How to Read a Novel

Reading novels is great for building your vocabulary and enhancing your own writing abilities. It's also a pleasant way to pass the time when traveling (and can help keep strangers from speaking to you if you're feeling anti-social).

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Book Bags
• Sun Visors
• Sunglasses
• Bookmarks
• Clip-on Book Light
• Reading Chairs
• Reading Lamps
• Sofas
• Chewing Gum
• Hot Chocolates
• Iced Teas
• Highlighter Pens
• Beach Chairs

1. Read the "blurbs" on the inside and outside covers of any book to familiarize yourself with the subject and the author of the novel.

2. Glance through the table of contents to determine how many chapters there are and how long each one will be, especially if you are reading for a class.

3. Write a list of all the characters as they appear in the story since relatively unimportant characters often resurface at the end of the book. You can do this on the inside cover of the book or on a small card you use as a bookmark.

4. Read with a highlighter or pen in hand, marking particularly interesting, important or repeated points.

5. Look for points at which the narrator is making some sort of evaluation or judgment about the characters. It's important to note whose "side" the narrator is on - it may not be the side you would take.

6. Pay attention to dialogue: characters reveal many things about themselves in their conversations with others.

7. Make notes on what characters actually do in comparison to what they say. They may reveal their vices or virtues through actions that don't match their words.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your novel handy so that when you find yourself with a few minutes of time (on the bus, waiting for a friend, eating lunch alone) you can get back to the story.

• Read several novels at once: keep one on the nightstand, one in the car, and one in your purse or briefcase.

• Good settings for reading novels include rainy days at home and sunny days at the beach.

• Keep a good, unopened novel on hand for sick days.

• For a "good read," gather provisions such as snacks and cold or hot drinks, put on your most comfy clothes, kick off your shoes and recline somewhere quiet.