I read fiction and non-fiction in different ways. In non-fiction books, it is very important for me to study the information, remember what is important for myself and then apply it in life. Therefore, just reading and closing is not an option for me 🙂
Over time, I have developed rules for myself that help me choose the right books, remember information and put it into practice. Here they are:
1. Choose a book that answers your request
You should not read non-fiction just like that. It is better to choose those books that are relevant to you now and can answer your questions. How to do it? Write down your questions, and then study the titles of the sections of the book. If there are chapters that answer the question and reveal the topic – take it.
2. Read out of order
Many people read non-fiction in order from chapter to chapter. I prefer to read at the beginning those chapters that are interesting and important to me in the first place. Getting answers to specific questions, I perceive the information better, understand how it can be applied. This is very important. If you are interested, I can read the rest, or I can skip the chapters that are not relevant to me and come back later if necessary.
3. Highlight interesting fragments of the text.
Quotes, whole paragraphs, key points – everything that seems important. In paper books, I mark the book with bookmarks-labels, in electronic ones – I just highlight the text or put a bookmark.
4. Briefly retell the main idea of the chapter
By retelling the text, you can check how well you understood and remembered what you read. If necessary, you can return to the text, refresh something in your memory, but be sure to bring the retelling to the end. It is even better to tell this information to someone else later, to discuss it – this way it is even better remembered.
Sometimes, when reading a non-fiction book, I start reading with a brief retelling of the previous chapters. Very briefly, just to remember myself and fix it in my memory.
5. After reading the book, make a brief synopsis
Point 3 is very helpful here. I run through my notes again, write down the main important points, structure all the information. I get no more than 2 pages of a notebook (1.5 notebook sheets, I think). But later, over time, reading these brief notes, I easily remember what I read.
6. Analyze where and in what aspects of your daily life you can apply this knowledge
And then start. Carefully, trying, learning what works for you and what doesn’t. Something can even become a habit.
Well, the general rule is to sometimes return to notes or notes to refresh your memory.
Of course, I apply these rules only to those books that really turned out to be useful and I found useful information in them. If I don’t like the book, then I won’t spend so much time on it.
I hope that my rules will be useful to you!
Abd Faek Ghananeem is a creative storyteller with a passion for crafting engaging narratives that captivate readers of all ages. With a knack for weaving tales that resonate on a personal level, Abd’s work reflects a deep understanding of the human experience. As an author, Abd brings a unique voice to the literary world, offering stories that are not only entertaining but also thought-provoking. Whether writing for children or adults, Ghananeem’s work is marked by a blend of imagination, insight, and a genuine love for storytelling.
