How To Read a Non-Fiction Book

Michael Hyatt over at his blog recently reflected on his approach to reading non-fiction. It made me feel guilty for not posting here for a while. More importantly, it reminded me of how “reading and great books are contagious” and I’d remember more if i posted more on this blog about what I’m reading. I hope to write more this year and this blog needs greater attention. After Michael Hyatt’s list of practices, I’ve added a few of my own….and also add the currently reading and enjoying list from my Library Thing. Hopefully, I get to “posting more.” Pls sneeze any books my way. I take recommendations seriously.

Michael writes: When I read a non-fiction book, I typically observe these ten practices:

1. Don’t feel that you need to finish. Not to be cynical, but most books aren’t worth finishing. I read until I lose interest. Then I move onto the next book. This is the secret to reading more. I also listen carefully to what my friends recommend. If they suggest a book, I am more likely to like it—and finish it.
2. Start with the author bio. Every book flows out of an author’s heart and mind. I want to know something about the person I am going to be spending the next several hours with. Usually, the bio in the book is enough, but often I will Google the author before I start reading.
3. Read the table of contents. I learn best when I understand the context. I look at the contents just like I look at a map before I begin a journey. I want to know where we are starting, where we are going, and how we are going to get there. Note to authors: I especially like annotated tables of contents that give me more than just the chapter titles.
4. Quickly scan the whole book. I like to do a quick “fly over” to sample the author’s writing. I notice how long the chapters are and how they are structured. I might read a few “pull quotes” or subheads. I note his use of lists, diagrams, and block quotes. I am trying to set my expectations for what is ahead.
5. Highlight important passages. I cannot read a non-fiction book without a highlighter. (On the Kindle, I use the built-in highlighter function). I prefer yellow, though I have been known to use pink in a pinch. I highlight anything that resonates with me in some way. The better the book, the more I highlight. I keep lots of highlighters handy in my desk drawer and briefcase. [Jay–I typically underline passages and rarely highlight. If I underline, I write a brief note to myself about “why” I underlined this section or some thot from that section.]
6. Take notes in the front or the margins. I often take notes in the front of the book, so I have a convenient summary of what I have read. I also like to write in the margins. Interestingly, I rarely go back and re-read these notes. They simply help me think while I am reading.
7. Use a set of note-taking symbols. I use the same set of symbols I use when taking notes:
   • If an item is particularly important or insightful, I put a star next to it.
   • If an item requires further research or resolution, I put a question mark next to it.
   • If an item requires an action on my part or follow-up, I put a ballot box (open square) next to it. When the item is completed, I check it off.
     
     
8. Dog-ear pages you want to re-visit. I bookmark the really, really important passages by folding down the corner of the page. These are usually passages with a quote I want to use in my writing or speaking.
9. Review the book and transfer actions to my to-do list. When I have finished with the book, I go back and do a quick scan. As I mentioned above, I don’t pay much attention to my notes—unless they have one of the three key symbols or the page is dog-eared. If there is an action I need to take, I put it on my to-do list with a reference to the book title and the page.
10. Share the book’s message. As we say. . . “great books are contagious.” They are meant to be shared. I blog about them, teach them to others, and buy multiple copies to give away to friends and colleagues. This is one way to ensure that the message lives on—and is passed on.

Please note: I don’t read fiction this way. I don’t highlight passages, and I rarely take notes. I read novels purely for pleasure.–Michael Hyatt

In addition to the practices above, I regularly:

1. Survey the Index to get another “picture” of the author’s arguments/structure/emphases.
2. I write either TW (for Twitter @jaylorenzen) or CP (mycommonplace.com) or OM (onmovements.com) in the margin to mark for future tweets or posts to blogs.
3. I summarize key thots or diagrams in blank pages in the back of the book.
4. I’m increasingly using Evernote to keep “scanned” pages for future use.
5. I look for an opportunity to “write/speak on/share/discuss/teach” things I’m learning.

Currently Reading these Books….Need to Blog about Them