There are many occasions when we need to read a specific book, the subject of which may not interest us. We may not know much about it, but we need to write a report. If the book is a gift, we would like to be able to thank whoever made it, and talk to them about it. This wikiHow article will help you.
Steps
Step 1. Quickly browse the book to get a general idea of the subject
The table of contents or index can come in handy in this step.
Step 2. Do the math
Just because a book looks long doesn't mean it really is. Check how many days you have to deliver the report and then divide the pages by the number you get. For example, if you have 12 nights to read a 200 page novel then you will only have to read 17 pages each night. This way it's less scary.
Step 3. Read the book summary on the back cover
This will give you an idea of the main theme of the book.
Step 4. Assuming the book is for a school report, buy the condensed version (cheat sheet)
This way you will have a general idea of the topics covered but without the useless information and specific details.
Step 5. Search for the title on Google
See if you can find information about the characters and the plot by looking for specific facts; however, don't use the internet as your only resource. Take the summaries and notes you find online with a grain of salt. Try to see the web as the calculator for math homework - it serves to track your work, not to be your only source of information. The best resource is the book itself.
Step 6. Search online bookstores
Check out the main ones, because you will find different reviews from users who have already read the book.
Step 7. Eliminate distractions
If you are in a room with a lot of distractions, such as TV, music, or people talking, unplug all electronic equipment and try to remove other distractions. Don't start daydreaming though. Work.
Advice
- Keep food, water, and snacks on hand so you don't get distracted when you start reading.
- If you can't get rid of all sources of distraction, create a special study time, in which tranquility reigns at least in your room or where you usually study. Tell your family so they know they don't have to bother you in that amount of time.
- Even if you don't know what speed reading is, sit in a quiet room, in a comfortable chair, and read. Scroll through them quickly, but focus and select the most important ideas in the story.
- Give the book a chance. You might like.
- If you start late for school, say 9.30am, set your alarm for 8 or earlier depending on how long it takes you to get ready, and read until it's time to go.
- Listen to the book on an iPod, MP3 player or so on. There are audio versions of many novels, especially the classics, but they can cost a little. You can rest and close your eyes, walk or eat something, all while listening to the book as it is read at a good pace. Convert audio to text using a program on purpose. If you can buy the actual book in order to write down passages and references for the report or verification; keep a pen and paper handy to take notes while you listen.
- Ask the teacher what the most important information to know is. For example, do you have to focus on the characters, the symbolism, the plot or something else? When reading a chapter, look for the things your teacher finds important and take notes. Not only will it help you stay awake while reading, but it will be a very useful tool for testing!
- Do not give up! Whatever you do, don't quit your job halfway. By doing so you will only have to increase the reading load as the delivery date or the verification date approaches.
- Other of your classmates may also have a problem, so you could organize a reading group. It will come in handy to better understand the text.
- If you are under 18 and you need to read a novel such as Gulliver's Travels, ask one of your parents for help, explaining what the problem is. If you are over 18, take some time to read the book and then ask yourself a few questions about it. This you can do even if you are smaller. Have fun with your reading!
Warnings
- Don't try to write the book review unless you know the beginning, middle and ending of the text. Your teacher will understand that you have not read it if you omit important facts.
- If the book is a gift, and you want to thank the people who gave it to you, you need to be sure of what it is about. Do not go into details, thank you and tell her that you were pleased to receive the book. Then change the subject.
- If you have verification, most teachers know Wikipedia so the information you find on that site should be avoided.
- If a movie was made from the book, don't watch it; it's usually completely different from the novel, so watching it won't do you any good.
