Literary Reflection and A Playful Reading Strategy

So, recently I’ve been exploring a new way to integrate the books I read into my life. I want to explore what I think about the topic of a book through poetry. I picked a few books to try this out on. Let me know what you think.

After reading the books, I’ve tried to reinterpret the themes and ideas through the lens of poetry. Each book becomes a springboard for my imagination, inspiring reflection that goes a little deeper into thoughts and feelings about the subject.

Through this process, I aim to engage with literature in a more personal and expressive way. By playing with the ideas of the books, I uncover new layers of meaning. I’m experimenting to see if this approach will help me grasp the essence of the book more profoundly and potentially yield a bigger impact on my life.

Book 1: The Power of Habit

“The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg explores the science behind habit formation and transformation, offering invaluable insights for writers seeking to understand and depict characters’ behavior and personal development.

Haikus that explore the ideas of “The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg

Cue, routine, reward,

Keystone habits, life explored,

Change, a golden chord.


Patterns shape our days,

Make your bed, habits hold sway,

Target’s tricks, habits exchange.


Poem 2: Imaginable

“Imaginable” by Jane McGonigal offers creatives practical techniques and psychological insights to unlock their imaginative potential, fueling productivity and innovation in their creative pursuits.

A poem that explores the ideas of “Imaginable” by Jane McGonigal


In the world of the Imaginable,

wisdom on the table.

Imagine the uncharted, the yet-to-be-seen,

A future memory, sharp and keen.

Think a decade ahead, flip the script,

the wilder, the better, reality pre-visit.

Clues in plain sight, forces at play,

Megatrends looming, shaping the day.

Pizzly bear, a mix of ice and land,

a symbol of change, strong force close at hand.

Google the future, any topic you seek,

In the vast web, insights reap.

Empathy for the yet-to-come self,

getting where others are from.

Ten days deep in a future scenario,

prepping for reality, letting insight grow.

In your future journal, ink the pages,

chronicle foresight through the coming ages.


This journey of integrating literature into my poetic reflections is illuminating! It deepened my understanding of the material I’ve explored. By engaging with the themes and ideas in a more active and creative manner, I’ve uncovered insights that resonate on a deeper level.

I’m excited to continue this experiment, as it has proven to be a rewarding avenue. I’m curious if other books would resonate in a similar way.

I invite fellow book adventurers to embark on their own active reading experiments, allowing literature to spark creativity and look at new paths of insight and understanding. How else can we enhance the act of reading to transform it into a dynamic experience?

If you enjoyed this literary adventure, explore my book, “A Novel Approach for Writers” and unlock a world of creative possibilities. Discover new insights, navigate the writing process with ease, and transform your literary journey into an adventure worth embarking on. Grab your copy here.

About Darlene Reilley

I'm Darlene, a Book Author and Content Writer. I am the author of 22 books including Gliese 667; Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of It; and 1,001 Plots to Get You Started. I’m also a freelancer content writer.
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1 Response to Literary Reflection and A Playful Reading Strategy

  1. Pingback: Discover, Author, and Roam: Birthday Adventure | DarWrites

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