Monday, July 03, 2006
How do you read non-fiction?
People have different reading styles but the popular one is probably linear reading. Start from page 1 and read through the end without skipping or fast forwarding pages. I think that this approach works well only with fictions particularly where fast forwarding spoils the experience. This approach doesn't work for non-fictions for reasons discussed below:
1. Typically the core idea of non-fictions need time to reflect and assimilate
2. It is difficult to understand different concepts introduced in the book as well as anticipate the flow. In fiction, the story leads you forward. Non-fictions are more of digestion than discovery.
3. Non-fiction varies widely in their subject breadth and depth. Some take a narrow scope and go deep while others go for broader ground coverage. So, it is difficult to anticipate the scope if you are reading it linearly.
So, how then do we read non-fiction? Consider these apporaches. You can use combination of these approaches as well.
1. Spend time with prologue/introduction and Table of Contents. It gives you a good idea of author's intentions, background and perspective on what the book is about. Table of contents gives you a good idea of the structure and lay of the land you can expect.
2. Scan the book from beginning to the end before reading it. Read few passages from each chapter. This should take an hour or two. It gives you a good idea of concepts introduced, pace, depth and breadth of the book. Then read the book. Since you know all the major concepts in the book, you will form a mental canvas easily.
3. Make copious notes in the book to help you bookmark takeaways, personal commentary. Helps you revisit the book later. (Ofcourse the assumption here is that you own the book).
4. Put the ideas in action. This probably is the best way to internalize the book. In case you can't do this or if the book is theoritical, you can discuss the ideas with others.
Personally, I try to do all the above. Even if I can't, I definitely follow #1 and #2. It has helped me a lot. What method works for you?
1. Typically the core idea of non-fictions need time to reflect and assimilate
2. It is difficult to understand different concepts introduced in the book as well as anticipate the flow. In fiction, the story leads you forward. Non-fictions are more of digestion than discovery.
3. Non-fiction varies widely in their subject breadth and depth. Some take a narrow scope and go deep while others go for broader ground coverage. So, it is difficult to anticipate the scope if you are reading it linearly.
So, how then do we read non-fiction? Consider these apporaches. You can use combination of these approaches as well.
1. Spend time with prologue/introduction and Table of Contents. It gives you a good idea of author's intentions, background and perspective on what the book is about. Table of contents gives you a good idea of the structure and lay of the land you can expect.
2. Scan the book from beginning to the end before reading it. Read few passages from each chapter. This should take an hour or two. It gives you a good idea of concepts introduced, pace, depth and breadth of the book. Then read the book. Since you know all the major concepts in the book, you will form a mental canvas easily.
3. Make copious notes in the book to help you bookmark takeaways, personal commentary. Helps you revisit the book later. (Ofcourse the assumption here is that you own the book).
4. Put the ideas in action. This probably is the best way to internalize the book. In case you can't do this or if the book is theoritical, you can discuss the ideas with others.
Personally, I try to do all the above. Even if I can't, I definitely follow #1 and #2. It has helped me a lot. What method works for you?
# posted by Bala Girisaballa : 12:21 PM
