What Are the Best Tips for Reading Literature?

Many people find it challenging to make time to read literature, since work schedules and other obligations often take priority. Reading literature does not have to be a chore, however, and it does not necessarily have to take up a lot of time, either. A person can begin reading literature on a commute, during downtime at the doctor's office, or even for a few minutes before the workday begins. Instead of turning on the television during breakfast, try opening up a book or magazine to read for a few minutes. This will help develop good habits that will make literature more enjoyable and accessible.

It is important for the reader to decide what kind of literature he or she will enjoy reading. This will help the reader stay interested in the material; it is not always necessary to begin reading literature by choosing a book you feel you should read, or a book you're told you need to read. Instead, choose a book you think you will enjoy. Save the more challenging texts for later, after you have developed your routine for reading literature on a regular basis. The point of literature is to educate and entertain, so be sure the subject matter is compelling enough to hold your interest.

As you develop a stronger sense of what you like and don't like, consider branching out to more challenging texts or texts you would not otherwise read. A great way to do this is to join a book club or to begin reading book reviews online or in the newspaper. Book clubs allow you to continue reading literature while branching out into new subject matter and styles of writing. Be prepared to like some texts and dislike others; do not feel as though you have to like something just because others do. The fun of literature is figuring out your preferences and dislikes.

Sometimes challenging literature will feature vocabulary and figurative language that can be difficult to understand. It may be helpful to keep a pad and pen nearby to jot down words or phrases you do not understand. Once you finish reading a chapter or section, you can look up those words to gain a clearer understanding of what was said in the text. Try to learn more about figurative language, such as simile and metaphor, so you will be able to more clearly understand the themes and ideas the author is trying to convey with the text.

If you need an extra helping hand, consider hiring a specialized tutor who is an expert in teaching reading comprehension skills.