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.

[crafty1993]

on 4/7/2009 I say find an author who you have heard about from other people i lived in a mission 3 years ago and visited their library one saturday afternoon i usually read only vc andrews books and mary higgins clark i picked up a book by fern michaels and was finished reading it in 2 days couldn't put it down also became interested in the women's murder club by james patterson and read all that series when they came out with the tv show on abc pick out someone who sounds interesting to you particular need to read and you will find something interesting

on 11/14/2008 Don't try to read right before you go to bed, especially if you are tired and don't like the book. Not only will you probably fall asleep reading, but you will not be able to remember what you read as well. Also, if you can't stand the book, and still have to read it for a class, give yourself rewards for finishing a chapter or a section, so you can know that something good will come of your eyes being glued to that page.

on 11/14/2008 If you want to read a book originally published in a foreign or ancient language, keep in mind that the translator can make all the difference between a great reading and a horrible reading experience. While at the library or bookstore, take a look at several different translations, and choose the one that's easiest for you to read.

on 11/14/2008 Never understimate Cliff's Notes, or a movie based on a novel. If you find an easier-to-complete version of your text, you might have less trouble when you finish the reading. You never have to worry about getting lost, and with the movie, you'll sometimes be able to really see what the author is trying to describe (assuming that the movie sticks with the book). Also, differences between the movie and the book make great papers.

on 11/14/2008 Find a novel that will maintain your interest, while still challenging you. Try a romance novel that delves into gender discrimination and politics, a science fiction story that poses compelling religious quandaries, or even a western that explores the complexity of sexual relationships.