How to Analyze What You Read

Even though I read authors in my favorite genre, now and then I go to the library to find books by unfamiliar authors in genres I don’t usually read. After all, how would new authors ever make it to the best seller list? I’ve discovered some wonderful authors this way. And in all honesty, I don’t pay attention to the bestseller lists.

As a writer, I make it a point to read novels specifically to learn writing technique. If I happen to enjoy the story as well, all the better. If I don’t, I’m learning why I don’t. I do most of my pleasure reading in the summer when I can sit outside while I read. Even when I read for pleasure, I learn because I make a point of studying the author’s writing techniques.

How do you analyze what you read?

To analyze what you read sounds like a surefire way to ruin a great read, but not at all. Haven’t you ever noticed something an author does that catches your interest, and you decide to try that technique for yourself? But studying the books of bestselling authors is an inexpensive way to learn aspects of the craft. So where do you start?

First, decide what you want to learn. Do you want to learn better plot structure, how to write great dialog, character development and story arc, or maybe you want to study how to effectively use flashbacks and backstory. Maybe you want to study nonfiction. Then look for structure, flow, take away, and transformation. Whatever the case may be, know going into the book what you’re looking for.

I recommend you first do this with a book you’ve already read, know, and enjoy. Now you’ll figure out why you enjoyed it. Purchase a copy or keep a notebook handy so you can make notes as you read. Underline, circle, or highlight sections that stand out. For those of you who are visual, use different colors if you like, just make sure you create a key for your color codes. 🤔

Below are questions to ask yourself as you read. While these are mostly yes or no questions, don’t stop there. Dig into the the why, why not, or how.

Plot

• Does the first page grab my interest?
• Can I identify the protagonist and his/her story goal?
• Can I follow the plot or are there holes?
• Does the middle drag?
• Does the climax feel earned or too easy?

Characters

• How does the author develop the book’s characters?
  • Are they individuals or do they all to think and talk alike?
  • What techniques does the author use to make his characters unique?
  • If there are multiple POVs, does each POV character have their own unique narrative voice?
• How does the author treat dialogue?
  • Does it seem real?
  • Does it flow smoothly?  
  • Does it create mood and express emotion?

Scenes

• Does each scene have this flow: Goal → Conflict → Outcome → New Situation?
• Are there passages of narrative that drag or begin to bore me?
• Does the author draw me into the story by appealing to my sense of taste, touch, smell, sight, and hearing? (If yes, I make note of how and what I like about how it’s done.)
• How does the author employ point of view (POV)?

Nonfiction

• Can you clearly identify who the target audience is?
• Can you name the primary problem the book solves?
• Can you explain why the chapters are in the order they are?
• Is the main idea of each chapter clear?
• Does each chapter address only one main topic?
• Is the author assuming too much prior knowledge?
• Are the topics/ideas building on one another?
• Does the reader know what to do with the information?

Overall Summary

• Am I bored?
• Do I like the story?
• Has there been transformation by the end of the book (nonfiction)?

The list could on, but I don’t have all day and neither do you. This should be enough to get you started on your journey.

Once you’ve done this with a book you love, pick up a random book from your to-be-read pile and do the same thing. As a writer, you need to be reading the genre you write, but stretch yourself now and then outside that. As a reader, you probably know when you don’t like a book. To analyze what you read will help you identify why you don’t like it and improve your own writing skills.

What do you look for when you read a book? Share your comments below.

Debra L. Butterfield © 2013, 2026