how to undersatnd a book you're reading?

Steps

1. Select a book you really want to read. Half the battle is won if you are reading something that draws you and excites your interest.


2. Read the first chapter slowly. Don't rush. If there's a paragraph or sentence you enjoy, read it over. Take your time.


3. Make a comparison. Compare your understanding of the first chapter to a summary or analysis online. Continue to do that with the other chapters if you feel like you need to.


4. Use small notes to help you. After you get into the book a couple chapters, write down the names and characteristics of the main characters. If you really get to know the characters, you will be able to relate to them and feel for them.


5. Continue reading. Take it at a pace that suits you and take breaks when you begin to feel restless.


6. Review your feelings. When you reach the end of a chapter and of the end of the book itself, think for a minute about how the book made you feel. Sad? Happy? Confused and befuddled or excited and inspired? Depressed? Upset? Think about it, and use as many adjectives as you can. In doing this, you are deepening your impressions of the book and triggering your learning skills to help you to digest the various meanings in the book.


7. Make a plot map. Summarize the main points of each chapter in a few lines. This will help you see the full plot.


8. Use audio back-up to assist you. If you can, listen to the story on tape. This is always entertaining and if you are someone who enjoys listening, this will probably help you to better decipher and retain the meaning.

Tips

• A good rule of thumb is: If you have finished approximately 10% of the book that you didn't quite enjoy, put it aside and find something else you will like to read. However, if it's for a class assignment, sadly you will have to read a bit more than 10%!


• Some books take a bit longer to get into than others. This is often a matter of personal preference as opposed to whether or not a book is "good" or "bad." Look into the reasons why you don't like it. If it's laden with description and you prefer bits of dialogue and character, feel free to skip large chunks of these dull passages. You can always re-read it later.


• Read in a quiet, calming environment, unless you have finely honed concentration skills. If you read in the class room or at the bus stop, chances are you won't take in any of it.


• If you wish to dig for the deeper, symbolic meaning, try taking a course on literature, or reading "How to read literature like a professor".

Warnings

• Your tastes are your own. Don't read a book all the way through just because someone else liked it. Remember the 10% rule and you'll do fine.

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