Learning a new language can open doors—to new careers, relationships, and perspectives. But where should you start?
We’ve curated 5 of the most powerful books on language learning—covering memory techniques, immersive strategies, accelerated skill building, and real stories from multilingual learners. These books will help you build a solid foundation in any language.
But here’s the truth:
📚 Books give you knowledge.
🗣️ Tutors turn that knowledge into confidence.
That’s where Preply comes in — a global platform trusted by over 32,000 professional tutors, teaching 50+ languages to learners in over 180 countries. With 1-on-1 online tutoring, you can practice speaking from day one, get instant feedback, and build real-world fluency—fast.
Read to understand. Speak to succeed.
Fluent Forever : How to Learn Any Language Fast and Never Forget It
by Viktor E. Frankl (Author)
Gabriel Wyner speaks seven foreign languages fluently.
In Fluent Forever, Wyner shares his foolproof method for learning any language. It starts by hacking the way your brain naturally encodes information. You’ll discover how to hear new sounds and train your tongue to produce them accurately.
👉 Best for beginners with serious goals.
The First 20 Hours: How to Learn Anything . . . Fast!
by Josh Kaufman (Author)
In The First 20 Hours, Josh Kaufman offers a systematic approach to rapid skill acquisition: how to learn any new skill as quickly as possible. His method shows you how to deconstruct complex skills, maximize productive practice, and remove common learning barriers. By completing just 20 hours of focused, deliberate practice you’ll go from knowing absolutely nothing to performing noticeably well.
👉 Great for busy learners.
How to Learn a Foreign Language
by Paul Pimsleur Ph.D. (Author)
In this entertaining and groundbreaking book, Dr. Paul Pimsleur, creator of the renowned Pimsleur Method, the world leader in audio-based language learning, shows how anyone can learn to speak a foreign language.
In simple, straightforward terms, Dr. Pimsleur will help you learn grammar (seamlessly), vocabulary, and how to practice pronunciation (and come out sounding like a native).
👉 Best for learners who want to “think in a language.”
Polyglot: How I Learn Languages
by Kató Lomb (Author)
KATî LOMB (1909Ð2003) was one of the great polyglots of the 20th century. A translator and one of the first simultaneous interpreters in the world, Lomb worked in 16 languages for state and business concerns in her native Hungary.
Because Dr. Lomb learned her languages as an adult, after getting a PhD in chemistry, the methods she used will be of particular interest to adult learners who want to master a foreign language.
👉 Best for inspired self-learners.
Ultralearning: Master Hard Skills, Outsmart the Competition, and Accelerate Your Career
by Scott H. Young (Author)
In Ultralearning, Drawing from real-world examples and his own experiments (like learning four languages in a year), Young offers a blueprint for mastering complex subjects efficiently and effectively. This book is perfect for language learners who want to take control of their progress and complement structured lessons with proven techniques for deep, lasting fluency.
Ready to actually speak the language?
Books give you the theory — Preply gives you the real-world practice.
With over 32,000 tutors in 50+ languages, Whether you’re learning English, Spanish, French, Japanese, or any other language, Preply connects you with certified tutors who personalize every lesson to fit your goals, pace, and schedule.
🧑🏫 Speak Your Target Language with Confidence
📍 1-on-1 live sessions
💬 Personalized to your goals
⏱️ Flexible scheduling
💸 Starting at just $10
（FAQ）
Do I need both books and tutoring?
Yes. Books help you learn the structure, but real fluency comes from practice. Preply gives you safe, flexible 1-on-1 conversation practice.
Is Preply only for English learners?
Not at all! You can find tutors for French, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, German — even niche dialects.
Can I use Preply for test prep?
Absolutely. Many certified tutors specialize in IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge exams, and more.