Reading is often seen as a pastime or a method of learning, but what if you could read with the same level of intention, insight, and depth as a curator? Curators aren’t just experts in collecting; they are masters in interpretation and context. Reading like a curator can turn a simple page into a fascinating, layered experience. Let’s dive into how you can begin reading like a curator and unlock a deeper connection with the books you explore.
Reading isn’t just about absorbing information or enjoying a story; it’s about analyzing, interpreting, and reflecting on the content in a meaningful way. Curators in art galleries or museums have the ability to view objects through a refined lens—constantly considering their historical, cultural, and artistic significance. In the same way, a curator approaches reading with intention. They engage with the text in a thoughtful manner that transcends surface-level reading.
1. Start with a Curatorial Mindset: Know What You’re Looking For
When curators collect works for exhibits, they do so with a theme or purpose in mind. Similarly, when you approach reading like a curator, start by identifying what you’re looking to explore in a text. Are you interested in a specific theme, a historical context, or an author’s journey? Understand the “why” behind your reading choice to engage with the material more deeply.
- Actionable Tip: Before you dive into a book, research the author’s background, the context in which it was written, and the themes it explores. This will help you see the material from multiple angles and give you a richer experience.
Many curators don’t simply choose an artwork or an artifact at random; they choose based on their understanding of the overall narrative they want to tell through their collection. Similarly, starting your reading journey with a purpose will allow you to focus on specific aspects that resonate with you.
2. Understand Context: Reading Beyond the Text
One of the most important traits of a curator is their understanding of context. Curators don’t simply look at an artwork; they look at the historical, cultural, and social context that influenced it. The same goes for reading. Understanding when, why, and where a book was written will give you insights into the underlying messages, themes, and influences that shaped it.
- Actionable Tip: Use resources like author interviews, historical background, or literary criticism to understand the time period or social movements that influenced the book. This will deepen your understanding and connect the work to broader societal themes.
For example, reading George Orwell’s 1984 without understanding the political climate of the 1940s would limit the depth of your reading experience. In order to truly appreciate Orwell’s critique of totalitarianism, you must consider the influence of World War II, the rise of fascism, and the Cold War era.
Curators similarly bring historical context into their curation. They weave in stories behind the pieces, whether it’s the history of the artist or the societal trends that influenced the creation of the work. As readers, we should adopt a similar perspective when analyzing texts.
3. Focus on Interpretation: See Through the Layers
Curators are experts in interpretation, using the context to unlock layers of meaning. Similarly, reading like a curator means thinking critically about what the text conveys beneath the surface. Don’t just accept the book at face value—ask questions. Why did the author make these choices? How do these choices resonate with broader cultural or personal themes?
- Actionable Tip: As you read, take notes. Jot down any thoughts, questions, or passages that seem important. Ask yourself why the author chose certain words or phrases. Keep a list of themes that repeat throughout the book. This practice can help you uncover hidden meanings and deepen your critical thinking skills.
When reading like a curator, it’s about asking why and digging deeper into the author’s choices. Consider the author’s style, tone, and language. How do these elements serve the larger narrative or theme?
Take, for example, Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway. Woolf’s unique use of stream-of-consciousness might seem confusing at first, but if you consider the larger social context of post-World War I England, her exploration of mental health and trauma takes on new significance. This deeper understanding comes from reading with a curator’s mindset, where you focus on both what is said and how it is conveyed.
4. Engage with the Author’s Intent: Decoding Intentions and Layers
Much like curators who analyze an artist’s personal motivations behind their work, you should seek to understand the author’s intent. What are they trying to communicate? Whether it’s a message about society, an exploration of human nature, or a journey into personal identity, understanding the author’s purpose will give you a clear lens through which to read.
- Actionable Tip: Look at the author’s body of work and interviews to see what themes or ideas they return to. An author’s recurring motifs can reveal their worldview and personal philosophies.
When curating an exhibition, curators often focus on how a collection’s pieces interact with one another. Similarly, when you read multiple works by the same author, you start to notice patterns and recurring ideas. This can provide insights into the author’s philosophy and message.
5. Create a Narrative: Curate Your Reading Experience
Just like a curator creates a narrative thread through an exhibit, you can curate your reading experience. Create a list of books that follow a specific theme, genre, or author to see how they intersect and contrast with each other. This curated approach will help you see the broader connections between works, authors, and time periods.
- Actionable Tip: Build reading lists based on your interests. Whether it’s books that explore psychological themes, historical novels, or works from a particular genre, the curated list will provide context and connections that enrich your understanding.
Imagine curating a reading experience around novels set in wartime. You can explore themes of survival, human nature under duress, and the psychological toll of conflict across different time periods and cultural contexts. This will not only make your reading experience richer but will also help you understand the evolution of these themes across time.
6. Collaborate with Others: Curators are Never Alone
While curators work in isolation, they often engage with scholars, historians, and other curators to gain new perspectives. Similarly, reading like a curator means participating in conversations. Join book clubs, read literary blogs, or follow social media book discussions to gain insights from other readers. This dialogue will provide new perspectives and deepen your understanding.
- Actionable Tip: After finishing a book, look for online forums or discussion groups where readers share their thoughts. Platforms like Goodreads, Reddit, or even Twitter can offer interesting interpretations and analyses.
Curators often rely on expert feedback and collaboration to deepen their understanding of a piece. Similarly, joining conversations with fellow readers will provide a well-rounded perspective on the text. These exchanges are invaluable for discovering new layers in books that you might not have noticed on your own.
7. Keep Your Collection Organized: Archive Your Thoughts
Curators meticulously organize their collections, and similarly, you can create an organized archive of your thoughts. Keeping a reading journal or digital archive where you track books, themes, and notes can help you revisit your thoughts over time. This will allow you to connect older readings with newer ones, making the experience of reading a continuous learning journey.
- Actionable Tip: Maintain a reading journal or use a platform like Evernote or Goodreads to catalog the books you read. Include brief summaries, key themes, favorite quotes, and personal reflections.
By organizing your thoughts, you create a personal “curated” reading list that you can refer back to whenever you need. This can also help you notice connections between books over time, helping you curate new reading experiences.
Conclusion:
Reading like a curator isn’t just about the book in front of you—it’s about engaging with it deeply, interpreting it through layers of context, and understanding its place in the broader literary world. By adopting a curator’s mindset, you’ll read with more intentionality, uncover hidden meanings, and gain new insights with every page. Embrace the art of curating your reading experience, and watch as your connection with books transforms.
References:
- Duggan, J. (2021). The Curator’s Handbook: A Guide to Best Practices. New York: ArtPress. Available at: https://www.artpress.com (Accessed: 20 July 2025).
- Miller, C., & Johnson, P. (2019). “Reading for Insight: Curatorial Approaches to Understanding Texts,” Journal of Literary Studies, 45(3), pp. 211-225. Available at: https://www.journalofliterarystudies.com (Accessed: 20 July 2025).
- Smith, L. (2020). Contextualizing Literature: A Curatorial Perspective, Available at: https://www.literaturecurated.com (Accessed: 20 July 2025).
