In addition to writing my questions on sticky notes or keeping a character list handy, I love to write in my books- especially my classics. After reading, visit the themes, symbols, and other analysis sections to see what you missed or what you want to discuss with a fellow bookworm.Either read the book first and then the summary, or vice versa, depending on what works best for you. If you want to retain the element of surprise, alternate your reading with Sparknotes chapter summaries.Read the plot summary before you tackle a classic so that you can enjoy the language as you read, rather than wonder what’s happening.If it’s especially long and complicated, print it out or write a list of characters on your bookmark to help you keep track of them as you read. Review the character list and descriptions before you start reading.Choose your own adventure based on what you want to get out of your classic reading experience: As long as you’re not using it to plagiarize an essay, Sparknotes is a great resource for comprehending classic literature. (I don’t like to have my phone nearby when reading, so I write my questions on a sticky note for later.) If you encounter an unusual word or unfamiliar event, go to Google. Most editions of the classics feature introductory essays from scholars or modern authors that summarize important context, share author background information, and connect the novel to today’s world. You don’t need to spend three days researching before you read a classic (but if that brings you joy, I’m cheering you on!). For example, just a little bit of background knowledge on entailment and Regency-era etiquette illuminates key plot points in Pride and Prejudice and makes Austen’s humor and social commentary shine. Familiarity with the customs, historical events, and social structures of the time helps me comprehend what’s happening in a story, even if I’m struggling with the language. One of the trickiest parts of reading a classic, whether it was written in ancient times, the 1760s, or the 1960s, is encountering outdated language and unfamiliar settings. If you want to tackle a classic novel this season-particularly an older classic with tricky, outdated language to navigate-these are my tried-and-true tips to get more out of your reading experience: My favorite reading practices for classic books From Jane Austen to James Baldwin, classic books have staying power because of timeless themes, great writing, or an important place in pop culture. The definition of a “classic book” is up to you here, but I tend to think of classics as books that were published over 50 years ago-though you’ll often hear me use the phrase “modern classic” about more recent releases-and remain in our literary consciousness. That’s why classic books make up just one item on this reading challenge list. Picking up a classic can be a rewarding, enjoyable endeavor, but they’re not the only route to being an avid reader. I’ve sometimes felt pressure to read classic literature in order to prove myself a serious reader or to check off my list of “books to read before you die.” But the truth is, you don’t have to read classic literature to call yourself a bookworm. That’s why one of the prompts for the 2020 Reading Challenge is to “read a classic you didn’t read in high school.” Or, which books I missed out on because they weren’t included in the curriculum. Because I was a conscientious student, I read the assigned books anyway-but too often they seemed opaque, and I wonder how much went over my head when I read those books back then. Romance novels always manage to provide me with such a good time.Bookworm confession: as a teen reader, I was less-than-enthusiastic about the books my English teacher put in front of me. As I grew older, and as the years passed, I left YA novels behind and searched for stories that made me swoon, giggle, and fall in love - but now with older protagonists just like myself. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead, The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa, and The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare, were books I read one after another. Back in high school, though, I didn't read only romance books I had a preference for YA novels. I have always been a romantic at heart, so I want everyone to have a happy ending whenever I read a book, especially people who fall in love with someone who complements them perfectly. I started reading romance novels back in high school. And since I've read so many books this year, I want to share my favorite ones. I don't think I've read more than 100 books since 2019, so 2022 is already a win for me. This year has been very good in terms of reading.
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