reading for dummies

the problem with reading books by coetzee, rushdie, good ol' will s. or anyone with good literary standing for that matter (hmmmm... subjective no?) is that i understand but i dont understand. i always feel that i dont get as much from the book as i can, or should, as compared to a literature student or someone who knows what literary devices are employed or what to look out for or is simply more receptive to whatever it is that we're suppose to be receptive to. i mean, i get the narrative, but that cant be it can it? sure these writers dont write for the sake of writing (again an arguable point im sure), surely they have something to say. and it irritates me that i cant get it immediately. instead i find myself on those studyguide things online after finishing a book, with nice little headings like 'chapter summary', 'themes explored' and 'test yourself'. only after reading stuff like these do i feel that little figurative bulb in my head light up and hear myself going 'wow... that's pretty cool!'

damn, i wish i could do that by myself.