Big books often come with big reputations. The thought of tackling a lengthy tome—500 pages or more—can sometimes feel overwhelming. These weighty “chunksters” can intimidate even the most dedicated readers, their hefty size often leading us to reach for shorter, more manageable reads instead. But these epic books, with their sprawling narratives and richly developed characters, can also provide some of the most rewarding reading experiences. With a little strategy and the right mindset, conquering a chunkster is an accomplishment that will leave you feeling proud, immersed, and deeply satisfied.
Why Read Big Books?
Before diving into how to tackle them, let’s talk about why you should. Long books offer an opportunity for immersion that is difficult to achieve in shorter formats. When you read a 500-plus-page novel, you get the chance to settle into the story in a way that’s more profound. The extended length means more time with characters, a deeper dive into their complexities, and a greater emotional investment in their journey. Think of it as the difference between watching a feature film and an entire television series—one can be entertaining, but the other creates a long-lasting relationship between you and the story.
Longer books are also the ones that often stay with you, not just because they take more time to read, but because they require more of your attention, energy, and reflection. The journey you undertake with the characters becomes part of your daily life, and the lessons within often resonate long after you’ve turned the final page. Chunksters allow for world-building on a grand scale, taking you to expansive settings that linger in your mind like vivid dreams.
Choosing the Right Chunkster
One of the best ways to make reading long books less daunting is to start by choosing the right one for you. Not all chunksters are created equal, and finding one that suits your interests and reading style will make the experience enjoyable rather than grueling. Here are some great chunkster recommendations to get you started:
- “Les Misérables” by Victor Hugo: A classic in every sense, this sprawling epic of French society is packed with rich characters and social commentary. If you enjoy historical fiction, this could be the perfect chunkster for you.
- “The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas: A gripping tale of betrayal, revenge, and redemption, this novel will keep you captivated for all of its 1,200 pages. It’s full of twists and turns that make the length more of an adventure than a chore.
- “A Little Life” by Hanya Yanagihara: This contemporary chunkster dives deep into the lives of four friends in New York City, delivering an emotionally powerful story that’s both beautiful and heart-wrenching.
- “1Q84” by Haruki Murakami: If you enjoy magical realism, this is a must-read. With its parallel worlds, complex plotlines, and unique characters, “1Q84” is an enchanting experience that more than justifies its length.
- “The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt: For those who love a coming-of-age story infused with art, crime, and the search for meaning, this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is a great pick.
Tips for Tackling Chunksters
So, how do you actually get through one of these enormous books without feeling overwhelmed? Here are some strategies to help you conquer the chunksters on your reading list.
- Set Manageable Goals: The sheer size of a big book can make it seem impossible to finish. Instead of thinking of it as a 900-page behemoth, break it down into smaller chunks. Set a goal of reading 50 pages per day or one chapter each night. By focusing on incremental progress, you’ll be surprised at how quickly you make your way through.
- Use a Reading Journal: Keeping track of your thoughts as you read is not only fun, but it can also be motivating. Write down quotes that resonate with you, record questions or predictions, and track your progress. This habit helps you stay engaged with the story and gives you a sense of accomplishment as you go.
- Mix It Up: If the length of the book starts to weigh on you, consider mixing it up by reading other books alongside your chunkster. Perhaps alternate between a chapter of your big book and a chapter of a shorter one. Reading something lighter or different in between sections of a long novel can help keep your motivation high without losing momentum.
- Audiobooks as an Ally: Long books can sometimes feel more approachable in audiobook form. Audiobooks are great for long drives, daily commutes, or while doing chores. They allow you to experience the story in a different format and can make dense or difficult texts feel more dynamic. For those particularly long books that seem hard to start, an audiobook can be the perfect entry point.
- Find a Reading Buddy: Reading with a friend or joining a book club can add an element of accountability to tackling a big book. Discussing your progress with someone else can make the process feel less solitary and more social. Plus, it’s always fun to share theories and insights about the plot as it unfolds.
- Track Milestones: Celebrate the milestones. Whether it’s reaching page 100, halfway through the book, or finishing a particularly challenging chapter, give yourself a pat on the back. Chunksters can take time, and acknowledging your progress makes it easier to stay committed. You could even reward yourself—treat yourself to a favorite snack or activity each time you hit a new milestone.
The Rewards of Reading Chunksters
Tackling a large book isn’t just about getting through it; it’s about allowing yourself to get lost in a world that feels fully formed and expansive. Long books have the luxury of providing rich backstories for characters, diving into subplots, and presenting the reader with intricate details that make the setting come alive. When you read a 500-page novel, you are spending time with the characters as though they are friends—getting to know their motivations, understanding their fears, and celebrating their victories.
One of the reasons people shy away from longer books is the commitment involved. We’re used to quick results—short articles, fast-paced TV shows, and content that delivers satisfaction in under an hour. But long books teach us patience. They require us to spend more time exploring the intricacies of the story, to linger over themes and savor the words. They offer an experience that cannot be rushed, and in an age of immediacy, that kind of deep immersion is a rare treat.
Consider the way “War and Peace” by Leo Tolstoy takes readers through the intricacies of Russian society, or how “The Pillars of the Earth” by Ken Follett makes you feel as though you’ve experienced the building of a medieval cathedral firsthand. These books are epic not just because of their length, but because of the immersive journeys they take us on. The reward of finishing a long book is akin to the satisfaction of completing a journey—the kind that stays with you for years to come.
Recommended Chunksters for Your TBR List
If you’re looking to add some literary giants to your TBR list, here are some more recommendations to consider:
- “Anna Karenina” by Leo Tolstoy: A beautiful and tragic story of love, passion, and the struggles of high society in 19th-century Russia. The depth of the characters makes this a book worth every page.
- “Infinite Jest” by David Foster Wallace: Known for its complexity and length, “Infinite Jest” is a challenging but rewarding read, full of cultural critique, wit, and Wallace’s distinctive voice.
- “The Stand” by Stephen King: If you love post-apocalyptic fiction, “The Stand” is a must-read. King’s characters are richly detailed, and the stakes couldn’t be higher in this battle between good and evil.
- “Shantaram” by Gregory David Roberts: Based on the author’s own experiences, this novel takes you deep into the underbelly of Bombay. It’s a sweeping, larger-than-life adventure that’s both intense and unforgettable.
- “Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell” by Susanna Clarke: If you’re a fan of fantasy, this book offers a deep, imaginative dive into an alternate version of 19th-century England, where magic is real and full of wonder.
- “The Brothers Karamazov” by Fyodor Dostoevsky: If philosophical musings mixed with family drama intrigue you, this classic Russian work will keep you thinking for weeks. It delves into morality, free will, and faith in a way that’s profoundly moving.
Ready to Conquer a Chunkster?
Ultimately, reading a big book is all about perspective. Instead of seeing it as an impossible task, think of it as an opportunity—a long, leisurely journey rather than a rushed sprint. With some planning, patience, and the right book, you’ll find yourself falling in love with the immersive, deeply satisfying nature of chunksters. Whether it’s a sprawling epic or a multi-generational family saga, these books can offer you a literary experience unlike any other—one that lingers long after the final page has been read.
So grab that hefty volume off the shelf, get comfortable, and start the adventure. It’s time to conquer the chunksters, one page at a time.
