The Best Way to Read a Book

Tim Ferriss describes two techniques for reading faster:

1. Using a pen as a tracker and pacer, the same way people would move their finger back and forth across a line as they read.
2. Start reading each new line at least three words in from the first word of the line, then end at least three words in from the last word.

The first technique leads you into the second technique.

A Pew Research study found that the average person reads 17 books a year. 19 per cent of Americans don't read any books.

The average person spends 35 hours watching TV every week, some of which could be spent reading books.

Train your brain with impressions, association, and repetition.

• Impression: Be impressed with the text. Stop and imagine a scene in your mind, adding elements to strengthen the impression.
• Association: Link the text to something you are already familiar with.
• Repetition will help you to remember more. For example, you can re-read a certain passage, highlight it or write it down, then return to it again later.

There are four levels of reading, each step building on the previous step.

1. Elementary reading is what you did in school.
2. Inspectional reading takes two forms: A quick read or skimming of the book's preface, table of contents, index and side jacket.
3. Analytical reading helps with the context and understanding of the book.
4. Syntopical reading means that you read books on the same subject and challenge and contrast them.

Reading on an analytical and syntopical level will help cement the impression of the book in your mind and help develop associations with other books.

Books are an investment in a future of learning.

• Bookmark your favourite passages.
• Take notes.
• Write a review.
• Return to your notes periodically.