Help in reading novels?

Question

Hi, i love english and i tried to read as many novels but eventually give up before completing the book. why? i dont understand the setence, you know there's always irony in the novels and we need to read between the lines. how do i develope the ability to interpret sentences? i'm 17 years old and my english is okay except the reading part..

Answer 1

Just try to begin with books written in "straightforward" English. A lot of good authors write really understandable, even for people who are quite new to reading in English.
Try to read good stories, something that will grab you and of which you can keep track. Maybe something like 'To kill a mockingbird' by Harper Lee. It is written really straight forward.
You may also try thrillers. You know, the kind that is made into movies.
If you can understand the main story the rest will come naturally.
Just keep reading!!

Answer 2

Try reading a couple graphic novels. (Novels with comic-book style pictures.) The illustrations should clue you in to some of the subtleties you're missing, and provide practice in understanding the underlying meaning of the written words.

Graphic novels have historically been a "boy" thing, but there are a lot of new ones coming out that are geared towards teenage girls. It's about time, too! Give it a try, it can't hurt.

Answer 3

I hear ya! What works for me is reading the cliff notes version of the novel (if there is one) after every chapter. That way you can keep up with what's going on. Also, there are many resources on the web that explain/summarize stories. Finally, you can most often find the stories on tape or CD, and sometimes there are even movies made from the novels. These are all ways to help you absorb and understand what you're reading. Good luck!!

Answer 4

I completely understand that!!! I'm 17 as well, and have been struggling to keep up with novels outside of english while keeping up with all of my academic and extracurricular activities. It's so hard!

Anyway, as for your question, I know it sounds dorky, but ANNOTATING your books WORKS. Keeping conscious notes really helps you pay attention to the plot line, keeps you up with the characters, and helps you spot themes and motifs that might be critical to understanding the story. It sounds bothersome, but it really keeps your head clear about the novel!

Another idea is to actually get someone to read it with you - it doesn't even have to be a friend you actually see everyday (though it would help) but you can surely find someone online who'd actually like to read and discuss the book for clarification with you. What types of books are you trying to read?

Hope this helps!

Answer 5

I shall tell you how I got to read books in English, because I too found it difficult to complete an entire book in English. you should start with simple books, maybe children's books.
A good starting point would be Harry potter. It's wonderfully written from the point of view of its language and the contents are interesting, too, so you are very likely to finish it

Answer 6

start with reading shorter novels (or even short stories) why dont you study other genres like drama (not older obscure ones)

even if u do not understand it finish the work. At least, start with reding novellets. do search for the verbs or important words only. try to read a summary of the book if u do not grasp it at all...

Answer 7

Hey contact me whenevr u face difficulties.Im perfect at english novels...........I love them and have read many!
Just let me knw ur interests regarding novels......And tell me the sentences u dnt understand.Just mail me.
Otherwise if u nedd to improve urself I'l advice to have a dictionary whenevr u read novels and also choose novels taht suit ur interests and thinking.

Answer 8

Read it 2 times.

Answer 9

It just takes practice. And some people are just good at it. I love English, but those things come natural to me. I'm sure you'll get better over time. Don't be too hard on yourself.