HOW TO UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU READ.step 2.

SKIM FIRST AND THEN READ CLOSELY:  If you're reading something difficult, don't worry too much about spoiling the ending for yourself. If you read a paragraph and have to start the paragraph over, consider skimming over the whole story, or flipping through the book somewhat to get a sense of the plot, the main characters, and the tone of the reading, so you'll know what to focus on as you read more closely.[1]

Taking a look at Cliff's Notes or reading about the book online can be a good way to get a good summary of the reading to help you get through it more easily. Just don't forget to go back and read through more closely.