Read the words to yourself as you imagine the author would read them to you. Imagining having a conversation with another person is one way to remain engaged in reading.
Use a pencil to mark certain passages as you read. Place check marks next to paragraphs that you know you completely understand, and question marks next to sentences or paragraphs on which you need further clarification. If you find yourself becoming completely lost in your reading, you can go back to your last pencil mark and know where to begin again.
Close the book once you have completed a passage or chapter and ask yourself questions about what you have just read. See what you can recall. If there are many details you cannot recall, you probably need to read that particular section again.
Discuss what you have read with a friend, peer or mentor. If your reading is for a book club, discuss with the club. If your reading is for a class at school, find a classmate who will help you review key ideas in the reading.
Write a summary of what you have read. This summary can be completed while you are reading, but is best done following the reading as a test to see what you have recalled. This is a handy supplement to refer back to, especially if your reading requires further study.