How I read books
I’ve loved books since before I could read. Every weekend, my parents would drive my sister and me to the Fremont Public Library.
In every major turning point in my life, I’ve turned to books. After breakups, preparing for new jobs, learning to manage people, troubleshooting a specific issue I was dealing with at home or at work. I’ve literally given myself therapy using books.
Books are more patient and readily available than human mentors. And maybe even more effective. You can reread books, they won’t judge you or be impatient with you, and you can go at your own pace.
Over time I’ve come up with a few principles for how I read books. I hope some of these approaches help you get a book’s full benefit, stop feeling guilty about being a slow reader, and enjoy the process more.
1. More books isn’t the goal. Books are a means to an end. The end is to become a wiser person, to spark your own imagination, to get a deeper understanding of a topic. They’re not the goal itself so I’m not impressed if you’ve read 52 books in a year. I’m more impressed if you read one book and let it deeply change you.
2. Understand why you’re reading. The goal might be to change your own behavior, sharpen your craft, get into someone else’s head, validate something you already know but need to be reminded of. If that means reading ONE book a year that changes you deeply, do that.
3. You don’t have to read the whole book. If the book doesn’t speak to you, find one that does. You won’t get points for suffering through a book you hate.
4. If you’re reading for entertainment, savor each page. It’s not a race. You don’t have to beat yourself up about “being a slow reader.” I’ve found many things I used to think are races are not actually races. You don’t have to finish fast just to check it off your list. You’re allowed to take your time and enjoy yourself.
5. If you’re reading to change your mind, stop when you’ve changed your mind. You’ve reached your purpose. Or, see above (point #4) and continue reading because you enjoy it. Stopping once you’ve “gotten the joke” is a useful tactic if you are short on time and your goal is getting the main point of the book.
6. The library is your underrated best friend. Did you know many libraries let you order books online, then send you a notification when your batch of books is ready to be picked up? It’s pretty amazing. Getting books from the library will make it easier for you to get a bunch of books and only read the ones you like—without feeling guilty that you bought the book. I only buy books I’ve already read and know are worth buying. Borrow 95% of what you read from the library (and give a donation when you can).
7. There’s a chance you might know more than the author. The bar for publishing is lower than it once was, so use your best judgment. Many business books these days could be summed up in a 10 page blog post. Respect the author, but there’s no need to deify them. Your own ideas might be just as valid.
8. Reread good books. You’ll read them with fresh eyes. The book stayed the same, but you changed—so you’re going to get new takeaways. I feel this way about sales books. I almost never regret reading or rereading sales books because the concepts are good reminders to surround myself with.
9. Read actively, not passively. Passive reading is reading without thinking about what you’re reading. Active reading is connecting the dots with what you already know and believe. You’re using your brain while you read. If your goal with reading is to change your own behavior, active reading is a must.
10. Write notes in the margins. This is a way to do active reading. I circle sentences, write notes, jot questions. Mark up your book because it’s yours and you want to inspire your own thinking.
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