Rereading: The Art of Not Getting it the First Time
Step 1: Close your eyes and pretend you didn't read it before.
Reread the first chapter, but this time with a critical eye. Look for inconsistencies in the narrative, plot holes, and any other flaws you can find.
Reread it 3 times, and then give up. You're never going to get it.
For bonus points: Try reading it backwards.