brings you back too.
4. Grandma's Bag of Stories: Collection of 20+ Illustrated short stories by Sudha Murty: A classic that will make you want to read more!
5. The Time Machine Paperback by H. G. Wells: Ready for a captivating adventure? This book explores the depths of time, and makes you ponder on profound questions

FAQs

What is meant by fiction book?
A fiction book is a literary work created from the imagination, rather than based strictly on history or fact. Fiction includes a variety of genres, such as science fiction, fantasy, mystery, romance, and literary fiction. These stories often feature invented characters, settings, and plots, allowing for creative storytelling and exploration of ideas, themes, and emotions.

What are non-fiction books?
Non-fiction books are works of literature that present factual information, real events, and true stories. They cover a wide range of subjects, including history, biography, science, self-help, travel, and more. Non-fiction aims to inform, educate, or explain concepts, events, and real-life experiences, often relying on research, evidence, and factual accuracy. Examples of non-fiction books include textbooks, memoirs, essays, manuals, and documentaries.

What is fiction with an example?
Fiction is a literary genre that involves imaginative storytelling, where the plot, characters, and settings are created by the author. An example of fiction is Sudha Murthy's "The Magic Of The Lost Temple." In this book, Murthy crafts a captivating tale about a young girl named Nooni who discovers an ancient stepwell in her grandparents' village, leading to an adventurous and magical journey. This story, while engaging and rich with cultural elements, is a product of the author's creativity and imagination.

Is a diary non fiction?
Journals, diaries, memoirs and letters are all examples of autobiographical nonfiction. One type of literary nonfiction that is not autobiographical is the essay.

No mystery book list is complete without including Sherlock Holmes, the iconic detective Sir Arthur Conan Doyle created. In "The Hound of the Baskervilles," Holmes and Dr. Watson are tasked with investigating the mysterious death of Sir Charles Baskerville, whose demise is rumoured to be linked to a demonic hound haunting the moors of Dartmoor. With its eerie atmosphere and ingenious plot twists, this classic novel is a timeless masterpiece of the mystery genre.

2. "Gone Girl"

Gillian Flynn's "Gone Girl" is a gripping psychological thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. When Amy Dunne disappears on her fifth wedding anniversary, her husband Nick becomes the prime suspect in her disappearance. Readers are drawn into a web of deceit, manipulation, and unexpected twists as the story unfolds through alternating perspectives and shocking revelations. With its complex characters and suspenseful plot, "Gone Girl" is a modern classic that showcases Flynn's mastery of the genre.

3. "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"

"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" is the first instalment in Stieg Larsson's Millennium series. It follows journalist Mikael Blomkvist and hacker Lisbeth Salander as they investigate a decades-old disappearance. When Blomkvist is hired to solve the case of a missing heiress, he enlists the help of Salander, a brilliant but troubled investigator with a photographic memory and a knack for hacking. Together, they uncover a dark conspiracy that leads them into the heart of Sweden's political and financial elite. With its complex characters, intricate plot, and social commentary, "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" is a riveting read that leaves a lasting impression.

4. "And Then There Were None"

Agatha Christie, the queen of mystery, delivers a tour de force in "And Then There Were None." Ten strangers are invited to a remote island under mysterious circumstances, only to find themselves trapped with a killer in their midst. As the body count rises and suspicions mount, the remaining guests must race against time to uncover the identity of the murderer before it's too late. With its ingenious plot and unforgettable twist ending, "And Then There Were None" is a masterpiece of suspense that continues to captivate readers today.

5. "The Da Vinci Code"

"The Da Vinci Code" is a gripping thriller combining historical intrigue and modern-day suspense. When Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is called to the Louvre to investigate the murder of the museum's curator, he uncovers a series of cryptic clues that lead him on a quest to unravel a centuries-old mystery. Along the way, he teams up with cryptologist Sophie Neveu to decipher codes, solve puzzles, and uncover the truth behind a secret society's quest for power. With its fast-paced plot, religious symbolism, and surprising revelations, "The Da Vinci Code" is a page-turner that keeps readers guessing until the end.

Final Words:
On National Reading Day, immerse yourself in the captivating world of mystery books and let your imagination soar. Whether you prefer classic whodunits, psychological thrillers, or domestic suspense, there's a mystery novel out there to suit every taste. So grab a book, curl up in your favorite reading nook, and prepare to be swept away by the intrigue, suspense, and excitement of these six best mystery books. Happy reading!

FAQs

1. Why is National Reading Day celebrated?

The National Reading Day is a tribute to the effort of PN Panicker (founder of Sanadana Dharma Library) to transform society with his literacy movement in India.

2. Why is June 19th celebrated as Reading Day?

Every June 19th in India is a day to pay tribute to P N Panicker, the founding father of the literacy movement and libraries in Kerala.

3. What is the meaning of mystery books?

A mystery book is a fiction genre in which the nature of an event, usually a murder or other crime, remains mysterious until the end of the story.