Reading dense, complex books can feel overwhelming, but having the right strategy can make the process easier, more engaging, and even enjoyable. Instead of avoiding challenging reads, you can break them down, use helpful tools, and stay engaged throughout the process.
The key to success isn’t just pushing through difficult passages—it’s approaching them with a plan. In this article, I’ll share my step-by-step approach to tackling hard books, from balancing your reading list to using ChatGPT as a reading assistant.
Are you wondering how to read hard books? Schedule a Discovery Call to explore reading comprehension strategies for better retention.
Step 1: Structure Your Reading Stack for Balance
The first step in tackling difficult books is organizing your reading list to keep you engaged. If you only read dense material, you might burn out quickly. Instead, mix fiction and nonfiction so you can switch between heavy and lighter reads when needed.
Here’s how to structure your reading stack:
- Fiction books provide entertainment but still require focus.
- Nonfiction books feed curiosity and support professional growth.
- Some books require deep reading, while others can be survey reads, where you skim for key takeaways.
You can maintain steady progress without feeling stuck by alternating between books based on your energy level and focus. If you often abandon books halfway through, try balancing heavier and lighter reads to stay motivated.
Step 2: Using ChatGPT for Reading and Learning
In the past, readers relied on CliffsNotes or SparkNotes to prepare for difficult books. Today, using ChatGPT for reading and learning is a more popular solution.
Before starting a complex book, ask ChatGPT to summarize the context, main themes, and key characters. This helps you:
- Understand the setting and background (especially useful for historical or technical books).
- Identify key characters and terms that might be difficult to track.
- Clarify complex concepts before you encounter them in the book.
For example, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John le Carré throws readers into a Cold War intelligence world with little explanation. ChatGPT helped me:
- Understand terms like “Control” (a character, not just a concept).
- Recognize that “The Circus” refers to British intelligence headquarters.
- Clarify that “the competition” refers to MI5 vs. MI6.
Having this pre-reading knowledge made the book easier to follow and more enjoyable.
Before starting a tough book, use ChatGPT to gather background information—it can make a huge difference.
Step 3: Take Notes and Annotate
Difficult books require active engagement. Taking notes while reading helps you track important details, themes, and insights.
Three Effective Note-Taking Methods:
- Write in the Book – If you’re comfortable with annotations, mark key passages, jot down thoughts, and circle unfamiliar terms.
- Use a Reading Journal – If you prefer not to mark books, keep a notebook to track characters, plot points, and insights.
- Keep a Note Card Inside the Book – Jot down character relationships, recurring themes, or complex terms for quick reference.
Write down key details to avoid flipping back through pages trying to recall information, keeping your reading focused and frustration-free.
Step 4: Use ChatGPT While Reading
One of the best ways to enhance reading comprehension is to use ChatGPT as a live reading companion.
Here’s how:
- Ask it to clarify terms or characters. If you encounter an unfamiliar term, ask ChatGPT for a spoiler-free explanation.
- Summarize difficult passages. If a section is confusing, copy part of it into ChatGPT and ask for a simplified breakdown.
- Discuss themes and ideas. Treat ChatGPT like a book club partner to reflect on key insights.
For example, while reading Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, I came across the phrase “the competition.” Le Carré never explains it outright, so I asked ChatGPT. It clarified that “the competition” refers to MI5, British domestic intelligence, which had tensions with MI6, the foreign intelligence service.
These small clarifications greatly improve comprehension.
If you struggle with understanding complex books, keep ChatGPT open while reading to ask questions in real time.
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Step 5: Define Your Reading Objective
Not every book should be read the same way. Before starting a book, define your purpose for reading it.
Ask yourself:
- Am I reading for entertainment? → Relax and enjoy the story without overanalyzing.
- Am I reading to learn something specific? → Take notes, highlight key sections, and engage with the material.
- Is this book relevant to my work or personal growth? → Focus on extracting key insights instead of reading every word.
This first principles approach to reading helps you decide whether to:
- Read it cover to cover.
- Skim through sections strategically.
- Focus on specific takeaways.
For example, if I’m reading a classic novel for fun, I let myself enjoy it without stressing over every detail. But if I’m reading a business or history book, I take notes and summarize key points to retain important insights.
This approach allows me to read more efficiently while still absorbing valuable knowledge.
Step 6: Make Hard Books Easier with a Smart Approach
Reading difficult books doesn’t have to be intimidating. Structuring your reading list, using tools like ChatGPT, and taking active notes can make even the most complex books easier to understand and more enjoyable.
Key Takeaways:
- Balance your reading list to stay motivated.
- Use ChatGPT for pre-reading to gather context.
- Take notes actively to track key details.
- Use ChatGPT while reading for quick clarifications.
- Define your reading objective to approach each book effectively.
Try these reading comprehension strategies on a book you’ve been struggling to finish. With the right approach, you’ll be surprised at how much easier and more engaging the reading process becomes.
Additional Resources
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