How do I read novels?

As with other types of literature, the reading experience will be more enjoyable and rewarding if you look for specific types of information.

• Research the author.
• Research the setting for the novel (time and place).
• Read the novel once for fun.
• Read sections of the novel a second time as needed.
• Highlight important details about characters, setting or plot.
• Highlight difficult or new words or phrases.
• Highlight major changes in characters, plots, or setting.
• Determine the point of view
        (1st person 3rd person limited, 3rd person omniscient).
• Find the major and minor characters.
• Determine the intended audience.
• Determine the theme or moral of each plot.
• Determine the types of conflict (others, self nature, fate).
• Find figures of speech or literary devices.
  Evaluate the over all effectiveness of the novel.

Finding the answers to these questions can be challenging. You may need to reread the novel to answer some questions. When you answer these questions, it is important to be able to offer details or quotes from the novel to support your answers. This may mean using your scanning or skimming skills to find examples. For instance, it is not enough to say that the mood is sombre and hopeless. You need to support the statement with examples such as the description of the setting or the thoughts and feelings of the characters.