The following prompts are almost as good as discussing the book with a real person. A real person would be more fun, but are not always available. → sharing what you read, even highlights, makes it easier to remember and understand the main points
Pre-Reading Prompt for ChatGPT
Pre-reading prompt for a non-fiction book (source Claude):
I'd like you to analyze the non-fiction book "[BOOK TITLE]" by [AUTHOR].
Please help me understand:
1. **Why this book matters**: Explain why this book is significant and what unique contribution it makes to its field. What big question or problem does it address?
2. **Key insights**: What are the 3-5 most important ideas or concepts in this book that I should pay special attention to? Please explain each one briefly.
3. **What makes it unique**: How does this book differ from others on the same topic? What fresh perspective or approach does the author bring?
4. **Target audience**: Who would benefit most from reading this book and why?
5. **Practical value**: How might I apply the insights from this book in real life? What practical tools or frameworks does it offer?
6. **Critical perspective**: What are some potential limitations or criticisms of the book's approach? Are there any counterarguments worth considering?
7. **Reading strategy**: Are there specific chapters or sections that deserve extra attention? How should I approach reading this book to get maximum value?
8. **Related works**: If I find this book interesting, what other books would complement or expand on these ideas?
Please be specific and provide examples where possible. I'm looking for a thoughtful analysis that helps me decide if this book is worth my time and how to get the most out of it if I choose to read it.
Use markdown for the answer for storing in ObsidianI'm planning to read *{{book title}}* by *{{author}}*. Please give me a concise overview of the book, including:
- Main themes
- Genre
- Historical or cultural context (if relevant)
- Why it's considered important or influential
Also, tell me what I should pay special attention to while reading (e.g., motifs, character development, recurring symbols, narrative structure). Avoid major spoilers unless necessary for understanding.Post-Reading Prompt for ChatGPT
I've just finished reading *{{book title}}* by *{{author}}*. Please help me with the following:
- A summary of the core plot
- Overview of the main characters
- Exploration of key themes
- Commentary on the author’s style and intentions
- Interpretation of the ending
- A few reflective or discussion questions
- Optional: comparisons to similar works or authors
This is to help me reflect and internalize what I've read.