Read with purpose: how to better understand and retain what you read
“One trouble with developing speed reading skills is that by the time you realize a book is boring you’ve already finished it.” — Franklin P. Jones
I’m a proud book nerd. But I’m not a speed reader. Far from it.
Reading is one of my favorite pastimes. I do it whenever I get the chance: I read on my phone, listen to audiobooks, scan newspapers, and swipe through pages on my Kindle. I read on the subway, over breakfast, and before I fall asleep.
People talk a lot about reading these days — how to read 100 books per year, or how to read 300% faster in just 20 minutes. The overall message: more is better.
But before you download the latest speed reading app or purchase a dozen new books on Amazon, let’s consider: why are we reading in the first place?
If you’re trying to whiz through as many books as possible, then speed read away.
But if your goal is to learn something and truly savor a good book, then it might be time to pump the brakes and focus on reading comprehension.
