Tailoring HOW You Read What You Read

Have you ever thought about how to read what you read? 

I’d encourage you to start tailoring how you read what you read. 

Are you reading to entertain? Inform? Studying for a test? Trying to learn something new? For mastery in a subject? For pure fun and enjoyment? To connect with others? To become more mindful and stay in the present moment? 

When reading good books, they almost read themselves. Great books catch your attention – whether they’re at your reading level, you like the author’s style, or they’re full of ideas and insight — you want to continue to the next page.

Tip: Start books quickly, but give them up easily. 

Reading to Entertain — An easy read, at or below your Lexile reading score; books that are not too challenging.

Reading to Inform — A superficial read; you skim, dive in and out, and get the gist of things. 

Reading to Understand— What you’d read to study, read for a test, or read to then write about for school. This is a thorough reading where you may have to re-read to process what it is you’re learning about thoroughly. 

Reading to Master — If you just read one book on a topic, odds are you have many blind spots in your knowledge. This is reading various books and articles on the same subject, finding and evaluating the contradictions, and forming an opinion.

Thinking about how you read what you read will bring a different perspective and approach to each text. Remember, it should be easy, fun, and enjoyable when you’re reading for entertainment, pleasure, or peacefulness! 

– Angelina Tracey, Book Summer Guide

^{Sources: “Reading Better” by Farnam Street Media; Pinterest}