Have you ever felt overwhelmed or lost while reading a book?
It happens to many of us, but there is a way to overcome it.
Analytical reading is a technique that can help you get the most out of your reading experience.
In this article, we will discuss some practical tips on how to read a book analytically and share Mortimer Adler’s book “How to Read a Book,” which inspired this post.
Make the Book Your Own
Once you have purchased a book, it becomes yours. You don’t have to worry about what others think of you marking all over it.
Think of the marking process as a conversation with the author.
When you engage in that exchange, you want a transcript to refer back to. Marking up the book serves as a transcript for you to converse with the author.
Signposting
Signposting is the process of marking important parts of the book with flags, underlines, and notes.
It helps you to identify the structure of the book and locate the main arguments and propositions. Here’s how to use signposting:
- Do a broad inspectional reading of the chapter to get a general sense of the structure.
- Re-read the chapter and use plastic flags and a pencil to underline anything that stands out to you as central to your understanding of the chapter.
- Once you’ve identified the central arguments and points, number them to serve as your anchor while reading.
- Flip open to the back of the book and summarize the chapter in your own words. Use your numbered points to help you organize your thoughts.
How to Read Non-Fiction
Non-fiction books are structured logically, with arguments presented in the form of propositions.
Your job as a reader is to pick out these propositions and arguments. The following tips will help you read non-fiction books analytically:
- Identify the author’s main arguments and propositions by signposting.
- Think about the arguments and propositions in terms of their relevance to your own interests or to the broader context.
- Try to identify the author’s assumptions, and consider whether they are valid or not.
- Critically evaluate the evidence presented by the author to support their arguments and propositions.
- Make connections between the author’s arguments and other authors or sources you’ve read.
How to Read Fiction
Analytical reading can be applied to fiction as well. The following tips will help you read fiction analytically:
- Identify the main themes and motifs of the book.
- Consider how the author uses language, imagery, and symbolism to convey their message.
- Think about the characters and their relationships with each other.
- Identify the author’s purpose and message.
- Consider how the book fits into the broader context of literature.
Conclusion
Analytical reading is a powerful tool that can help you get the most out of your reading experience.
By making the book your own, signposting, and critically evaluating the author’s arguments and propositions, you can deepen your understanding of the book and its context.
Whether you’re reading fiction or non-fiction, analytical reading can help you become a more engaged and critical reader.
FAQ
What is analytical reading?
Analytical reading is the process of reading a book with a critical and analytical mindset. The goal of analytical reading is to get a deeper understanding of the book’s content, author’s arguments, and message.
Why should I mark up my book?
Marking up your book will serve as a transcript of the exchange you have with the author. It will help you engage in a conversation with the author and deepen your understanding of the book’s content.
What is signposting?
Signposting is the process of tabbing out a book to make it easier to navigate. By signposting, you can pick out the propositions and understand the central structure of the chapter.
Why should I summarize the chapter?
Summarizing the chapter in your own words will help you process the information more analytically. It will also help you remember the key points of the chapter.
