We’ve all been there. As an English major, I have to read a lot (no surprise there), and while I do love reading, I definitely don’t enjoy every novel I’m required to read for class. Hey, some books just make you feel like you’re chewing sandpaper, and that’s totally okay! You don’t have to like every book you’re assigned… but you should still try and read them.
So, how do you get through a book you really don’t want to read and still understand the material for class? You learn to separate your personal feelings from the book; understanding what was written is more significant than your dislike of the novel. Here are some tips to help you through your next school-assigned reading.
1. Find a synopsis online.
And no, I don’t mean read a summary of the novel the night before your test. Rather, find a spoiler-free synopsis of the plot and characters online and read up on what the book is about. If the book is older, understand that the writing may be a product of its time; it’s important to view writing through the lens of the period of history in which it was written. This could increase your enjoyment of the story, too; for example, while Shakespeare’s plays may seem pretentious, they’re actually full of amusing crude humor.
(Let’s be real, folks: ‘your mom’ jokes will never not be funny.)
2. Get through the first chapter.
Often times, the first chapter of a book is a set up for something that will happen later, so it seems boring and irrelevant. You just have to push through and try to absorb the information as best as you can. Skim if you have to, but understand that you might miss some foreshadowing.
3. Don’t take long breaks.
Force yourself to read a little bit every day. It might be tedious while you do it, but taking too long of a break can cause you to forget the plot. In that case, you’ll have to re-figure out what happened, and the process of reading will just take longer.
4. After you read a confusing chapter, read a summary of it online.
We all know the websites: Shmoop, Sparknotes, and LitCharts, to name a few. These analyses are meant to supplement what you’re reading and clarify confusing passages. They provide a simplified break-down of what happened in the chapter, as well as some analysis. Understanding how the writing relates to the author’s life, what the metaphors mean, and how symbolism plays into the story makes for a more vibrant reading experience.
5. Engage!
You might have been taught never to write in or mark up books in any way, but in college, you can throw that rule out the window. Taking notes in the margins (or using sticky notes if the book’s a rental) and jotting down your predictions, quick summaries, or comments will help you stay engaged in and follow the text.
6. Try and guess what’s going to happen next.
This sounds cheesy, but hypothesizing the future will keep you involved in the plot, and help you follow ongoing events. You might even feel a strange sense of accomplishment if you figure something out before the reader is supposed to know.
7. AFTER you finish the book, read a summary to reinforce your understanding.
Reviewing a full plot summary ensures you understood the basics; however, this by itself is not enough to understand all the nuances of a novel. I know that time management college is genuinely hard, and that you are tired, but always try your best to read the book.
8. Try listening to the audiobook!
Listening to an audiobook is a productive way to pass time while waiting in line in Marquis or walking to class. For some, audiobooks are a better medium than paperbacks: if you think you might be an auditory learner over a visual one, audiobooks are a great option for you! According to a 2016 study by education professor Beth Rogowsky, “[there are] no significant differences in comprehension between reading, listening, or reading and listening simultaneously.” It all just depends on what you’re comfortable with and what works for you!
Bonus tip: DO NOT WATCH THE MOVIE INSTEAD.
If you really can’t finish the book, watching the movie is still a terrible idea. At least read a summary instead; a film will only misinform you. Often times, a movie will have a changed ending or key point due to the translation from text to screen. Watching the modernized version of Romeo and Juliet featuring Leonardo DiCaprio will not replace the real thing when you’re trying to write an essay about the symbolism of Mercutio.
Good luck with your college reading! I know that slogging through a book you don’t want to read can make for a rough afternoon, but you’ve got this. Grab yourself some coffee, or a smoothie from the Eco Cafe, and get to work. I’m rooting for you!