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Dear Reader,
Hello Brain Food Wednesday readers!
Welcome to another edition of Brain Food Wednesdays, your weekly intellectual feast. In this edition, issue 220, we talk about how to enhance your nonfiction reading experience. Think about the following quote by Francis Bacon:
“Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested; that is, some books are to be read only in parts; others to be read, but not curiously; and some few are to be read wholly, and with diligence and attention.”
The quote tells you how to read nonfiction books. And to treat each book separately.
Read Differently and Read More Books
Professionals often say they don't have time to read nonfiction books because they're too busy. But busyness is not the issue. The problem is with their definition of what it means to read a book. If you're like most people, you probably read the same way you've always read. You choose a book, start from the beginning, and read until the end. But what if there was a better way? What if you could get through more books and retain more information?
In our fast-paced, digital world, it's more important than ever to make time for reading. But with so many demands on our attention, it's difficult to find the time and focus we need to really enjoy a book. I teach the concept of leadership reading, where the focus is on reading strategically instead of sequentially. You read to satisfy your purpose for reading. You read to learn what you need to know. It's just in time reading. You don't read the entire nonfiction because it's unnecessary. You read the relevant parts and use what you learn to decide.
Before you read any nonfiction book, preview it first to discover the sections and chapters that have the information you need. Focus on those chapters and sections. Educator Russell Stauffer found that on the average page of a nonfiction book, only four to 11 percent of the text carries meaning. That's about one sentence.
Reading is Essential for Success
Reading is essential for success. It's a simple fact of life. The more you read, the better your chances of success. But reading isn't just about increasing your chances of success. It's also about enjoyment and enrichment. Reading opens up new worlds for you to explore, and it can help you develop new skills and knowledge. So if you want to be successful, make sure you're reading regularly. And reading the right books.
The Benefits of Reading Different Genres
Reading different genres can provide a well-rounded perspective on various topics. It can also improve reading comprehension and retention. It can increase your enjoyment of reading.
One benefit of reading different genres is that you can develop a well-rounded perspective. When you read about different topics, you learn new information and gain new insights. This can help you see the world in a more nuanced way. Reading different genres can help you understand complex ideas better.
Another benefit of reading different genres is that it can improve your reading comprehension and retention. By reading a variety of texts, you are exposed to different writing styles and structures. This can help you better understand what you read and remember it more effectively. When you encounter unfamiliar words in a text, you are more likely to remember them if they appear in multiple contexts.
The Importance of Reading Books of Varying Lengths and Complexity
A study has found that reading books of varying lengths and complexity can have a significant impact on your ability to read and comprehend text. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Toronto, found that those who read a mix of long and short books had better reading comprehension than those who only read one type of book. I’m still trying to find the link to this study.
The study asked participants to read a selection of texts, both long and short, and then answer questions about the content. The results showed that those who had read a mix of books performed better on the comprehension test than those who had only read either long or short books.
Researchers believe that this is because reading different books forces you to use different reading strategies. When you read a long book, you need to keep track of the plot and remember character names and relationships. And if you're reading nonfiction, you don't always want to be drowning in information. You want some authors who get to the point and convey their message succinctly.
How to Find Time to Read More Books
When reading more books, the biggest challenge is often finding the time. But with a few adjustments to your reading habits, you can easily make room for more books in your life.
Here are a few tips to help you find time to read more books. Below are the conventional tips that you'll find all over the internet.
1. Make use of downtime. Instead of scrolling through social media or watching TV, use small pockets of free time to read a few pages of a book. Waiting in line at the grocery store or during your lunch break are perfect opportunities to sneak in some reading.
2. Listen to audiobooks. Audiobooks are a great way to multi-task and still get some quality reading time. You can listen to them while commuting, doing housework, or even working out at the gym.
3. Set aside specific reading time each day/week. Make a daily or weekly goal to read a certain number of pages. Then, set aside time each day to reach that goal.
4. Make reading a priority in your life. Make it a priority to read, even if you don’t feel like it. You might be surprised how much you enjoy the experience once you start.
Here are tips I'd like you to try:
- Write your one-sentence purpose for reading the book.
- Craft the questions you want the book to answer.
- Read a summary of the book to get the helicopter view.
- Preview the book to discover which chapters and sections to read.
- Read only the sections you flagged as important.
So instead of spending possibly hours reading a nonfiction book, you spend 30 to 60 minutes.
How to Get the Most Out of Reading
We all want to read more books. Books are full of knowledge and stories that can teach us about different cultures, worlds, and time periods. But how can we make the most out of reading? How can we get the most out of each book we read?
Here are a few tips:
1) Read Differently
Try different reading methods to find what works best for you. Some people like to read cover to cover while others prefer to jump around or only read certain sections. Some may say there is no wrong way to read a book. I offer the leadership reading concept because some people don’t suffer from FOMO (fear of missing out).
2) Set Some Ground Rules
If you want to read more, set some ground rules for yourself. Maybe you decide to only read on weekdays or you commit to reading one chapter a day. Whatever works for you! The important thing is that you stick to your plan.
3) Read What You Want (Not What You Think You Should)
If you really want to read a book, don’t let someone else tell you what you should be reading.
4) Read some books off the beaten path. And not just bestsellers.
I love reading books that are off the beaten path, because they don t always get the recognition they deserve.
5) Find some book buddies.
If you know someone who loves reading as much as you, ask them to read the same books as you.
6) Read a book you are interested in but know little about.
7) As you read a book, note the important information.
Review your notes a few times, then pick out the big ideas and key takeaways.
What to Do When You Finish a Book
When you finish reading a book, it's difficult to know what to do next. Should you start another book right away? Take some time to reflect on what you've just read? Here are a few things to keep in mind when you finish a book.
First, take some time to think about what you've just read. What did you like about the book? What didn't you like? And what themes were present?
Second, connect the ideas in the book to old information. Apply what you learned.
Third, if you loved the book, try to find other books by the same author. If you didn't love the book, try something completely different. This is a great way to expand your reading horizons.
Finally, don't be afraid to share your thoughts on the book with others. Talk to your friends about it, write a review online, or start a discussion in a book club.
Conclusion: The Importance of Reading
It's easy to overlook the importance of reading. After all, we live in a world with so many other things competing for our attention. But reading is essential for both personal and professional success. When we read, we engage in an active process that helps us learn and remember information. We also develop strong critical thinking and communication skills. Reading different genres of books can also help expand our vocabulary and improve our writing ability.
But perhaps reading allows us to escape from the everyday hustle and bustle of life. It transports us to different worlds, teaches us new things, and helps us better understand the human experience.
In conclusion, reading more books and reading differently can have a major impact on your life. It can make you more knowledgeable, improve your writing skills, and help you better understand the world around you.
If you enjoyed this newsletter, here are two ways you can support my work.
Warm regards,
Avil Beckford
Brain Food Wednesdays
Editor, Brain Food Wednesdays
Founder, The Invisible Mentor & Art of Learning Leadership Academy
theinvisiblementor.com artoflearningleadershipacademy.com
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