How I Read with AI — Turning Pages into Conversations:

I consume a lot of online content. From thoughtful posts to online articles to YouTube videos. But the greatest joy I get is from reading fiction. That’s where I truly slow down, reflect, and grow. This post outlines the method I follow to deepen my understanding and appreciation of the books I read. And yes, I use the same approach for most of the other content I consume.

Fiction, and to some extent non-fiction, is my main go-to for learning. And this is how I do it.

Before I begin reading a novel, I ask ChatGPT to give me an overview of the book. Its themes, structure, and a brief synopsis. Then I dive into the first chapter. After reading, I upload the text and have a conversation with ChatGPT about it. I ask questions like: What philosophical insights can I take from this chapter? What does it reveal about a particular character? What subtext or meaning might I have missed? Etc.

If ChatGPT points out something I didn’t notice, I ask it to show me the exact paragraph where that idea came from. Then I go back and reread the chapter with new eyes.

I repeat this process for every chapter.

I do the same with non-fiction, especially with writers like Joan Didion. Her work is dense, poetic, and layered. Having a thinking partner like ChatGPT makes all the difference. It slows me down and helps me connect the dots. It turns reading into reflection, and content into wisdom.

Now you know how I consume knowledge. And how I use ChatGPT not just to read faster, but to understand deeper.

What about you?