For beginners, 'The Canterville Ghost' by Oscar Wilde is a good start. It's a rather light - hearted yet spooky story about a ghost in an old English manor who tries to scare the new American owners. 'Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark' by Alvin Schwartz is also great. It's a collection of short, creepy tales that are easy to digest. And 'Goosebumps' series by R.L. Stine can be a fun entry into the world of haunting novels as they are written for a younger audience but still manage to be quite spooky.
I would recommend 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' by Washington Irving. It's a classic American tale of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman. The description of the spooky Sleepy Hollow and the terrifying Horseman is both exciting and a bit scary for beginners. Another one is 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley. Although it's more of a horror - science - fiction blend, the idea of the monster created by Victor Frankenstein and the consequences that follow can be quite haunting for those new to the genre. Also, 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens has some spooky elements as Ebenezer Scrooge is haunted by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come.
Also, 'The Graveyard Book' by Neil Gaiman. It's set in a graveyard which is already a spooky place. It has a unique story with a touch of the otherworldly that is accessible for those new to haunting fiction.
I would recommend 'Gulliver's Travels'. The various strange lands that Gulliver visits, like the land of the Lilliputians and the Brobdingnagians, are full of satirical elements that are both fun and educational for beginners. Also, 'A Modest Proposal' is short and to the point. It shows how satire can be used in a very powerful way to make a social or political statement, even if it's in a rather extreme way.
I would recommend 'The Windup Girl' for beginners. It has a fairly straightforward narrative that still manages to explore posthuman themes well. Also, 'Neuromancer' can be a good choice. Although it has some complex ideas, its influence on the posthuman genre makes it a must - read for those starting to explore this area.
A good one for beginners is 'The War of the Worlds' by H.G. Wells. It's a classic that introduced many people to the idea of alien invasion. It's easy to read and understand, and the concept of Martians coming to Earth in strange, tripod - like machines was revolutionary at the time.
A good one for beginners is 'Sophie's World' by Jostein Gaarder. It's like a storybook introduction to philosophy. It follows a young girl, Sophie, as she discovers different philosophical ideas and the history of philosophy in a very accessible way.
If you're a beginner, 'Number the Stars' is a wonderful history novel. It's about the Holocaust and is told from the perspective of a young girl in Denmark. It's simple yet powerful in conveying the horror and heroism of that time. 'The Kite Runner' is also a good option. While it mainly focuses on the relationship between two boys in Afghanistan, it also provides a lot of historical background about the country, from pre - Soviet invasion to the Taliban rule.
A good choice for beginners would be 'Herland' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. It focuses on a single - sex society which is an interesting concept to explore. And 'News from Nowhere' by William Morris is also suitable. It presents a pastoral and peaceful utopia in a way that is not overly difficult for those new to utopian literature.
For beginners, 'The Woman in Black' by Susan Hill is a great choice. It's a relatively short and straightforward horror novel. It has a spooky atmosphere and a simple yet effective plot about a haunted house and a vengeful ghost. Another good one is 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. While it's more of a thriller with horror elements, it's very accessible. The character of Hannibal Lecter is one of the most iconic and terrifying in literature. And 'Coraline' by Neil Gaiman is also suitable. It's a young - adult horror story that is not too intense but still manages to be creepy with its alternate world and the 'Other Mother' concept.
For beginners, 'Atlas Shrugged' is a great start. It's a very well - known libertarian novel that tells a compelling story while also presenting strong libertarian ideas. It's easy to get into and will introduce you to concepts like individualism and the importance of free enterprise.
'Jane Eyre' is also suitable for beginners. It's a story of a young woman's journey through life, facing hardships and finding love. The language is accessible, and the plot is engaging with elements of mystery and romance.