

So what? If you agree with the author, what should/will you do with the new insights? Master 4 Levels of Reading.

know your opinions and the reasons for them). know his mind), then make up your own mind (i.e. Are these true, in whole or in part? Fully understand where the author is coming from (i.e.How does the author present the ideas? Identify the main idea(s), arguments and supporting evidence.Overall, what is the book about? Define the book’s overall theme or message.To read more actively and intelligently, there are several habits and skills that you must develop.įirst, you must develop the habit of answering 4 key questions as you read. How to read different types of books/material.The 4 levels or dimensions of reading and.Adler and Charles Van Doren updated and expanded the materials to explain 4 key dimensions of reading. In our How to Read a Book summary, we’ve organized the insights into 3 parts: In this 1972 edition, the authors Mortimer J. This book was was first published in 1940. However, when you’re learning from a book, it involves a process of self-discovery to figure out the answers yourself. When you’re learning from an instructor or teacher, it’s easy to seek help or clarifications. However, you’re only “enlightened” if you can explain (in your own words) what he meant and why he said it. You’re “informed” if you can remember what an author said. This book focuses on reading for enlightenment, to improve your understanding. You may read for entertainment, information or enlightenment. Likewise, being literate doesn’t mean you know how to read a book. In this free version of How to Read a Book summary, you’ll learn what it means to be an intelligent reader, and how to master 4 progressive levels of reading.ĭo also check out our complete summary bundle in pdf/mp3 infographic, text and audio formats! How to Read a Book: What is it about?īeing able to hear sounds doesn’t mean you can appreciate music. The skills and approach are relevant for all types of material (including magazines or news articles), but they’re the most valuable for reading great books with solid, timeless insights. In this book, they explain how to read a book intelligently to maximize your learning and growth. Adler and Charles Van Doren, this is the wrong approach. Most people read a book by glancing at the cover, scanning through the blurb (and/or the table of contents), then jumping into the first chapter.
