How to Read a Literary Book
Choose which book you might try, if you have a choice., Research., Read a short summary of the book or a book review., Learn the basic concepts of literature such as plot, setting, character development, and action build-up., Start the first...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Choose which book you might try
Decide on whether to read fiction written in English, or a book in translation.
Decide on a country of origin, a century, a topic of interest. -
Step 2: if you have a choice.
Do a bit of research first.
Whether you choose a book or not, go read a little about the author, what is known about how and why the book was written, its historical setting.
What was happening at the time it was being written? , This will give you a preview of the book.
For modern books, find reviews in past magazines or newspapers.
For older books, read some standard discussions on the book, what English professionals have said in history. , Try to recognize these as you see them happen.
Learn the basic genre of the book, if western, horror, historical, adventure, science fiction, romance, drama, or comedy., Try to find the names and descriptions of main characters, and the setting.
When and where does the story happen? Look at the author's writing style, and begin to get used to it. , You are not doing a translation exercise.
You won't understand every word.
Get a main idea, a feeling, a mental picture first. , Underline, put a question mark if you want to check something later, or an exclamation mark if something catches your attention.
Later you can go back and check new words or ask a question. , Don't worry about grammar, just write your ideas. , In class, ask other students and participate in class discussions.
Do any work sheets given by the teacher. , In a class, you may have a reading schedule.
If not, give yourself 2-3 months, and try to read the same amount every week.
Keep a reading journal, with ideas after each chapter. , Even if it's an old movie, it will help you visualize the story. , Think about what the author had to do to create such a piece of writing for you to enjoy. -
Step 3: Research.
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Step 4: Read a short summary of the book or a book review.
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Step 5: Learn the basic concepts of literature such as plot
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Step 6: setting
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Step 7: character development
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Step 8: and action build-up.
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Step 9: Start the first chapter.
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Step 10: Put your dictionary down and just read without it at first.
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Step 11: Keep a pencil in hand
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Step 12: and mark the book
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Step 13: if possible.
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Step 14: After one chapter or section
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Step 15: go to your notebook and try to write a brief summary (2-6 sentences) of what you understood.
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Step 16: Talk to someone else about the book if you can.
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Step 17: Pace your reading according to the time you have.
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Step 18: Watch a movie based on the book if possible.
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Step 19: Notice how the author uses language
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Step 20: and try to appreciate the new words
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Step 21: sentence structure
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Step 22: or structure of the story.
Detailed Guide
Decide on whether to read fiction written in English, or a book in translation.
Decide on a country of origin, a century, a topic of interest.
Do a bit of research first.
Whether you choose a book or not, go read a little about the author, what is known about how and why the book was written, its historical setting.
What was happening at the time it was being written? , This will give you a preview of the book.
For modern books, find reviews in past magazines or newspapers.
For older books, read some standard discussions on the book, what English professionals have said in history. , Try to recognize these as you see them happen.
Learn the basic genre of the book, if western, horror, historical, adventure, science fiction, romance, drama, or comedy., Try to find the names and descriptions of main characters, and the setting.
When and where does the story happen? Look at the author's writing style, and begin to get used to it. , You are not doing a translation exercise.
You won't understand every word.
Get a main idea, a feeling, a mental picture first. , Underline, put a question mark if you want to check something later, or an exclamation mark if something catches your attention.
Later you can go back and check new words or ask a question. , Don't worry about grammar, just write your ideas. , In class, ask other students and participate in class discussions.
Do any work sheets given by the teacher. , In a class, you may have a reading schedule.
If not, give yourself 2-3 months, and try to read the same amount every week.
Keep a reading journal, with ideas after each chapter. , Even if it's an old movie, it will help you visualize the story. , Think about what the author had to do to create such a piece of writing for you to enjoy.
About the Author
Angela Cooper
A seasoned expert in lifestyle and practical guides, Angela Cooper combines 11 years of experience with a passion for teaching. Angela's guides are known for their clarity and practical value.
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