The Activity and Art of Reading

My friends, I’ve been spending some time this week writing reflections and a review of Vicki’s excellent book, Surviving Sue. I’m hoping to publish it this Friday, but my heart and mind are taking me on an interesting journey as I read my notes and try to draft the post. So, of course, I need to allow myself to enjoy the journey, which may mean it will take me a little longer. We’ll see.

While reading my notes, the book How to Read a Book: The Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading by Mortimer Adler and Charles Van Doren came to mind, specifically these two quotes:

“Students in school often read difficult books with the help and guidance of teachers. But for those of us who are not in school, and indeed also for those of us who are when we try to read books that are not required or assigned, our continuing education depends mainly on books alone, read without a teacher’s help. Therefore if we are disposed to go on learning and discovering, we must know how to make books teach us well.”

“Analytical reading is thorough reading, complete reading, or good reading – the best reading you can do.”

I hope you have a great rest of the day, hopefully reading a good book like Surviving Sue.

49 thoughts on “The Activity and Art of Reading”

  3. Some books can take me months to finish, as I am always doing additional research on things discovered. I think that sort of immersion is best for learning and understanding the author rather than simply having firmly opinions. There are books that are just a breeze to read, and those are also great exercises for the imagination.

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    1. I hear you, my friend. MacCulloch’s Christianity was one of those books that took me several months to read because of all the additional research I did. You make a good point about the opinion piece. In my case, I try to determine whether my opinion on a particular subject is informed or uninformed. Sometimes, my opinion changes after reading different perspectives and gaining a better sense of the situation.

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      1. Yes.. I think that research is such a huge part of allowing the author’s voice to be heard. Whether our opinion changes or not. But I do like it when I’ve been taught things from a different perspective.

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    1. In my case, I mainly read nonfiction because I’m usually searching for answers to my questions. I tend to read slowly, taking notes in the hope of finding answers but I often end up with even more questions.

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  8. Interesting quote, Edward. Never thought deeply about it before but it is true. I often get distracted by outside things when reading (life, etc) so really reading well is an important skill we don’t often think about. Hope you are staying caffeinated today 🙏 ☕️

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    1. Thank you, Laura. I used to rush through books, but now I take my time. It also depends on what I’m reading, and sometimes I’m only able to read a few pages because something makes me stop and reflect. That’s why I love reading so much—it’s very stimulating. Of course, a nice cup of joe makes it even better.

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  10. Precious quotes, Edward! Loved this part in particular: “We must know how to make books teach us well.” A book is not just a bunch of words or even thoughts put together. So much more lies between the lines and can be extracted if we give it our whole. Looking forward to the book review in prep, but most of all wishing you enjoy the process. Lots of light and blessings to you, my friend*

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  11. I still remember the exact moment when I realized that college had taught me to read fiction on three levels: emotional, thematic, and craft–first separately, then simultaneously. I’ve kept that skill to this day. I look forward to reading your review of Surviving Sue.

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    1. Thank you, Liz. I have to admit that I sometimes struggle with fiction, and it’s probably because I don’t approach it with enough rigor, at least not to the level you mentioned. One of my goals is to read more of it and improve in that aspect. I think the only author I truly connect with is Isabel Allende. I’m a work in progress.

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  12. I really love this Edward! I recently read a very good book review and it inspired similair thoughts and has had me thinking about my own reviews. Going forward I really do want to focus more on the hidden meanings, message, morals, importance, and the impact of the story and characters. Dive deeper into the what the author is trying to tell us. This post only inspires more of that thinking in me! You are such a thoughtful and deep thinker. Thank you! ps. I wrote a comment similair to this one but got an error so if you see two comments almost the same, it is technological error! 🙂

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    1. Thank you, Samantha. I think that’s why blogging is so great, you can break the norm a bit and write reflections in addition to a regular book review. I, for one, love seeing how other readers interpret the same text I’ve read. It provides a small window into the worldview of others, and you learn a lot from that. I really like your reviews and your take on historical facts. You always inspire me to do additional research and read more about particular figures, which makes my nerdy side happy.

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      1. I agree, and its so lovely that we can all connect through the internet to share with each other. I can’t even count the vast amounts I’ve learned by just following other bloggers, historians, and writer. Each of us have value to offer and put into this world! I am so thankful for this community we are part of!

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  15. Gosh — I love the two comments below! Cheers to all the deep thinking we can get right now and I agree…the longer the simmer the better the soup. Grateful to you for reading, Edward.
    Big hugs! 🥰

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