I’ve been doing this so that if a sequel comes many years in the future, I can just read the summaries of the chapters instead of rereading the whole book to save time. My summaries are on average 100-120 words, sometimes less than that, but sometimes they even cross 300 words. I read a chapter and then write the summary.
I did this for the first book that I finished this year. Now that I’m in the beginning of the second book, I’ve been wondering if it’s worth it. I don’t care if it takes me twice as long as to finish a book when I do this, but I noticed that I might be losing immersion whenever I stop and take a summary. And it also feels like a chore at times.
Can I still enjoy a sequel without rereading the prequels? Is there a better way to take notes?
Edit – Thanks to SweatLoveBeer, I’ve realised I could just write the summaries at the end of my reading sessions, and my immersion won’t be broken either!
by _pixelforg_
3 Comments
Traditionally, the chapter titles would give a rough indication of what happens during the chapter, so if your book’s chapters are titled, it possibly has a Table of Contents.
In the end, reading should be about personal enjoyment. If you notice that it breaks your immersion, how do you feel about reading multiple chapters until you find a natural breaking point due to being tired, etc. – and then writing like three summaries for three chapters? You should still be able to remember them somewhat well! 🙂
I’ve considered doing this. I don’t like not remembering what I’ve read in the long term and would rather have some summary of events than have to reread a series or book. The ASoIaF wiki has this and it’s great.
I have no issue with rereading if I want to fully immerse myself in a universe again and if it’s from a series that I loved but sometimes I might just need a quick reminder. Even just a list of characters and a quick sentence or 2 as to what they did that chapter could be enough.
I started doing this with horror movies in a spreadsheet where I’d write a summary and also an opinion on the movie. I did this because there were too many times when I’d watch obscure horror movies or reminisce through the years of horrors and forget whether I had or hadn’t seen a movie or a scene in my head where I couldn’t for the life of me remember what movie it was from etc. This was mainly because horrors are notorious for reboots, remakes, and making series with 15 sequels that are all very similar so going back 10 years ago, details start to get blurry.