Werner's Picks

If you were ever wondering what German language books or authors are good entry-level picks for second language German speakers, then check out these recommendations from Werner, the long-winded, all-knowing, street-wise bookseller outside the Humboldt University on Unter den Linden in Berlin.

Werner's Picks:

Berlin Alexanderplatz - Alfred Doeblin
Die Verwandlung - Franz Kafka
Die traurigen Geranien und andere Geschichten aus dem Nachlass - Wolfgang Borchert

Borchert and Kafka were Werner's first recommendations, claiming that the language is easy enough to understand (though the meaning might be a bit more elusive). Doeblin will be more of a challenge, but is important enough that people should still read it. He even offered to do readings with me to help me learn the language that much quicker. Yes, Werner is the man. Late-night readings of Berlin Alexanderplatz sound cool enough, but unfortunately my Berlin schedule didn't allow for it.

And apparently we beginners should shy away from Thomas Mann (a whole lot of words and so little said) and Gunter Grass (don't get Werner started on Grass). I'll keep it in mind.

Thank you, Werner!