I have obviously been going through growing pains in learning to read, and have unashamedly shared my shortcomings here as I relate the process of study. If you happen to read and disagree with my minor discoveries, or feel I am on the wrong path, I would appreciate any guidance given.
My latest theory is that perhaps one learns by asking questions of the text, rather than of the lecturer. Asking "what questions shall I ask of this?" may be a lazy method, somewhat like asking what questions will be on an exam, thus excluding the study of all else not mentioned. Maybe the secret is just to read, stop at an appropriate point, and wonder, and ask all that comes to mind.
Some of the answers will be obvious, but some will make one think. Maybe this is the key–that is, if a story makes one think, and the more it makes one think, it is good narrative. Or maybe that is only one way of looking at it. Perhaps a story that is told simply and openly is another.
The Lost Children: A Charity Anthology