Have you thought about joining a book group? I've been part of one for the last nine years and I get so much more out of discussing a book with people rather than just reading it on my own.
It's also reasuring when everyone finds the same book difficult to get through and it makes you realise that it's not just you finding it hard.
Have a look round your local area or ask at your local library. I would really recommend it if you want to get more out of each book.
Also I second what the others have said. I don't look up words unless I think I am missing something from the narrative by not understanding it. If I can sort of get the meaning of it from the context then I don't tend to look things up.
Happy reading
