This research article aims to provide insight into the use of authentic texts in comparison with the texts that appear in student course books, in terms of student motivation and reading skills development in foreign language learning. The study was implemented with 44 undergraduate EFL learners and 4 teachers. The results indicate that both types of materials have a positive influence on reading skills development and motivation. Nevertheless, teachers and students found authentic materials that had been selected and developed in a constructive way more effective in terms of readings skills development and increasing student motivation