The Best Way to Read a Book

Reading through a book looks like a simple job, doesn't it? When you are reading solely for leisure or entertainment, it definitely can be that simple. However, there is another reading type where the goal is to glean something of value from the book, whether in print or electronic form.

Why Do We Need Instructions on How to Read a Book?

In 1940, Mortimer Adler published the first edition of a classic guide, How to Read a Book. Adler identifies four distinct levels of reading:

• Elementary: This is basic literacy learned in elementary school. It allows us to comprehend text on a page, follow a plot, or follow a simple line of thought.
• Inspectional: This is systematic skimming. You look at highlights, read beginnings and endings, and attempt to quickly gather what the author is trying to say.
• Analytical: This is thorough, active reading. You read closely, take notes, look up unfamiliar terms, and examine the author's underlying arguments and structure.
• Syntopical: Primarily used by researchers and scholars, this involves reading multiple books on a single subject to compare perspectives and synthesize original ideas or thesis points.

While elementary reading is widely mastered and syntopical reading is largely reserved for specialized research, analytical reading is where many readers fall short. Most popular fiction and casual reading cater to lower reading levels, providing entertainment without challenging intellect. Without active engagement, reading a book once yields little less than reading it multiple times.

Adler argues that standard educational systems focus heavily on reaching elementary reading comprehension but rarely teach how to process, dissect, and critique a text deeply.

Inspectional Reading

Inspectional reading is particularly useful when evaluating a book before purchase, surveying a text quickly, or staying informed in a specific field by identifying relevant chapters while bypassing fluff.

To perform inspectional reading effectively:

• Examine the title, subtitles, and covers: Spend time analyzing the title and subtitle. Titles often provide deep insight into the primary theme or central character of the book. Read the blurb on the back cover for a concise plot or thesis summary.
• Examine introductory materials and structure: Look at the table of contents, prologue, preface, and publisher notes. A table of contents provides an outline of the entire work, while prefaces offer context regarding the author's purpose and writing process.
• Skim headings and conclusions: For non-fiction works, scanning chapter headings reveals the primary structure. Reading the concluding chapter provides clarity on the author's ultimate findings or thesis.
• Consult reviews: Assessing balanced reader reviews provides insight into a book's strengths and weaknesses.

Analytical Reading

Analytical reading is intended for books that merit comprehensive treatment. Rather than placing a finished book back on the shelf without critical thought, analytical reading aims to extract maximum understanding and insight from the text.