Ask questions along the way

Observe your reaction to different events and aspects of the book and question why you have a specific reaction in a particular case. If you laugh or cry along with the characters, check what kind of wording achieves such an emotional impact. If you become anxious and cannot wait to find out what happens next, check what is driving the suspense. Is it the characters, the conflict or the constant sense of danger? Which words and scenes have been used to create such a moment in the book?

Find out more about the book

Many authors write about the book on other platforms that may explain the intent behind the work and what motivated them to create the story. This will give you a more in-depth understanding of the work. You might also get an opportunity to interact with and learn from the author. Places like the writer’s blog may offer more information on what the book is about.

Reread the notes

After you are done reading the book, read the notes you have taken and come back to them frequently in the future for the new information to sink it. Rereading will also make it more likely that you will utilize what you have written down in your work. As you make notes on different works, you will notice similarities that you can incorporate in your work. Most great books share a lot in common from character development, emotional impact, a great suitable ending etc.; all these are addressed in every great book and the way they are developed is what the reader should take note of.

Even as changes occur with time regarding what, how and when we read, the benefits of reading persist. One major benefit of reading is personal growth. When you read, you grow in so many ways including intellectually. Apart from the information that you acquire that helps you become a better writer, reading from different materials adds to your knowledge of different topics and life in general. Reading specific books also grows your character. You learn to empathize and withhold judgment as well as see situations from different perspectives.

As you read, you question the various features of the book. You analyze character motives and actions as well as their reactions to different events. The more you read, the more you develop your critical thinking skills. When reading, aim to learn and pick books that will add to your knowledge in whichever way that you desire.

For many, reading is also a hobby and a source of entertainment. Reading is not just about learning but the experiences you share with the characters in the book or the writer of a particular piece. Some experiences last a lifetime and never go away, making it seem as if you experienced them in real life.

Reading is also a great source of relaxation when done during different times such as night time. The entertainment aspect of reading also makes it a great way to de-stress especially when the book does not follow a very jarring storyline.