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How to Read a Book

448 pages, 2014

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With more than half a million copies in print, How to Read a Book is one of the bestselling books of all time. This best-selling book, with new material, is a guide to reading comprehension for the general reader. It explains how readers can achieve different levels of reading and how to read with comprehension, so they can get what they want from a book. Readers will learn when and how to “judge a book by its cover,” as well as how to X-ray it, read critically, and extract the author’s message from the text.

Understanding the Levels of Reading

Mortimer J. Adler introduces four levels of reading in 'How to Read a Book'. These are elementary, inspectional, analytical, and syntopical. Each level is more complex than the last, but mastering them all will help you get the most out of your reading.

The Importance of Active Reading

Adler emphasizes the importance of active reading. This means you're not just passively absorbing the words on the page, but you're engaging with the material, asking questions, and making connections. It's a more involved process, but it's also much more rewarding.

How to Analyze a Book

In 'How to Read a Book', Adler provides a detailed guide on how to analyze a book. He suggests you should first understand the author's main arguments, then look into the structure and organization of the book, and finally evaluate the author's solutions to the problems presented.

The Role of Syntopical Reading

Syntopical reading, as explained by Adler, is the process of reading multiple books on the same topic to gain a comprehensive understanding. This method allows you to see different perspectives and draw your own conclusions. It's a great way to dig deeper into a subject.

The Value of Reading for Understanding

Adler stresses that the goal of reading should be to understand the material, not just to finish the book. This might mean you need to slow down, take notes, or even reread certain sections. But in the end, you'll have a much richer understanding of the book's content.

Quotes 5

Adler's book is a guide that provides the reader with the skills to read actively and critically. It's a must-read for anyone who wants to engage deeply with a book.

Bill GatesBill Gates - Microsoft Co-founder

Adler's book is a tool that teaches you how to extract the wisdom from any book. It's a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more effectively.

Charlie MungerCharlie Munger - Berkshire Hathaway Vice-Chairman

Adler's book is a classic guide to intelligent reading. It's a must-have for anyone who wants to read and understand books more deeply.

Susan Wise BauerSusan Wise Bauer - Educational Author

Adler's book is a timeless piece that teaches you how to become a more thoughtful and effective reader. It's a must-read for anyone who wants to improve their reading skills.

Ryan HolidayRyan Holiday - Media Strategist

Adler's book is a powerful guide that teaches you how to read a book for maximum understanding. It's a must-read for anyone who wants to get the most out of their reading.

Tim FerrissTim Ferriss - Entrepreneur, Author
Bill GatesCharlie MungerSusan Wise BauerRyan HolidayTim Ferriss

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