Strengthening The Skill of Reading

[superfoodist]

Hey guys,

I'm looking to increase my reading skill. I'd like to strengthen several parts, such as : speed (not speed reading though), comprehension, and memorization of material.

Currently, I'm jobless, and in another thread I just started, I was looking for advice on what to do with my time. I really want to significantly sharpen my reading skills. If I read all day (or most of the day rather.. such as 6-8 hours or more per day), would that help me improve A LOT? Or would it be counter-productive, due to me getting tired, not focusing, losing comprehension, and therefore rewiring my brain to read lazily?

All help is appreciated, as well as any additional tips anyone might have to increase reading power.

Thanks!

[Philemon]

I had to go through a very abrupt period of reading improvement to get my degrees, so I can share what I did.

Step 1: Take notes!

I was often reading multiple books per week, so I had to keep it all straight. I would try to make a note for every page or so I read. Even if it's a brief note, it helps you to recall when you revisit the text.

Some ideas:

Write down a quote, description, or particular sentence you like. Make a plot prediction. Ask any questions. Write down an idea sparked by your reading. Make connections to other books or writings. Observe linguistic patterns and repetitions.

Step 2: Write

I'm a writing teacher, and I'm always preaching "If you want to learn to write, you have to read your *** off."

I think the same is true for reading. If you want to understand and retain what you're reading, you need to write about it. Even if you're just journaling about your core observations of a text, you can go a long way with that.

--------------------------

Regarding the 6-8 hour question, I think that could be okay. I used to have to devote entire 3-day weekends to reading. The key is to break it up. Read for about 20-30 minutes and take a short break, stretch, breathe, have a quick snack or a drink of water, then get back to reading. Your stamina will increase. When it's time to stop, and your mind and body will surely let you know, listen and stop.

Also, what are you reading? What are your interests? What is your purpose for wanting to improve your reading?

[superfoodist]

Awesome, thanks!

I'm reading a bunch of different stuff.. I read some fiction, and then for my non-fiction I like to learn about what many would call "conspiracy theories".

Anyone else have any input?

[cacheborn]

I am glad you have chosen the best way (or one of the best ways) to spend your time. Regarding non-fiction books, you may also find it useful to read books on the topic in which you would like to venture. I also like autobiographies a lot, especially of people who have overcome all odds and made something out of nothing.

I find it very useful to take a book with me to places where I have to wait. Even if I am waiting for the water to boil, I manage to squeeze in a page.

Recently came across this book, have not read it yet. may be interesting.

Amazon.com: Book Lust: Recommended Reading for Every Mood, Moment, and Reason (9781570613814): Nancy Pearl: Books

Happy reading.

[cacheborn]

Originally Posted by Philemon

I'm a writing teacher, and I'm always preaching "If you want to learn to write, you have to read your *** off."

That is so true. Almost all great writers are voracious readers. Isaac Asimov says in his autobiography that when he was a kid, he used to return from the library with two books under two arms and reading the third one.

[Philemon]

Originally Posted by superfoodist

Awesome, thanks!

I'm reading a bunch of different stuff.. I read some fiction, and then for my non-fiction I like to learn about what many would call "conspiracy theories".

Anyone else have any input?

Can you be more specific? I ask because I think if you want to improve your reading ability, you may need to step out of your comfort (pleasure) zone a bit.

[Lifeisamazing]

Read slowly, take one paragraph at a time, think intensely during reading, ask a lot of questions in your mind, discuss the material with someone else, write about it, teach it to someone else.

[superfoodist]

Originally Posted by Philemon

Can you be more specific? I ask because I think if you want to improve your reading ability, you may need to step out of your comfort (pleasure) zone a bit.

Well my reading material has become pretty diverse.. I just began reading the King James Version of the Bible, as well as the Qu'Ran. I have a bad problem with starting TONS of books at once, so here are some of the ones I have started :

The Rise of the Fourth Reich - Jim Marrs
Lord of the Rings (book 1) - J.R.R. Tolken
Organic Manifesto - Maria Rodale
The End of Times - Zecharia Sitchin
Naked Economics - Charles Wheelan


etc etc

[Philemon]

Originally Posted by superfoodist

Well my reading material has become pretty diverse.. I just began reading the King James Version of the Bible, as well as the Qu'Ran. I have a bad problem with starting TONS of books at once, so here are some of the ones I have started :

The Rise of the Fourth Reich - Jim Marrs
Lord of the Rings (book 1) - J.R.R. Tolken
Organic Manifesto - Maria Rodale
The End of Times - Zecharia Sitchin
Naked Economics - Charles Wheelan


etc etc

Those sound pretty diverse and challenging in many different respects. Seems like you're on the right track.

[superfoodist]