This is not for pleasure reading. Most people can race through their favorite pulp fiction writers in no time flat. But to read long or dense works, while infinitely rewarding, requires some ground rules.
#1. Have a tangible reason
This might seem like a no-brainer. Of course, you are reading to better yourself, gain knowledge, sound smarter, or be prepared for something down the road. This is not enough. At least it’s not for me. Those are good enough reasons, and that’s more or less why I read, but having an immediate use for the material covered is crucial to give focus and staying power for the hundreds of pages ahead of you. Read for a blog post or a podcast. Read for a reading group (this is how I get most of my really heavy books in). Read for an essay. Read for YouTube. Read to win a debate. These things don’t have to really matter in and of themselves. You can have a YouTube channel that only your mom follows and still benefit. The reason for this is twofold: it causes you to have a deadline for an objective, and, maybe more importantly, it gives guidance on what to dig out of a book. Face it, in a 1,000-page volume, you aren’t going to remember everything. However, if you have a reason for your reading, then you come to the book to learn something from it. If you have a book seminar meeting ahead, you are looking for talking points. If you have a YouTube channel, you are looking for things to say that support the angle you are going to take on the book. Plus, writing or teaching something causes better understanding. It really doesn’t matter what you use, but some goal can really make the difference in finishing, and remembering, that really dense book you always wanted to finish.
#2. Engage with the page
You can’t follow #1 if you don’t take notes unless you’re a genius. Furthermore, it will keep you reading more actively and alertly if you mark up your book, take notes in the margin, or write thoughts and page numbers in a notebook (I do all three, while also using sticky tabs). My books look like an ink bomb explosion took place, and I have notebooks and 3×5 cards stashed about, which means I’m at least attempting to understand and remember something.
#3. Have a reading plan
If you break the book into chunks it will feel way more manageable. Be realistic, reading is tough. But if you read 5 pages a day, for 5 days a week, that’s 1,300 pages in a year!! Make a schedule. That doesn’t mean you have to keep it 100%, but having an idea of what it will take to finish will keep you on track.
#4. Have a reading time
If you “try and fit something in,” it rarely happens, but if you have time set aside for something, the chances of doing it are at least a good bit better.
#5. Know the book’s contents ahead of time.
Going in cold to anything places you at a disadvantage. Imagine a soldier who knows nothing about the enemy. A book is not an enemy, but it requires (if it’s a good book) a warrior’s mindset to make yourself master of its contents. Having an idea of what the book is about and its basic layout will keep you clued into what you should take note of as you read. Look at the table of contents, skim the book, or read a summary of the contents.
Those are some tips that I have learned over the past couple of years trying to read and understand some difficult works. Reading is a lifelong process. Stick it out!
Reflective Wanderer 