Status
Available
Collection
Publication
New York, Simon and Schuster [1972]
Description
Investigates the art of reading by examining each aspect of reading, problems encountered, and tells how to combat them.
User reviews
LibraryThing member HighlandLad
I am writing this review only a few minutes after I became a member of Library Thing. This seemed to be a particularly apposite book to be the first added to my library, and the first to be reviewed. It's a wonderful classic, potentially valuable to most serious readers of all ages, and worth its
I wish I'd read it when I was 15 or 16. When I was young, I read many books about which I can now remember little or nothing. In some cases, I can't even remember whether I've read them or not. This is not due to senility (not yet, I don't think!), but simply because at the time I didn't really know how to properly read a book. I naively thought I could just scan through the words and somehow, by some strange process of osmosis, everything in that book would be imprinted in my mind, for ever. Ha! Have you ever been more woefully misinformed?
By the time I came to read Mortimer Adler's classic, I had, by trial and error, picked up many of the skills, knowledge, rules and techniques outlined here. But it had been a slow and painful learning process, and I still learned quite a lot when I eventually got to read this classic.
This is a wonderful practical book that will help you when you read, to receive everything that the writer intended to communicate - which after all is the purpose of reading; to analyse it; to citicise it fairly; and to be articulate enough to agree or disagree with the author and be able to say why. I commend it most warmly.
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weight in gold to young students. I wish I'd read it when I was 15 or 16. When I was young, I read many books about which I can now remember little or nothing. In some cases, I can't even remember whether I've read them or not. This is not due to senility (not yet, I don't think!), but simply because at the time I didn't really know how to properly read a book. I naively thought I could just scan through the words and somehow, by some strange process of osmosis, everything in that book would be imprinted in my mind, for ever. Ha! Have you ever been more woefully misinformed?
By the time I came to read Mortimer Adler's classic, I had, by trial and error, picked up many of the skills, knowledge, rules and techniques outlined here. But it had been a slow and painful learning process, and I still learned quite a lot when I eventually got to read this classic.
This is a wonderful practical book that will help you when you read, to receive everything that the writer intended to communicate - which after all is the purpose of reading; to analyse it; to citicise it fairly; and to be articulate enough to agree or disagree with the author and be able to say why. I commend it most warmly.
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LibraryThing member WholeHouseLibrary
I've got mixed feelings about How to Read a Book, but far more positive than negative. It's a must-read, no doubt about it. I've now got all the Rules printed up and hanging on a wall in my office. The problem is, it's so well-thought-out that it leaves absolute no chance of you arguing against his
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statements. Every one of them is iron-clad in pure logic and solid examples. And that is what made the book such a drudgery to read. Sad to say, I'm one of those readers who must read every word, and read it all slowly. Adler makes statement (which I wholeheartedly agree with and am delighted to bring to a conscious level) and then I have to read arguments and case points supporting the statement. Adler could have omitted more than two-thirds of the text, and still have written as remarkable a book as this one is. I'll be re-reading it, probably more than once, and referencing it often. But I'll be glossing over most of it. Show Less
LibraryThing member Sandydog1
Many people don't like brocolli but they know that it is good for them. This book is brocolli. It is not entertaining. It is a great instruction guide on how to critically read and study a book. Although clearly written, it requires a slow read and is worth revisiting several times. A must read for
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any serious student. Show Less
LibraryThing member triviumacademy
The most comprehensive book about the art of reading on the market. This is a must read for anyone who reads to understand any book. This one book explores the various levels of reading, types of reading, types of literature and expository works. You cannot call yourself a "reader" until you've
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read this book! Show Less
LibraryThing member pacifickle
I hate to say this, but I think maybe I found this book too late. I majored in English in college, and I had to read a lot, so maybe I already taught myself these strategies the hard way. I really was excited about this book and wanted to get into it, but I found myself employing the book’s
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strategies while reading the book. I skimmed, I skipped sections that weren’t immediately relevant, and I disagree with reading books you don’t really want to read. Read what’s fun and what strikes your interest or makes you smile. Read the ones you don’t want to read when they’re assigned in school. That’s my take. Show Less
LibraryThing member jpsnow
Even though a woman on the train laughed at me because of the title, this was a very useful work that I continue to recall and use. It's dense, but the die-hard reader will appreciate all of the insights and advice about the process of reading. It also offers some practical ways to take in a whole
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book by initially getting familiar with the structure. Show Less
LibraryThing member jclemence
How to Read a Book provides a good overview of, well, how to read a book! The book itself is built around the four levels of reading, with the author providing explanations about each level, and tips and techniques for moving to the higher levels. However, in my own case, having picked up Adler's
However, I did find several things handy in Part Three: APPROACHES TO DIFFERENT KINDS OF READING MATTER. Since much of my own reading has been specialized over the past 5-10 years due to my studies, I can't say that I have as much experience reading some other genres of literature. Adler provides a nice, short guide about how to approach each genre, which I think would help anyone who, like myself, has had his reading list constrained by syllabus requirements for far too long.
Finally, Appendix A: A Recommended Reading List is by itself worth the price of the book. Unlike so many present-day "must-read" lists one comes across, Adler provides well over 100 books and authors, all of which are worthwhile, edifying and important culturally and historically. Anyone would be well-served to read even a few books on this list.
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book after I had already completed a master's degree, I didn't find many new tidbits. Rather, it served to confirm the lessons I had learned inductively over the past several years. From this perspective, I think the book would be an ideal instructional tool for high school and college students, but not much more than a reference or "friendly reminder" for people with more advanced education under their belts.However, I did find several things handy in Part Three: APPROACHES TO DIFFERENT KINDS OF READING MATTER. Since much of my own reading has been specialized over the past 5-10 years due to my studies, I can't say that I have as much experience reading some other genres of literature. Adler provides a nice, short guide about how to approach each genre, which I think would help anyone who, like myself, has had his reading list constrained by syllabus requirements for far too long.
Finally, Appendix A: A Recommended Reading List is by itself worth the price of the book. Unlike so many present-day "must-read" lists one comes across, Adler provides well over 100 books and authors, all of which are worthwhile, edifying and important culturally and historically. Anyone would be well-served to read even a few books on this list.
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LibraryThing member familymoments
This book is more than a simple collection of techniques on how to read better. It's mostly a practical and deep essay, but it contains many philosophical analysis of different aspects of reading, what good literature is, or what a good reader does and read.
I've learned some of those strategies the
The book it's not just a 'manual', it includes philosophical ideas on what reading is, how it should be done.............I think it definitely widens your reading experience and horizons. It gives you confidence, as one reader said, to tackle difficult books.
The part that impressed me more is the thought of reading classics by yourself, and I enjoy his tips and recommendations.
I'm going to buy it to have it as a reference for further reading, it's not definitely a book you can be done with in one reading.
It also has a very valuable system to classify books, it's important to know what you are reading to understand it. And thought provoking statements on readers being ACTIVE when reading even novels.
It kind of makes me feel a bit guilty about reading things that in his opinion would be cataloged as bad literature, but at the same time, I kind of agree that there are books that are worth reading and others who are a bit of a waste of your time.
I've learned some of those strategies the
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hard way, as some comments point, and at the same time I'm grateful to be reading about how to improve my techniques.The book it's not just a 'manual', it includes philosophical ideas on what reading is, how it should be done.............I think it definitely widens your reading experience and horizons. It gives you confidence, as one reader said, to tackle difficult books.
The part that impressed me more is the thought of reading classics by yourself, and I enjoy his tips and recommendations.
I'm going to buy it to have it as a reference for further reading, it's not definitely a book you can be done with in one reading.
It also has a very valuable system to classify books, it's important to know what you are reading to understand it. And thought provoking statements on readers being ACTIVE when reading even novels.
It kind of makes me feel a bit guilty about reading things that in his opinion would be cataloged as bad literature, but at the same time, I kind of agree that there are books that are worth reading and others who are a bit of a waste of your time.
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LibraryThing member paideiabooks
After reading this book I have been able to pick up several classics and read them cover to cover. And through using the methods in this book, I'm getting the most out of these books that previously scared me to attempt. This is a must-read for anyone interesting in learning how to understand what
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you read. Show Less
LibraryThing member HadriantheBlind
Helpful guide to reading books seriously and getting more out of what you read. Invaluable, now more than ever.
LibraryThing member jacobusp
Very good book on, well, how to read books. Not just a method of speed reading, other than to toss the book aside of the first glance doesn't indicate that you'd really gain from reading the book, it does give suggestions on how to adjust your pace to enable you to get the right amount of content
In addition, it has a list (Appendix A) of important boks to read -- a very good list for a well-read library.
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from the book.In addition, it has a list (Appendix A) of important boks to read -- a very good list for a well-read library.
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LibraryThing member lmathews
This is a classic by Adler. Howard Hendricks says that this book will change your life...I on the other hand wouldn't go that far. He writes on a topic that people need to hear today...how to read. It's easy to read words but to be able to make meaning out of those words and make meaning out of
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types of literature is a different story. I found this read quite dry but nevertheless learned some. I probably need to read it again and it can teach me alot more, he's recommended by some of the greatest scholars alive Show Less
LibraryThing member charlie68
Being an avid reader I use most of these steps without realizing it. Good pointers generally and a good book to own.
LibraryThing member novawalsh
Very good. Changed the way I read. However it would probably benefit me to read it again. Some of the concepts have become a little foggy and I could use a refresher.
LibraryThing member lisanicholas
This is a great handbook for learning to be an active and thoughtful reader. I boiled down this book into a 4-step method of analyzing readings for my college students in a Humanities class where they were reading a lot of primary texts of various sorts. Many of them said later that found it worked
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on readings from other classes, too, and they wished they had been taught this method earlier in their college careers. Show Less
LibraryThing member mguillot
A classic worth reading...establishes and delineates the steps best followed to increase comprehension and appreciation.
LibraryThing member Cecilturtle
A clear, simple method on how to improve reading skills and become a thorough and active reader. Wonderfully presented with many examples, this book guides the reader through the various levels of reading and encourages him to look at more challenging classics. The authors are also not afraid of
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criticizing their own methods and limitations. There is a reading list and a test - great fun for anyone who was ever afraid of tackling difficult books. Show Less
LibraryThing member KirkLowery
I first read this book in the late 1970s. I count it among the Top Ten Most Influential Books of my reading life. Perhaps the most valuable lesson I learned was when to *stop* reading a book because it does not have much worth to say, or to be able to know when just to scan a book for the kernel of
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what the author has to say, and pass over the fluff and froth. Show Less
LibraryThing member MrsLee
I had no idea what I was in for when I bought this book. I bought it with the hopes that I could learn some ideas for my boys to help them understand, if not enjoy, what they were reading. It was huge. However, I plowed through it and I'm glad I did. Not only did it give me helpful ideas for the
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boys, but it gave me inspiration for my own reading. I'm not sure my aspirations are as high as the authors, but it did give me confidence to tackle the more difficult books I have been collecting to read over the years. Now I just need to stay awake! Show Less
LibraryThing member nmaloney
I have read this at least twice and recommend it to anyone going to college or who takes reading seriously.
LibraryThing member StupendousMan
Mr. Adler is a philosopher, and so he seems to tackle every problem logically. The way he makes his points is so clear that the whole book can be expressed in a flow chart. He is honest in every case except one. He lies when he says that the analytical method transfers sufficiently well for
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fiction. We know, he knows that his method fails for fiction. Minus this major lie, this book is fearlessly honest and a valuable resource for all readers. Show Less
LibraryThing member lachlanp
I just went through this book for a second time. I managed to get further... Note I skimmed the whole book, then more completely read the inspectional, analytical, and syntopical sections. I skipped the section with practical genre-specific advice.
My takeaway: if you want to get the most benefit
To explain further, when reading a book you should:
1. Get a picture of where the book will go before you leap in properly. Do this by paying attention to the title, blurb, ToC. Skimread it, particularly chapter introductions and conclusions, etc.
2. Do more than passively absorb the text. Take notes on the content, underline important lines, summarise it to yourself. Are you sure you know what an author means when they use certain words? Is the author trying to convince you of something? What is their argument, and do you find it compelling?
3. You'll probably need to read several books to get a balanced view on a subject.
I might come back to this and drive into the specifics a little more, but this is enough to help me read more effectively for now.
I have two complaints:
1. The author is extremely wordy. I don't know if that was the done thing back then, or if it was just Mortimer's style, but he takes a lot of space to explain something.
2. His advice is law. Rather than "here's how I read a book", or "here's a sensible framework that makes sense to me", his presentation is THE WAY to read a book. It's a very mechanical way of reading. But, I think he probably expects you as the reader to realise this, to agree and disagree with him, and to leave with what works for you.
My takeaway: if you want to get the most benefit
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from a (nonfiction) book, then you have to put effort into it. That's basically it.To explain further, when reading a book you should:
1. Get a picture of where the book will go before you leap in properly. Do this by paying attention to the title, blurb, ToC. Skimread it, particularly chapter introductions and conclusions, etc.
2. Do more than passively absorb the text. Take notes on the content, underline important lines, summarise it to yourself. Are you sure you know what an author means when they use certain words? Is the author trying to convince you of something? What is their argument, and do you find it compelling?
3. You'll probably need to read several books to get a balanced view on a subject.
I might come back to this and drive into the specifics a little more, but this is enough to help me read more effectively for now.
I have two complaints:
1. The author is extremely wordy. I don't know if that was the done thing back then, or if it was just Mortimer's style, but he takes a lot of space to explain something.
2. His advice is law. Rather than "here's how I read a book", or "here's a sensible framework that makes sense to me", his presentation is THE WAY to read a book. It's a very mechanical way of reading. But, I think he probably expects you as the reader to realise this, to agree and disagree with him, and to leave with what works for you.
Show Less
LibraryThing member BooksForDinner
A classic that teaches you how to get more from your reading... specifically for use with expository works; not applicable for fiction.
LibraryThing member Nodosaurus
I was disappointed in this book, it seemed to have promise. It approached reading in a dictatorial style, there are things you must do or you don’t have a right to judge the book. It feels pedagogic and somewhat demeaning, like a teacher instructing young kids. There is no discussion of
Most of the book is just common sense. It is slow, the writing is tedious. I won’t say its advice is bad, but if you’ve read much, you already know it.
Will you enjoy it? Many comments are quite favorable, people seem to like it or hate it. I think if you’ve read much, you probably won’t get anything from the book. If you don’t read, why would you be interested?
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alternative opinions or ideas, very little argument even in support of its positions.Most of the book is just common sense. It is slow, the writing is tedious. I won’t say its advice is bad, but if you’ve read much, you already know it.
Will you enjoy it? Many comments are quite favorable, people seem to like it or hate it. I think if you’ve read much, you probably won’t get anything from the book. If you don’t read, why would you be interested?
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LibraryThing member FORTBEAUPRE
The only book necessary for learning "how to read a book." Simple, straightforward and scholarly all at the same time. Want to become a better reader? Adler is your man.