I read a book by approaching it like I would an unopened gift.
Years back, I used Sparknotes for my study guide which includes a plot summary, character study and notes on major themes and symbols. But I try not to be affected with structured analysis. To me, a narrative invites and escapes interpretation.
Something will often excite me about a book. For Anna Karenina, (oh, long read,) for of its depiction of issues in 19th Centrury Russia, and thus quite daunting -- but the first sentence is of course inviting and itself a study in the best-known openings of any novel:
"All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way."
Such a pronouncement, holds the promise of a narration that will illuminate. It kept my night lamp burning.
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