How to Read and Enjoy a Classic Book

It can take a lot of energy to read books with antiquated language and long-gone colloquialisms. They feature sentences that sometimes seem to span a mile, words that are out of date and style, and incredibly strange euphemisms which, in this modern world, we may have a difficult time understanding. But reading a classic book does not have to be migraine-inducing. In fact, it can be a quite pleasurable experience indeed. I used to have such a difficult time myself, but after utilizing certain techniques, I did not have a difficult time doing assignments for required reading or fulfilling my list of classic books I think I should read during my lifetime.

Read. It's as simple as that - the more you read, no matter what it is (comic books, magazines, and cheap paperback novels all count), the more you learn how to read correctly. Regarding reading, "correctly" means the way that is best for you - some people read slowly, some people read very quickly. Learn what you are interested in and read more of it. If you don't like a book, don't force yourself to read it (unless of course you're a student and it is required of you - more on that later). Simply reading will help you become a better reader and you can get around to drudging through the classics sooner simply by reading whatever it is you like to read.

Own a dictionary - and use it. A pocket dictionary is nice, but having a nice unabridged (or close to it) dictionary by your side as you read a book is most pleasant. The presence of the dictionary itself does you no good, but if you set it on a side table or some such thing, it can come in handy. This way if you come across a word you do not understand, you can first try to figure out its meaning through the context of it, and then if that fails the dictionary is there - and because you have chosen a nice fat unabridged one, you can look up almost any word in the English language and get most of the meanings in a concise manner.

Close your eyes. Extended periods of time during which you are reading can give you a headache or make you begin to see double - don't forget to take a break while you're reading. Get up for some coffee or tea, eat a snack, or go for a walk. Do anything that doesn't require the intense focus on one spot that reading does - for many, this would include using a computer or watching television. Even a nap might help if you've been reading for hours and feel exhausted. If you wear contact lenses, removing them and cleaning them periodically or using rewetting drops may be something you find helpful. I had a problem with my contact lenses getting dry when I read or watched television for months until I realized that every couple of hours, I had to use eye drops. A more comfortable eye makes for a better reader.

Make it a pleasant experience. If there is a particular room you like to spend time in, use it. Sit in a chair you find comfortable. Light a candle or burn incense with your favorite smell. If you can listen to music while you read, by all means turn on your favorite tunes while you read. Make sure things like reading glasses, water, and whatever else makes you comfortable is available. If you associate reading with comfort and a pleasant environment, you will enjoy reading more.

Use your own techniques. Utilizing techniques for reading can be extremely helpful when you are doing something like an assignment or reading a required book that you may not enjoy. If you're stuck with a book you would never choose to read yourself, you may want to grab a small index card - it is rather important that the index card be blank so it won't distract you. When you're going to read, grab the index card and put it under the line you are to begin reading at. Each time you finish reading a line, move the index card down one line. This will keep you from getting distracted and help you focus on the topic at hand. Keep a notebook and pen or pencil nearby and use them to take notes on key points. Try to relate to the events or characters - usually even in the most dull of books I can find a character I identify with. It will help you labor through the pages of the most immense volumes if you have a character you understand. Taking frequent breaks and setting goals (i.e. "I will make it to page 50 of this book before I get up for lunch") will also be helpful. Ask yourself questions about what happened when you finish a chapter. What just happened? Were there any words or phrases you didn't understand? Utilize the internet - a most handy tool when it comes to antiquated idioms - when you can't find something in a dictionary.

Lastly, don't think of reading as a boring activity. No matter how dull the book you have been assigned, try not to think of it as such. Try to imagine what characters and places look like. Just because you aren't watching a movie doesn't mean you can't imagine certain actors or actresses as characters. Who would you choose to direct this book as a film adaptation? Asking yourself such questions - though not relevant to the reading of the book - can be extremely relevant to you getting to the last page of it without too much boredom. You might even find as you close the book that - surprise - you enjoyed the story.