Best way to read nonfiction efficiently

[Rational Agnostic]

I love reading nonfiction books, but rarely have any time to do so. Yes, of course this is everyone's excuse for not reading, but I think it could be fairly easily demonstrated that I have a considerably more hectic lifestyle and less free time than the average person (full time school and work, etc.). In any case, what strategies would you suggest for absorbing as much material from nonfiction books as possible in the least amount of time? Reading one book at a time like normal, but only for a few minutes per day? Skimming chapters until finding the most relevant information and then slowing down? Finding summaries and reading them? I have a long list of books that I would like to learn something from, and am looking to optimize my efficiency in getting relevant information out of them.

 

[VoidCat]

I love reading nonfiction books, but rarely have any time to do so. Yes, of course this is everyone's excuse for not reading, but I think it could be fairly easily demonstrated that I have a considerably more hectic lifestyle and less free time than the average person (full time school and work, etc.). In any case, what strategies would you suggest for absorbing as much material from nonfiction books as possible in the least amount of time? Reading one book at a time like normal, but only for a few minutes per day? Skimming chapters until finding the most relevant information and then slowing down? Finding summaries and reading them? I have a long list of books that I would like to learn something from, and am looking to optimize my efficiency in getting relevant information out of them.

I'm not sure but I'm going to hang around here because I would like to know as well.

 

[Jumi]

I used to read a large amount of non-fiction books, I think the key is to start reading whenever you have time even if you're busy. Back in univesity, I would have books tactically placed in spots where I would be in one spot for some time, like in the kitchen or restroom and study some. Of course if you are studying for a degree or course you also need to set aside times for just study, but if you're just busy it's good to make things as conveniently available as possible.

 

[Rational Agnostic]

I used to read a large amount of non-fiction books, I think the key is to start reading whenever you have time even if you're busy. Back in univesity, I would have books tactically placed in spots where I would be in one spot for some time, like in the kitchen or restroom and study some. Of course if you are studying for a degree or course you also need to set aside times for just study, but if you're just busy it's good to make things as conveniently available as possible.

Good idea. I think 10 minutes a day consistently is probably enough to read at least a dozen books per year.

 

[Jumi]

Good idea. I think 10 minutes a day consistently is probably enough to read at least a dozen books per year.

Depends on how difficult the text is and how fast you read, but those minutes do add up quite quickly.