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Thursday, May 29, 2008

How To-10: "How to Read a Book"


How to Read a Book


from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Books can be a best friend. They can take you to places that you may never see. They can introduce you to things you may never know... but do you know how to read them in order to get the fullest enjoyment possible? This should help.

Steps


  1. Find a book. Look in the library or in one of the larger bookstores. Search the shelves until you find a book that looks good. Read the first page to see how it reads. If you find yourself already engrossed, then buy it or check it out.
  2. Buy it and take it home. Do not start to read it, until you have the time. If you have to rush reading, because you have to do homework, or prepare dinner, it is best to wait until you are done. Set aside time to do nothing else but read, as it can be at times suspenseful, exciting and relaxing.
  3. Settle into a comfortable chair or get comfortable on the couch. Have a lamp on the back of you, lighting the area where you are reading. So that you do not have to get up soon after starting to read, make sure you have brought coffee, candy, popcorn, or any other refreshments you might want to have. Make sure the television is off and anything that could distract you is attended to.
  4. Start the book by turning the pages. Do not think about anything else, but what you read. Put yourself into the action or location within the story. Once you get totally engrossed it will be difficult to put the book down.
  5. Note that if you find your eyes closing, or if you feel tired, then place a bookmark into the page, shut the book and place it in a safe place. When tired, the mind wanders, and you will no longer enjoy or retain what you are reading.
  6. In speed reading, what most people do is they try to eliminate the voice you hear in your head. Hearing that voice is called "subvocalization." If you need to read fast, try to keep that going fast. If speed reading, eliminate it entirely. If you've got time to fritter away, it is recommended you keep it, because it really helps to let the words sink in. Read that last sentence again, students.


Tips


  • When you start a book, and find you are not getting interested, read a few more pages. If you still feel bored by the storyline, put it away, and find a more engrossing book.
  • Join a local library. You can order books as they are released, by your favorite author. Save money by not buying. Return the book after you have finished, and find another book.
  • It might be hard to get into a book at first, and you might be tempted to give up and read another book. If you think the book is worth reading, keep trying and continue reading to get into the book...some books have better starts than others, but this doesn't make the whole book better.
  • They have audio books to read while driving in the car. For long trips this can be great.
  • Try to imagine the story in your head.
  • If you're renting a book from your school's library, then keep it in your backpack every night after you read it so you won't forget to give it back when you're done with it.


Warnings


  • Do not forget about your daily life. Check the time and take a break every once in a while.


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