We often read quickly yet somewhat passively, without thinking about why we like a book (or don’t). The following questions are designed to help us think about what we’re reading, why we’re reading it, and how it fits into our lives and ideals.
Writers, you can get double duty from these questions by turning them on your own drafts. They will help you write like a reader and read like writer, noticing craft choices rather than just story, and give you a diagnostic tool for revision.
- What's the point of view in your current read, and how would the story change if told from another perspective?
- How does the author handle time—linear, fragmented, circular? Does the structure enhance or obscure the content?
- What's one sentence or passage you could study for its construction? What makes it work?
- Is there a recurring image, phrase, or motif? What does it add to the whole?
- How much dialogue versus exposition? Does the balance feel right for what the author is trying to do?
- Do you re-read books? What makes a book worthy of your return?
- How do the authors you are reading break the “rules” or follow them? Does it work?
- What drew you to pick up this book initially, and has it met those expectations?
- When do you read—morning, night, in chunks, in one sitting? Does the book dictate the rhythm or do you?
- Have you abandoned a book partway through this year? What made you stop?
- What book have you recommended most often, and why that one?
- Do you read multiple books simultaneously or one at a time? What does that say about your relationship with reading?
- How is character identity made unique in what you’re reading?
- What has impressed you about an ending recently? Do you prefer happy, sad, or ambiguous endings?
- Do you read things that revolve more around plot or character? Or is it all about words and the craft?
- What—if anything—surprises you about what you are reading?
- In the books you are reading, what might someone, somewhere find objectionable? Does being banned affect your desire to read a book?
- What questions does the book refuse to answer? Is that intentional withholding effective?
- Where do you see the author's hand most clearly—or do they disappear into the work?
- What's the book's central tension, and does it sustain throughout?
- How does the opening chapter or section set up what follows? What promises does it make?
- What would you cut if you were editing this? What would you expand?
- What’s unique about what you’re reading? What’s similar to every other book of the genre?
- Are your books intimate friends or fine treasures (i.e., mark up and dogear, or never)?
- What books have been educational (or at least informational) to you recently?
- What’s the role of description in what you are reading now? Would you change anything about the way description is handled?
- Do you ever choose a book based only on its title? Or its cover?
- What does this book assume you already know or believe?
- Is there a "thesis" even in the fiction you read? What argument is being made?
- How does setting function beyond mere backdrop? Could this story happen anywhere?
- What's missing from this book? Whose perspective isn't represented?
- What's the last book that changed your mind about something?
- Do you prefer books that comfort or challenge you? What's the ratio in your recent reading?
- What book are you avoiding, and why?
- Has a book ever made you cry, laugh, or feel anger? What triggered that response—events or language?
- What books do you keep meaning to read but never quite start?
We hope you enjoy these Reading Reflections from Story Circle Network.
If you're not already a member, we'd love to have you join us now!
