How to Read Literature Like a Professor

A Lively and Entertaining Guide to Reading Between the Lines

By: Thomas C. Foster

Narrated by: David de Vries

Length: 9 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

What does it mean when a fictional hero takes a journey? Shares a meal? Gets drenched in a sudden rain shower? Often, there is much more going on in a novel or poem than is readily visible on the surface - a symbol, maybe, that remains elusive, or an unexpected twist on a character - and there's that sneaking suspicion that the deeper meaning of a literary text keeps escaping you.

In this practical and amusing guide to literature, Thomas C. Foster shows how easy and gratifying it is to unlock those hidden truths, and to discover a world where a road leads to a quest; a shared meal may signify a communion; and rain, whether cleansing or destructive, is never just rain. Ranging from major themes to literary models, narrative devices, and form, How to Read Literature Like a Professor is the perfect companion for making your reading experience more enriching, satisfying, and fun.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2003 Thomas C. Foster (P)2012 HarperCollins Pubishers

Good introduction to literature for beginners

I picked this up because I've always regretted not having paid more attention in English class. This book is well written, well organized, and a great introduction to how literature is structured between the lines. What's better is that each chapter is largely inclusive in itself, so don't be afraid to skip around lol

Lives Up to Its Claims

I had included this book in my Wish List based on both the sample narration and the publisher’s summary and was meaning to purchase it, if it ever went on sale. However, I went ahead and used a credit when I saw it listed as part of my son’s AP Literature summer reading. From the start the book “read” like a novel, so its claim of being “lively and entertaining” was definitely achieved especially in the capable hands of David de Vries. The other half of Thomas C. Foster’s stated goal of being a guide to reading between the lines, I believe was also achieved. Well at least, for someone like me, who is a wannabe comprehend-er of more than the obvious story-line. Even though I knew I was to be looking for symbols , themes and the like, I had no overall understanding of why they would be there and their significance to that particular story and their continuation from prior stories. BEWARE, however, and read at your own risk! The knowledge this book imparts requires action, so like me, you may be concerned that your shallow-surface reading days are numbered, but is this not the plan of the author all along.

Okay

The audiobook is missing a few chapters and cuts off the beginnings of some sentences and paragraphs.

A student's best friend

after being assigned this book, I was able to confidently read and write to my heart's content

Well-read but not my type of book

I think the book was a little bit bland for a casual reader, but the performance was great nonetheless.

AMAZING!!!!!!!

Amazing book!!! I actually enjoyed it. I usually don't enjoy books, but I LOVED it!!! #BestSummerReadingEVER

Even an old English teacher can enjoy new tricks

Foster's style easy to listen to, not St all pedantic, but full of insights, some of which are head-smackers :"why hadn't I thought of that?" All enjoyable, especially reading and a few different versions of analyzing Mansfield's Garden Party.

Good learning experience

I love the narrator they chose he made it interesting and easy to understand.
The writer puts a lot of examples in his writing you really really begin to grasp the understanding of everything you read listen to or watch you will start to notice the deeper meaning in books, movies, and even songs. I 100% recommended reading this book!!

Book commonly used for 10th Grade English

It was boring, okay I will admit it wasn’t that bad, but it was difficult to read. In the sense that I had no interest in reading the book let alone finishing it, but I did it and I’m proud of myself. All jokes aside listening to the audiobook made it much easier and convenient for my laziness and sleepless summer.

A party bus of literary theory

In case you ever thought that literature was boring, read this. It's perfect for writers, students and educators who didn't major in Lit, like myself. Also the reading selection is sumptuous. Foster samples from different vantages across the lit-sphere. He delivers a fine treatment to each on their own merit in relevant and entertaining ways. Showing how a single narrative detail nods to plethora of literary craftsmanship. Many readers will discover masterpieces and rediscover old faves. Readers interested in lit theory will benefit the most. The book takes an unabashed (yet tasteful) approach to subjects and authors that are controversial or polarizing outside of a strictly literary context. Triggers aside, it's a practical, adventurous guide for the 'pre-seasoned' reader.