Find out which genre interests you the most. Are you into adventure, intense feelings and exciting action; or do you enjoy the more relaxing side of life? Read a little bit online about what the different genres, and try the ones that is most absorbing.
Try to read a variety of genres. It seems unnecessary since you now
know your favorite genre(s), but every genre offers new experiences, knowledge,
and challenges. For most people, nonfiction is extremely dry, but try to find a
subject or topic you like and read about it.
- Don't dismiss books with a lot of pictures just because it seems childish or you feel like it's not a "real book". Every book is a real book. The encyclopedia, "_____ For Dummies", etc. will all help improve your reading skills and expand your horizons.
- Make sure the variety you're reading is at your level.
Read your books at comfortable time. If you read in class, or at work,
and you find you cannot read for an amount of time that allows you to get back
into the book, or any other reason, try to find a lighter read (less intense or
a lower skill level) for school or work. Try to find time to enjoy the heavier
reads before bed when you can really concentrate and think. Like-wise, don't
feel you need to read for a certain amount of time a day, either, if you don't
really have to. You will find it is hard to concentrate.
Try your best to visualize what's
going on the book. You can replace the characters with friends and people you
know, and get into the book that way. Whatever you do to get into a book, try
to exercise your mind's eye in order to visualize the book's events better.
Understand all of the characters. A good author really shows you what
the characters are feeling, and find ways to relate to the reader. Maybe you
felt a similar emotion, or have been through a similar situation. Maybe when
that emotion or situation comes later in life, you'll better understand.
Learn from the book by really
getting connected to the characters. The theme (lesson(s) learned) gives you a piece of the
author's wisdom and knowledge, and they are trying to rub it off onto others.
Most importantly, enjoy reading. You need to get into it and really
understand and appreciate the stories you read if you want to become a better
reader. Just having an advanced vocabulary and being able to read fast does not
make you an efficient reader. Depending on how much you get out of a book, or
article, or anything you read, is what determines how good of a reader you are.
