Absolutely!!!! Read the whole book first!!!
Then, go back and take notes and make an outline.
Then, go back and take notes and make an outline.
And what's wrong with reading a book twice?
If you have sufficient time and prefer to attain a thorough understanding of the book before starting your essay, then reading the entire book first would be a suitable approach. By doing so, you can get a comprehensive view of the characters, themes, and plot, which will greatly assist you in creating a more detailed and nuanced outline.
On the other hand, if you are working within a time constraint or prefer a more interactive approach, you can start by reading a few chapters and taking notes as you go along. This method allows you to capture key points, important quotes, and notable aspects of the book that you might want to focus on in your essay. Then, based on the notes you take, you can gradually develop an outline that highlights the main ideas you want to explore in your essay.
Ultimately, the choice between reading the entire book first or taking notes and creating an outline as you go along depends on your individual preferences and the requirements of your assignment. Consider factors such as time constraints, your reading pace, and the level of understanding you wish to achieve before deciding on the approach that suits you best.