Well now. First, because they were there. Because I was limited in my choice. It's not easy to find books in English in Japan.
Second, because I like them. They are all books that I have enjoyed, or look forward to reading, in English too.
I read every Lee Child book as soon as it comes out. I find Lee's stories addictive. There's a lot of dialogue, and many short sentences.
I'm happy to read children's books too. I grew up with them, after all! I clearly remember reading them the second time that I learned English. They filled me up with that language like a sponge. I must have the Pippi books around the age of 10, and it's a pleasure to get reacquainted.
The Magic Tree House series is decent enough. It is widely available in Japanese at any second-hand-books bookshop. It's level is exactly right for me now. I'm only up to the 4th book, but there are dozens.
As for Harry Potter, I wouldn't say that I am a great fan. And I don't consider it a children's book. However, it is the most widely-translated series of recent years, and there are umpteen audio versions.
As for John Steinbeck, he must be worth the time - he did win the Novel prize for Literature. I'll give his work a whirl. I like the sedate pace, as long as it doesn't smack too much of 'literature'.
I had to ration my Dutch resources. I only had two books - both who-dunnits. I read the first one quickly, but then had to restrict myself to a chapter per day of the second. De Chirurg is extremely graphic. I don't think that I could handle it in English. The scenes of medical slaughter left me cold, especially after I have just had a hernia operation!
So anyway, that's what I mean by 'compulsive reading'.
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