Awhile back I created a post on how to read which you can find here https://penciledmargins.wordpress.com/2018/05/12/how-to-read-extracting-the-riches-of-information/
Now I thought I would share a real world example of a non-fiction book which illustrates just why you don’t need to read certain non-fiction from cover to cover in order. The book in example here is The Liberty Amendments by Mark Levin. The reason I read this book is because I have heard rumors and talk about certain self-interest groups wanting to re-write the United States Constitution and this book being a guide for what these groups have in mind. So, I wanted to know the how and why behind something so important as ratifying and changing the Constitution. I am not here to review the book or give my opinion as you can find that plenty of other places. I am using the book as an example of how to read non-fiction.
So, first things first with this book. I read the synopsis on the dust jacket. This is what I call an early primer on what you’re about to read. Next I read the introduction which introduces you to the book, it’s concepts, and what lies ahead. Then instead of jumping into the first chapter I skip to the appendix. Why? Well because it is non-fiction and by reading the introduction first you now know which parts will hold the most interest to you. And, with this particular book the author included the actual Amendments in full in the appendix. This is great as it gives the reader the ability to preview and review the author’s purpose and final offering.
Next, after having read the appendix I went to the chapter that appealed to me most and this instance it happened to be the first chapter. In this book, the start of each chapter lays out the proposed amendment before getting into the body of the chapter. This is how non-fiction works as the main points will be repeated over and over. After revealing his proposed Amendment at the start of the chapter, the author gets to the body of the chapter where he argues his point for needed amendment. Then at the finish of each chapter he again repeats the amendment but in his own non-constitutional words.
From here, you can proceed to go from chapter to chapter in order or jump around to the chapters that most appeal to you. You don’t have to read non-fiction like a sheep or member of a herd of cattle being led this way or that. Take your own route and do your own thinking. The important thing is to grasp and comprehend the material and get the major points of the book which authors usually repeat multiple times. And, lastly, don’t forget to have fun. Reading should be enjoyable.
There you have it. How to read non-fiction. I apologize if such a post seems elementary or even condescending, but there are people who have never thought to read a book any other way than cover to cover.
Until next time, good reading.