How to gain more from your reading | Psyche Guides

Literary works entertain us, teach us and influence us. When we read literary works, we enrich our understanding of others, the world, and ourselves. In a sense, we become what we read.

However, the ability to recognize how the author accomplishes these things will allow you to further deepen your appreciation and gain more benefits from literary works.

• Pay close attention to the text from the beginning. It will prepare you to reflect, participate, and ask questions.   
• Read and then read again. There are so many things that happen in literature that you cannot understand everything the first time you read it.   
• Read slowly. Read more ambitions work slower. Take time to enjoy the way the author expresses his thoughts and reflect on what he tells you.   
• Reading some parts of the text aloud will help you notice what you might miss when reading silently.