Having multiple books going at the same time made a big impact on my reading. I will never go back :) I just pick the book I'm in the mood for at that moment, which leads to always having something to read. Great video, Robin.
I can have maybe 2 at a time. some would think that ADHD would permit more, but the actual outcome is just distraction and not remembering what I read before, so it's just chaos
@@Anzy.99 have you tried reading along with an audio book? I’m in the middle of getting diagnosed with ADHD and I find it helpful. Also reading out loud which apparently is what everyone used to historically
The title of this video is "How To FINISH Every Book You Start". Well, I would advise you all NOT to even attempt that. The world is full of books that don't DESERVE to be finished. And the second you realize you're reading one of them - that's it. You're done. In the immortal words of the late, great Dorothy Parker: "This is not a book to be lightly tossed aside. It should be thrown with great force."
You start thinking about the book, story, arguments or whatever it is you're reading throughout the day when you do this. I've actually started a similar habit recently since my reading isn't where I want it to be. Very short but multiple bursts of reading a day to build consistency 😉
Thanks Robin for shedding light on "under-reading". I love this approach. It can be pretty satisfying to limit yourself to reading 12-15 pages a day and on really good days, get another ~10 -12 in!
I read a few pages of poetry every morning, while still in bed, before everything. It makes every day a little more special. Then I read at breakfast, commuting, and before sleep ( in bed again). Usually I'm reading simultaneously poetry, non fiction and some narrative.
I’ve done something similar. Reading ten to twenty pages a day, I can finish a surprising number of books in a short time. It follows a turtle’s approach, but it works. I’ve applied this strategy to both the Old Testament and The Iliad, among other long and difficult texts. As a side note, when I do this habit before bed, I start falling asleep around page ten, like clockwork. My sleep schedule seems to conspire with my appetite for books.
I recently saw a video where the podcaster was saying that taking a short nap or at least quiet deep rest for 15-20 minutes after each learning session greatly helps with retention. So you're on the right track. 🙂
What works for me is thinking about how easy it is to pick up a book. Just think about it: all you have to do is put your legs up, pick up the book, open it, and read 25 pages. Thinking like this makes it so easy and simple that it’s impossible not to do.
3:40 The more you know, the more you feel like you don't know anything. It's not limited to an English degree but applies to all the relevant fields. It's universal, my friend :) Loved the honesty.
The good point that I take from this video is the focus on time. I have been facing this problem where I focus on page count and, in doing so, I would spent hours reading few pages. From now on I will read for specific time period.
That is so, so true, you can't base reading (or any other activity, for that matter) on pure motivation alone. Routine and consistency are the keys, but also not being harsh on ourselves if things don't go to plan. Just try again and you'll get there ✨
13:54 - 14:45 makes perfect sense. This as well as the note taking process advice are great ideas. Thank you Robin for this as I totally agree with you. As an educator, I should NOT be obligated to go after books or articles that don’t pique my interest but something that entices me sincerely especially when reading for pleasure. Either way, I will learn something. You are brilliant.
Great advice! Read Odyssey by Homer last year during October. Absolutely loved it. And Im glad I read it everyday consistently 15-20 pages a day in the morning. I also listened to the audiobook while reading it on the paper. That was a game changer in comprehension.
I usually have about 6 books on the go at any given time. In addition to whatever my "main selection" of the moment, I'm reading... 2 pages of the Bible per day. It is referenced in too many other works to not have an understanding of it. 1 scene/sonnet of Shakespeare a day. I read a chapter of the Iliad per day, at present (the Rieu translation, the Lattimore translation afterwards - will follow with the Odyssey, then the Aenid). Something Greek or Roman: philosophy, poetry, plays... When the above selections are complete, I begin again. In addition to the above, I read: 1 short story a day. History on Thursday: Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, at present. 1 story/poem by Edgar Allen Poe on Friday. An essay by David Foster Wallace on the weekend (I'm inching my way through his works before tackling Infinite Jest. I read one of Jane Austen's novels in July, sometimes one of the Bronte sisters' as well. I close out the year with Charles Dickens. And being Canadian, I try to read a couple CanLit titles per year. I expect more than a few people have their own strategies.
Wooow, that sounds amazing!:) I will get there one day as well. I was a true book lover when I was an adolescent. I basically read anything I could find. I wish to have this habit/ability as an adult as well.
I am part of a book group at my local library, where we read one book a month of a different genre. Some months (like this one) the reading is more difficult than others. Having a daily practice is key. In this case I do have to include a page (or chapter) count to ensure I finish the book in time for the next meeting. I also like always be reading at least one other book of my own choosing. For that, having a page count goals is not necessary. Finally, I like the idea of having a lighter book to read as part of a nightly wind-down routine. Thanks for this video!
I recently got a stack of Stephen King novels just to jump-start my daily reading. I'm retired, so nothing but time enough, and easy/fun literature is getting me into the habit of reading. So far, it's working well.
SK is an excellent writer. I was an avid follower throughout the 70s and 80s, but ultimately couldn't keep up with his output. The Stand remains fixed in my mind as the most absorbing book I've ever read - and the best depiction of pure evil😳
@@Teresa1444 Some are scary, some not. Many are spooky or uncanny. But I find scary books easier than scary movies, because you kind of direct the scene in your head and you're in control of it in a way. One thing I really like about King is his ability to write about silly stuff like monsters in the closet in a way that makes it scary. And his ability to write long books without them becoming boring.
I really enjoy this type of videos! Its smoother to watch/listen to and more engaging than the cuts of clips. But regardless of video style, the content and discussions are always interesting and thought-provoking. Thank you so much!!
I think most of us have multiple interests and organization can be off putting. I bought a bunch of manuscript boxes from the local big box stationers and put the book, a notebook, and any other helps like flashcards or language dictionary or whatever. I labeled the boxes and stacked them in a bookcase in the spare bedroom. Press the button on the coffee maker, grab the appropriate box and settle in, I've been off again on again with studying apologetics and the box system really helps me get right into it.
Currently I'm reading many books everyday. Books have like tiktok for me, whenever i open up the book, mind doesn't want to quit reading easily, it is like book addiction. Some books that I've been reading 1. The Iliad by Homer 2. 1984 by George Orwell 3. Oedipus Rex by Sophocles 4. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho 5. Manuel of the warrior of light by Paulo Coelho 6. Aeneid by Virgil (Classical Latin)
I've also recently been thinking deeply about how and why I read. I read to get lost in a world, attached to characters, and to savour good writing. For the last couple of books I've been reading, I've been taking it slowly rather than focusing on finishing them quickly, and I have enjoyed reading so much more. I feel the book lives with me for longer if I read it over 2+ weeks, that I can love and absorb it and get into the world and the story with more depth. I think somehow I also just got lost in all this weird reading culture where you aim to read this many books in a certain time, annual reading goals, and star ratings (I've stopped rating books as well). But I think focusing in on what I like about reading is really important. Reading books more slowly is generally a lot more meaningful and enjoyable for me. As an aside, I've also noticed I have more thoughts that I want to discuss when I've engaged like this (whatever the genre, from general fiction to classics to fantasy etc) and what has been outrageously fun is having a long chat with ChatGPT afterwards 😂 It's great, and even though it's an AI, it's amazing how many thoughts you have about the book that come up simply by talking about it. I'm falling in love with reading again by not focusing on the end result (number of books I've read) but the actual process of reading.
Hmmm I already see you as someone 'more well read' and that shows itself in the references you give as you are speaking, by quoting from one author or another, by stating you apply so and so's principle which you read from a particular book. I tend to like this unfiltered approach and I don't mind you going into rabbit holes as it gives me better grasp of what you're talking about.
This is great, you touched on a lot of thoughts re: reading that I've had. I think there's a really concerning trend to consume as _many_ books as possible, as _fast_ as possible, just to show off s huge stack of books at the end of the month. I'm sure some people have their routine down pat and actually can read that much and retain it, but...the social media competitiveness of it, the need to read for others and not themself, is troubling to me. Even one page a day is enough, if it means you're really focusing, taking in what you're reading, rolling the words in your mouth and thinking on them. It makes such a positive difference to the whole experience of reading. Also, reading multiple books simultaneously has been a game-changer. I always like having short novellas, poetry collections, essays, etc...just _short_ books kicking about, so that if I'm not in the mood (or unable to focus) on any of my current books, I can hit a temporary reset with a short, quick read. It's never failed to knock my brain back into track. Definitely looking forward to the vid on audiobooks! 📚
I watched you videos about why you don’t care about grades. That was like 5 years ago. Crazy.. but so nice to see you grow into a better version of yourself overtime ❤
Hot take but over the years I’ve found that the books I don’t read in a frenzy are usually never worth me slugging through to finish them. So now my philosophy is that life is too short to read books I don’t actively want to finish with every page I read. Of course you’re right that no matter what you studied, there never comes a point where you can stop reading. But once you’re out of school and no longer dictated to by a curriculum, surely you can be free to choose the books you want to read and skip the ones that don’t interest you enough to continue organically
I would make one recommendation that could be incredibly useful: learning has been shown to receive a reinforcing boost when followed by a certain sleep-state. I read lighter material during the day, and tackle harder things for 10 - 20 minutes right before bed. (In my case, studying Egyptian heiroglyphs with flashcards!) The brain will treat these as high-priority intake, and uses a certain sleep state to really etch the new information or skill into one's memory. (There was a study done with test subjects mastering a new video game. Those who played just before sleep, if I recall, showed sleeping brain-wave patterns that echoed their mental activity while playing the game.. as if they were still practicing and more deeply processing their experiences. These subjects showed significantly improved performance very quickly over the control group who played earlier in their day.)
Robin, I hope you don't mind and take some advice based on the experience of a 72-year-old lifelong reader. In short, take care of your eyes. I was a voracious, every-possible-moment reader until my 40's when I needed bifocals. This can't be prevented but it did take some of the joy out of books. So, be prepared. The next crisis was the development of cataracts in my early 60s. My advice here is to take care of the problem as soon as possible, get the best lenses you can, and if you are myopic choose the lenses that will let you remain myopic. My most recent problem/tragedy, 2 years ago, was glancing into a very bright LED lamp. These are dangerous! This triggered acute macular degeneration (MD) which took out the central vision in my left eye. I can't emphasize enough the tragedy of this in terms of reading and quality of life in general. Aside from the above, I also advise keeping your cholesterol levels low to forestall problems with the vessels in your retinas, and always, always wear the best quality sunglasses when you are outside. You are not too young to start. God bless.
There's two operations you can get if you can afford it. Getting your eyes lazered or replacing the lenses in your eyes. I had the lazering done 25 years ago, life changing, my friend recently had her lenses replaced at the age of 60, for 13k.
@@appleorange8053 Thanks for the advice, but currently the problem is macular degeneration. The only thing I can do is slow it down. In this situation, lenses or lazer won't help. That's why I say that keeping polarized sunglasses on outdoors is imperative for anyone who wants their eyesight to last, and don't look directly at any bright LED light.
The principals of this remind me of the book Atomic habits by James clear .. but when I read AH.. I didn’t think k if applying to reading! So I will now !
Your point around here 4:00 is something I relate to as a Liberal Arts student who has recently graduated. I have a huge mental backlog of books to read, but also I now know where to start and how to approach reading under a certain topic. When I go to a book store, I am no longer intimidated by the non-fiction books and understand what they mean to me.
The true power of the liberal arts! I realized that the point wasn’t to read and memorize great books but to learn how to read, and the degree really did liberate me to read anything under the sun!
I read from 330 6am. 2hrs which 30 minutes is walking and taking break. 6 to 30. Break. 6:30 to 9:30. 3 hrs. Then, I get to work at 10am.to 6pm…. Sometimes, I am seeing same stuff repeating over and over again..
You said that you sometimes "only" read 7 pages, but surely even 7 pages is infinitely preferable to none. Be proud of what you did, rather than feel shame of what you did not do
I have a terrible time with audiobooks, especially fiction. It took me a few years to figure out why. I finally realized that when you're listening, you're usually doing other things at the same time. That's part of the draw of it. But because of that, you're not fully immersed in the world like you are when reading. When you're reading, you cannot do anything else. Your eyes are not looking anywhere else. Maybe your ears are intaking music, but only as background. And while not everyone visualizes everything as they read (I don't always) there's at least a bit of that, a sensation of it. When you're doing other things, especially things that require more mental energy/concentration, you cannot be fully immersed in the book. Our brains just don't work like that. Nonfiction is easier. It's requires less imaginative energy/focus. But that also depends on the type of nonfiction. If it's a book about or set in a beautiful natural environment, or among a different culture or something like that, you would want to mentally immerse yourself in that without real life distraction. Contrast that with a book on economics. Both are technically nonfiction, but very different types of material that require different kinds of concentration.
For me getting started is the most difficult thing, so I have the goal of reading one page per day😂 It sounds crazy but it gets me to pic up the book and many times I continue reading. If I feel very tired and can’t enjoy reading, I put down the book. Actually feeling mentally depleted after work is a big hindrance and I think it’s important to be kind with ourselves and not force us to do things that our minds aren’t capable of.
Another thing is that, people really get influenced by what others read - I know you've talked about this in a video which was posted really long ago, but people still neglect it - I am all in with trying new things, new genres etc. But if you find that it's not for you, just leave it. I've seen people torture themselves for the sake of validation, that yes, I've read this book. Suppose I like to read books which challenge me to really break down things, that does not mean that you have to suffer through it, there is nothing wrong with not liking something. And if someone really wants to do that, I'd help them but as long as they show immense interest in the same. great video !
Interesting idea. My first video of yours, but I’m intrigued. From May until late fall I take my coffee and daily podcasts outside to the patio when I get up. I have struggled to think of a potential winter routine to replace it. I have a difficult time picking up non-fiction and getting more than 25 or 50 pages in before setting it aside permanently. I may try 15 minutes of coffee and my non-fiction choice. Thanks for the idea!
Hi Robin, thanks for the video. I agree that consistency trumps everything when it comes to reading. The interview you referenced was on David Perell's excellent podcast „How I Write“. I also really enjoyed David's talk with Ted.
I am a mood reader, I can’t pick up a book as part of a reading system. Sometimes a book may seem boring but I usually try to finish as I hate not finishing stuff.
Ok, I've never been an early morning person. But your idea of reading something difficult in the morning intrigued me. I remember being on the train to work and suddenly realizing... I did not remember getting there. I'd have a moment of panic as I glanced down to make sure I was properly dressed and not still in my slippers! Yeah, I am seriously non-functional. But maybe trying this would actually wake up my brain. I may try it just as an experiment. Thanks!
Thanks for the tips! It's nice to know we pretty much share the same technique in being consistent with reading! Although I would sometimes alternate between reading for a set amount of pages and reading for a set amount of time, depending on the text. I'd go for the latter if I'm reading a heavy text, like 30 mins to an hour for any philosophical text, and the former if I'm reading something lighter. Also, has anyone ever told you that you look like Felix Guattari? Nope? Just me?
Would love to hear some ideas for reading more poetry… I am wondering now if they might be fundamentally different from prose reading habits. Thanks for a great video.
I do something similar - I reserve non-fiction for the morning reading session (however short it happens to be) and fiction books for the evening if I have some time after work. Even a page a day is better than nothing.
Deliberately under reading Sounds like an interesting approach Like making it as simple and easy in the beginning as possible but over time you get momentum to do more Or like Kaizen
I read consistently for 12 years after my humanities degree. I am taking a brief hiatus from my 60-100 pages a day to become better at programming and the sciences. I also recommend the "Great Books of the Western World" program. Also read Fagles for the Iliad, the only translation 😂
Fagles astonishes me every time I read Homer and I don’t even know where to begin in praise of his translation… I just bought his Odyssey and can’t wait to get into it after the Iliad. Recommendation noted!
@@RCWaldun I'm being deeply facetious. All three major translations have their merits. Pick up some Ancient Greek if you haven't already (and a copy of Middle Liddell) and you will love these books even more!
I'm an older reader. Taken up reading more often in recent years. As a working man i was busy raising kids, working, mortgage etc.. i have the time now. I'm reminded of someone who once posed a question of Barbara Cartland. The romance writer. Did she write 500 books? Or one book 500 times. I'm an older reader. More your historical history. Often set around fictional families. Uk civil war etc. When i look at a book, i see the same plot lines, same patterns. I often read the first line of a paragraph, skim a couple of pages till the action changes. Usually the same old romance crap. Past all that. Like i said, I'm old.
Actually the hardest part for me is getting into it. Yes it is exciting starting a new book but I don’t know the characters, I keep confusing people for 10-20 pages. It is easier to go back into a book you know. But if I drag out the book, getting out of my habit it is difficult to finish. I feel like it is important, at least for me, to ride the wave in the middle, reading every single day.
Yep, I try and read a chapter a day, the bible, as well. I also try to write my thoughts and ideas down. Most people seem boring to me. They're only interested in shallow conversations about buying thing, dieting, work, etc. There's nothing about what's happening in the world, history, passions, goals...
I'm interested to hear your thoughts on audiobooks. The amount I retain definitely varies between audiobooks but I find that audiobooks can actually make information-dense topics more accessible, especially with concepts that are new to me. I might retain fewer specific details but grasp things conceptually much more. As an aside, I read the Iliad as an audiobook earlier this year. Knowing myself as a reader, I would have struggled to finish if I were to physically read it, but the audiobook absolutely entranced me. Listening rather than reading felt like it really honoured the history of oral storytelling behind it.
I know you haven’t done your audiobook video yet, but I want to hear what you think about Ulysses and audio. Normally I would think that it’s too dense to listen to, but so many people say that the way into it is to listen to it, or read it out loud (especially if you’re a Dubliner).
I think it demands a bit of both. When I was studying Ulysses at university my professor recommended the RTÉ performance of Ulysses and it was very atmospheric to listen to. But, having said that, it could potentially corrupt our reading of the text given that listening to the book is already getting a second hand interpretation, especially for more musical episodes such as Sirens and Oxen of the Sun.
The great thing about the "read 15 to 20 minutes a day" rule is that you will often find yourself reading more than that. This same rule can also be generalized to almost anything. Want to get into running? Start with 20 minutes every two days.
I used to wake up, go to the bathroom, come back, grab my phone and get swallowed by Instagram, UA-cam, all political content, I would beginn my day filled with anger, before I even drank my coffe I allready hated the day. Then, for a couple of days, I began my day with a coffee and a book, my phone I would only touch after 12:00, and those days, were way better, I was calmer, felt less the need to go out and buy stuff I did not need, etc. et.
Hello, hello, I came across this video and the first problem reminded me to a reaaaally short story by Jorge Luis Borges called "La biblioteca de Babel" (I believe in English is called "The Library of Babel") and despite I always recommend reading his work because I believe he is one of the most prolific and interesting authors in the world, not only in Argentina; it's a great portrait of what wanting to read can become or can feel as a Literature graduate. I hope the recommendation finds someone ❤
“Divide it up into ridiculously small chunks”… That, my friend, is the fundament of calculus, which subsequently enables us to model and understand nature. Mathematics is like reading the Iliad 😂
My reading is the opposite, completely inconsistent. On weekends I can read multiple hours in a day but on weekdays I can go days without reading anything 😅
Take one off the shelf. Read the first page. Next day, read the second page. Keep going until you get to the end. When it comes down to it, that's really all we can do! We're all looking for magical shortcuts or tips or whatever. But it always comes down to the same thing. Nobody can do it for you. It's just you, doing it.
I try to read when I can. This not only distracts, but also helps to maintain common sense and not to go crazy. I bought books that I plan to read in the future: "The Magic Mountain" by Thomas Mann, "King Lear" and "Hamlet" by Shakespeare, I also bought several books by Ukrainian authors. It may seem silly, because right now I hear explosions, but on the other hand, by buying books and planning to read them, I am thus confirming my faith in the future... The fact is that I live in Ukraine and our city has been shelled by Russian troops almost every day for more than two months, they are killing the civilian population. For example, last Saturday, starting in the morning, three Russian drones hit a hospital, and another hit a residential building. As a result, 9 civilians were killed, 21 people were injured, and houses were destroyed. Last night, the Russian army, using ammunition prohibited by the Geneva Convention, set fire to the forest around our city - it is impossible to breathe. So they try to kill peaceful people. Therefore, in order not to lose my mind, I try to read. Thanks for the video and great tips!
The fact that you have to begin this entire video with a disclaimer telling people you are just giving advice and it is not a one size fits all method so that people are not triggered and offended says a lot about the type of immature society we live in. People need to be mature when listening to advice. Take what works for you. Leave what does not. Then, live your life. If you are triggered because someone's reading plan is different than your own then you have a lot of growing up to do.
Having multiple books going at the same time made a big impact on my reading. I will never go back :) I just pick the book I'm in the mood for at that moment, which leads to always having something to read. Great video, Robin.
My moods permit up to 9 books at a time lol. But yeah I’m the same as you with that 🙂
Same here :D
Yes, that works wonders for me too. My friend though says she’s a serial monogamist (with books, that is 😊)
I can have maybe 2 at a time. some would think that ADHD would permit more, but the actual outcome is just distraction and not remembering what I read before, so it's just chaos
@@Anzy.99 have you tried reading along with an audio book? I’m in the middle of getting diagnosed with ADHD and I find it helpful. Also reading out loud which apparently is what everyone used to historically
The title of this video is "How To FINISH Every Book You Start". Well, I would advise you all NOT to even attempt that. The world is full of books that don't DESERVE to be finished. And the second you realize you're reading one of them - that's it. You're done. In the immortal words of the late, great Dorothy Parker: "This is not a book to be lightly tossed aside. It should be thrown with great force."
This is such bullshit that only someone with a huge, insensible taste could say it.
I like to have 2-3 15-20min sessions a day
It’s like the book accompanies you in your everyday life 😊
You start thinking about the book, story, arguments or whatever it is you're reading throughout the day when you do this. I've actually started a similar habit recently since my reading isn't where I want it to be. Very short but multiple bursts of reading a day to build consistency 😉
Thanks Robin for shedding light on "under-reading". I love this approach. It can be pretty satisfying to limit yourself to reading 12-15 pages a day and on really good days, get another ~10 -12 in!
I read a few pages of poetry every morning, while still in bed, before everything. It makes every day a little more special. Then I read at breakfast, commuting, and before sleep ( in bed again). Usually I'm reading simultaneously poetry, non fiction and some narrative.
I’ve done something similar. Reading ten to twenty pages a day, I can finish a surprising number of books in a short time. It follows a turtle’s approach, but it works. I’ve applied this strategy to both the Old Testament and The Iliad, among other long and difficult texts. As a side note, when I do this habit before bed, I start falling asleep around page ten, like clockwork. My sleep schedule seems to conspire with my appetite for books.
I recently saw a video where the podcaster was saying that taking a short nap or at least quiet deep rest for 15-20 minutes after each learning session greatly helps with retention. So you're on the right track. 🙂
I love this new way of recording your videos. Feels so much more candid!
I agree!
What works for me is thinking about how easy it is to pick up a book. Just think about it: all you have to do is put your legs up, pick up the book, open it, and read 25 pages. Thinking like this makes it so easy and simple that it’s impossible not to do.
3:40 The more you know, the more you feel like you don't know anything. It's not limited to an English degree but applies to all the relevant fields. It's universal, my friend :)
Loved the honesty.
The good point that I take from this video is the focus on time. I have been facing this problem where I focus on page count and, in doing so, I would spent hours reading few pages.
From now on I will read for specific time period.
That is so, so true, you can't base reading (or any other activity, for that matter) on pure motivation alone. Routine and consistency are the keys, but also not being harsh on ourselves if things don't go to plan. Just try again and you'll get there ✨
"Figuring out what is right for you" I guess this is the key for everything we do. Really appreciate your work, Robin. Thanks :)
13:54 - 14:45 makes perfect sense. This as well as the note taking process advice are great ideas. Thank you Robin for this as I totally agree with you. As an educator, I should NOT be obligated to go after books or articles that don’t pique my interest but something that entices me sincerely especially when reading for pleasure. Either way, I will learn something. You are brilliant.
Great advice! Read Odyssey by Homer last year during October. Absolutely loved it. And Im glad I read it everyday consistently 15-20 pages a day in the morning. I also listened to the audiobook while reading it on the paper. That was a game changer in comprehension.
Thank you for this reminder! I tend to set reading goals that are to high for me and then not reach them. Consistency is key
I usually have about 6 books on the go at any given time.
In addition to whatever my "main selection" of the moment, I'm reading...
2 pages of the Bible per day. It is referenced in too many other works to not have an understanding of it.
1 scene/sonnet of Shakespeare a day.
I read a chapter of the Iliad per day, at present (the Rieu translation, the Lattimore translation afterwards - will follow with the Odyssey, then the Aenid). Something Greek or Roman: philosophy, poetry, plays...
When the above selections are complete, I begin again.
In addition to the above, I read:
1 short story a day.
History on Thursday: Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, at present.
1 story/poem by Edgar Allen Poe on Friday.
An essay by David Foster Wallace on the weekend (I'm inching my way through his works before tackling Infinite Jest.
I read one of Jane Austen's novels in July, sometimes one of the Bronte sisters' as well.
I close out the year with Charles Dickens.
And being Canadian, I try to read a couple CanLit titles per year.
I expect more than a few people have their own strategies.
Wooow, that sounds amazing!:) I will get there one day as well. I was a true book lover when I was an adolescent. I basically read anything I could find. I wish to have this habit/ability as an adult as well.
I think I read certain books that were too early for me also😅
I just read the thing that sounds the most Esoteric. Did henry ford yesterday. Gonna do some Dostoyovsky today
I am part of a book group at my local library, where we read one book a month of a different genre. Some months (like this one) the reading is more difficult than others. Having a daily practice is key. In this case I do have to include a page (or chapter) count to ensure I finish the book in time for the next meeting.
I also like always be reading at least one other book of my own choosing. For that, having a page count goals is not necessary.
Finally, I like the idea of having a lighter book to read as part of a nightly wind-down routine.
Thanks for this video!
I recently got a stack of Stephen King novels just to jump-start my daily reading. I'm retired, so nothing but time enough, and easy/fun literature is getting me into the habit of reading. So far, it's working well.
Super awesome. I just finished 11/22/63 by Stephen King, and it was absolutely incredible.
Are his novels as scary as described?:)
@@Teresa1444 no they are not
SK is an excellent writer. I was an avid follower throughout the 70s and 80s, but ultimately couldn't keep up with his output. The Stand remains fixed in my mind as the most absorbing book I've ever read - and the best depiction of pure evil😳
@@Teresa1444 Some are scary, some not. Many are spooky or uncanny. But I find scary books easier than scary movies, because you kind of direct the scene in your head and you're in control of it in a way. One thing I really like about King is his ability to write about silly stuff like monsters in the closet in a way that makes it scary. And his ability to write long books without them becoming boring.
Audio books are good. I'm usually asleep within an hour.
Wadiya know, by the morning, I've read another book!
I really enjoy this type of videos! Its smoother to watch/listen to and more engaging than the cuts of clips. But regardless of video style, the content and discussions are always interesting and thought-provoking. Thank you so much!!
I think most of us have multiple interests and organization can be off putting. I bought a bunch of manuscript boxes from the local big box stationers and put the book, a notebook, and any other helps like flashcards or language dictionary or whatever. I labeled the boxes and stacked them in a bookcase in the spare bedroom. Press the button on the coffee maker, grab the appropriate box and settle in, I've been off again on again with studying apologetics and the box system really helps me get right into it.
Currently I'm reading many books everyday. Books have like tiktok for me, whenever i open up the book, mind doesn't want to quit reading easily, it is like book addiction.
Some books that I've been reading
1. The Iliad by Homer
2. 1984 by George Orwell
3. Oedipus Rex by Sophocles
4. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
5. Manuel of the warrior of light by Paulo Coelho
6. Aeneid by Virgil (Classical Latin)
I've also recently been thinking deeply about how and why I read. I read to get lost in a world, attached to characters, and to savour good writing. For the last couple of books I've been reading, I've been taking it slowly rather than focusing on finishing them quickly, and I have enjoyed reading so much more. I feel the book lives with me for longer if I read it over 2+ weeks, that I can love and absorb it and get into the world and the story with more depth. I think somehow I also just got lost in all this weird reading culture where you aim to read this many books in a certain time, annual reading goals, and star ratings (I've stopped rating books as well). But I think focusing in on what I like about reading is really important. Reading books more slowly is generally a lot more meaningful and enjoyable for me.
As an aside, I've also noticed I have more thoughts that I want to discuss when I've engaged like this (whatever the genre, from general fiction to classics to fantasy etc) and what has been outrageously fun is having a long chat with ChatGPT afterwards 😂 It's great, and even though it's an AI, it's amazing how many thoughts you have about the book that come up simply by talking about it.
I'm falling in love with reading again by not focusing on the end result (number of books I've read) but the actual process of reading.
Hmmm I already see you as someone 'more well read' and that shows itself in the references you give as you are speaking, by quoting from one author or another, by stating you apply so and so's principle which you read from a particular book. I tend to like this unfiltered approach and I don't mind you going into rabbit holes as it gives me better grasp of what you're talking about.
One of the best guides I've seen on this.
This is great, you touched on a lot of thoughts re: reading that I've had. I think there's a really concerning trend to consume as _many_ books as possible, as _fast_ as possible, just to show off s huge stack of books at the end of the month. I'm sure some people have their routine down pat and actually can read that much and retain it, but...the social media competitiveness of it, the need to read for others and not themself, is troubling to me. Even one page a day is enough, if it means you're really focusing, taking in what you're reading, rolling the words in your mouth and thinking on them. It makes such a positive difference to the whole experience of reading.
Also, reading multiple books simultaneously has been a game-changer. I always like having short novellas, poetry collections, essays, etc...just _short_ books kicking about, so that if I'm not in the mood (or unable to focus) on any of my current books, I can hit a temporary reset with a short, quick read. It's never failed to knock my brain back into track.
Definitely looking forward to the vid on audiobooks! 📚
I watched you videos about why you don’t care about grades. That was like 5 years ago. Crazy.. but so nice to see you grow into a better version of yourself overtime ❤
You’re my fave content creator right now. Please keep making these kinds of videos. ❤🎉
Hot take but over the years I’ve found that the books I don’t read in a frenzy are usually never worth me slugging through to finish them. So now my philosophy is that life is too short to read books I don’t actively want to finish with every page I read. Of course you’re right that no matter what you studied, there never comes a point where you can stop reading. But once you’re out of school and no longer dictated to by a curriculum, surely you can be free to choose the books you want to read and skip the ones that don’t interest you enough to continue organically
I’m gonna try this because my life is crazy busy and takes me forever finish a book now. Thank you friend
I have to admit that I struggle with more than one book on the go at once as I find it easier to focus on one book at a time.
People are different! Just find what works best for you.
I would make one recommendation that could be incredibly useful: learning has been shown to receive a reinforcing boost when followed by a certain sleep-state. I read lighter material during the day, and tackle harder things for 10 - 20 minutes right before bed. (In my case, studying Egyptian heiroglyphs with flashcards!) The brain will treat these as high-priority intake, and uses a certain sleep state to really etch the new information or skill into one's memory. (There was a study done with test subjects mastering a new video game. Those who played just before sleep, if I recall, showed sleeping brain-wave patterns that echoed their mental activity while playing the game.. as if they were still practicing and more deeply processing their experiences. These subjects showed significantly improved performance very quickly over the control group who played earlier in their day.)
Robin, I hope you don't mind and take some advice based on the experience of a 72-year-old lifelong reader. In short, take care of your eyes. I was a voracious, every-possible-moment reader until my 40's when I needed bifocals. This can't be prevented but it did take some of the joy out of books. So, be prepared. The next crisis was the development of cataracts in my early 60s. My advice here is to take care of the problem as soon as possible, get the best lenses you can, and if you are myopic choose the lenses that will let you remain myopic. My most recent problem/tragedy, 2 years ago, was glancing into a very bright LED lamp. These are dangerous! This triggered acute macular degeneration (MD) which took out the central vision in my left eye. I can't emphasize enough the tragedy of this in terms of reading and quality of life in general. Aside from the above, I also advise keeping your cholesterol levels low to forestall problems with the vessels in your retinas, and always, always wear the best quality sunglasses when you are outside. You are not too young to start. God bless.
There's two operations you can get if you can afford it. Getting your eyes lazered or replacing the lenses in your eyes. I had the lazering done 25 years ago, life changing, my friend recently had her lenses replaced at the age of 60, for 13k.
@@appleorange8053 Thanks for the advice, but currently the problem is macular degeneration. The only thing I can do is slow it down. In this situation, lenses or lazer won't help. That's why I say that keeping polarized sunglasses on outdoors is imperative for anyone who wants their eyesight to last, and don't look directly at any bright LED light.
Thanks for this. I work just too many hours and I struggle to find time to read. This is useful, helpful and inspiring to me.
The principals of this remind me of the book Atomic habits by James clear .. but when I read AH.. I didn’t think k if applying to reading! So I will now !
Your point around here 4:00 is something I relate to as a Liberal Arts student who has recently graduated. I have a huge mental backlog of books to read, but also I now know where to start and how to approach reading under a certain topic. When I go to a book store, I am no longer intimidated by the non-fiction books and understand what they mean to me.
The true power of the liberal arts! I realized that the point wasn’t to read and memorize great books but to learn how to read, and the degree really did liberate me to read anything under the sun!
I read from 330 6am. 2hrs which 30 minutes is walking and taking break. 6 to 30. Break. 6:30 to 9:30. 3 hrs. Then, I get to work at 10am.to 6pm…. Sometimes, I am seeing same stuff repeating over and over again..
The Compoud effect by Darren Hardy is a good, short read on this subject. Also, The One Thing by Gary Keller.
You said that you sometimes "only" read 7 pages, but surely even 7 pages is infinitely preferable to none. Be proud of what you did, rather than feel shame of what you did not do
I have a terrible time with audiobooks, especially fiction. It took me a few years to figure out why. I finally realized that when you're listening, you're usually doing other things at the same time. That's part of the draw of it. But because of that, you're not fully immersed in the world like you are when reading. When you're reading, you cannot do anything else. Your eyes are not looking anywhere else. Maybe your ears are intaking music, but only as background. And while not everyone visualizes everything as they read (I don't always) there's at least a bit of that, a sensation of it. When you're doing other things, especially things that require more mental energy/concentration, you cannot be fully immersed in the book. Our brains just don't work like that.
Nonfiction is easier. It's requires less imaginative energy/focus. But that also depends on the type of nonfiction. If it's a book about or set in a beautiful natural environment, or among a different culture or something like that, you would want to mentally immerse yourself in that without real life distraction. Contrast that with a book on economics. Both are technically nonfiction, but very different types of material that require different kinds of concentration.
We like the rabbit holes! Feels like listening to a friend
Will keep them coming!
For me getting started is the most difficult thing, so I have the goal of reading one page per day😂 It sounds crazy but it gets me to pic up the book and many times I continue reading. If I feel very tired and can’t enjoy reading, I put down the book.
Actually feeling mentally depleted after work is a big hindrance and I think it’s important to be kind with ourselves and not force us to do things that our minds aren’t capable of.
Looking forward to that video on your opinion of audiobooks 🙏
Another thing is that, people really get influenced by what others read - I know you've talked about this in a video which was posted really long ago, but people still neglect it - I am all in with trying new things, new genres etc. But if you find that it's not for you, just leave it. I've seen people torture themselves for the sake of validation, that yes, I've read this book. Suppose I like to read books which challenge me to really break down things, that does not mean that you have to suffer through it, there is nothing wrong with not liking something. And if someone really wants to do that, I'd help them but as long as they show immense interest in the same.
great video !
Interesting idea. My first video of yours, but I’m intrigued. From May until late fall I take my coffee and daily podcasts outside to the patio when I get up. I have struggled to think of a potential winter routine to replace it. I have a difficult time picking up non-fiction and getting more than 25 or 50 pages in before setting it aside permanently. I may try 15 minutes of coffee and my non-fiction choice. Thanks for the idea!
I have two reasons to read and those are enjoyment and to learn English 😊
Hi Robin, thanks for the video. I agree that consistency trumps everything when it comes to reading. The interview you referenced was on David Perell's excellent podcast „How I Write“. I also really enjoyed David's talk with Ted.
Oh my god! What a fun coincidence! I'm also reading the Iliad at the moment
Great advice. I typically read a few chapters with my morning coffee. Reading should never be competitive.
I am a mood reader, I can’t pick up a book as part of a reading system. Sometimes a book may seem boring but I usually try to finish as I hate not finishing stuff.
Robin looks like and speaks with the cadence an old father figure and it so cool
Ok, I've never been an early morning person. But your idea of reading something difficult in the morning intrigued me. I remember being on the train to work and suddenly realizing... I did not remember getting there. I'd have a moment of panic as I glanced down to make sure I was properly dressed and not still in my slippers! Yeah, I am seriously non-functional. But maybe trying this would actually wake up my brain. I may try it just as an experiment. Thanks!
Thanks for the tips! It's nice to know we pretty much share the same technique in being consistent with reading! Although I would sometimes alternate between reading for a set amount of pages and reading for a set amount of time, depending on the text. I'd go for the latter if I'm reading a heavy text, like 30 mins to an hour for any philosophical text, and the former if I'm reading something lighter.
Also, has anyone ever told you that you look like Felix Guattari? Nope? Just me?
Félix Guattari’s one of my main philosophical influences alongside Deleuze! Maybe reading too much of him slowly morphed how I look. 😂
Would love to hear some ideas for reading more poetry… I am wondering now if they might be fundamentally different from prose reading habits. Thanks for a great video.
I do something similar - I reserve non-fiction for the morning reading session (however short it happens to be) and fiction books for the evening if I have some time after work. Even a page a day is better than nothing.
Great video - I needed this. Going to post this on my X account
Can you talk about how to finish writing something 😊
Deliberately under reading
Sounds like an interesting approach
Like making it as simple and easy in the beginning as possible but over time you get momentum to do more
Or like Kaizen
Do you have a video on what to start reading as a beginner reader? If you just want to get smarter and become a better reader?
I read consistently for 12 years after my humanities degree. I am taking a brief hiatus from my 60-100 pages a day to become better at programming and the sciences. I also recommend the "Great Books of the Western World" program. Also read Fagles for the Iliad, the only translation 😂
Fagles astonishes me every time I read Homer and I don’t even know where to begin in praise of his translation… I just bought his Odyssey and can’t wait to get into it after the Iliad. Recommendation noted!
@@RCWaldun I'm being deeply facetious. All three major translations have their merits. Pick up some Ancient Greek if you haven't already (and a copy of Middle Liddell) and you will love these books even more!
I'm an older reader. Taken up reading more often in recent years. As a working man i was busy raising kids, working, mortgage etc.. i have the time now.
I'm reminded of someone who once posed a question of Barbara Cartland. The romance writer.
Did she write 500 books? Or one book 500 times.
I'm an older reader. More your historical history. Often set around fictional families. Uk civil war etc.
When i look at a book, i see the same plot lines, same patterns. I often read the first line of a paragraph, skim a couple of pages till the action changes. Usually the same old romance crap. Past all that. Like i said, I'm old.
By pairing two actions: morning reading with difficult content gives you open-minded and night reading with easy content gives you relaxed
Interested to hear your opinion on audiobooks.
Unpopular opinion....not every book needs or even deserves to be finished. Keep that book down girl, its okay.
Actually the hardest part for me is getting into it. Yes it is exciting starting a new book but I don’t know the characters, I keep confusing people for 10-20 pages. It is easier to go back into a book you know. But if I drag out the book, getting out of my habit it is difficult to finish. I feel like it is important, at least for me, to ride the wave in the middle, reading every single day.
I always enjoy your videos! interesting space make a house tour if you wish or share favorite books.
11:37 sorry, what is it? I wasnt paying attention.
Yep, I try and read a chapter a day, the bible, as well. I also try to write my thoughts and ideas down. Most people seem boring to me. They're only interested in shallow conversations about buying thing, dieting, work, etc. There's nothing about what's happening in the world, history, passions, goals...
Great advice!
You remind me of my dads friend back in the day cool 🎉
I'm interested to hear your thoughts on audiobooks. The amount I retain definitely varies between audiobooks but I find that audiobooks can actually make information-dense topics more accessible, especially with concepts that are new to me. I might retain fewer specific details but grasp things conceptually much more.
As an aside, I read the Iliad as an audiobook earlier this year. Knowing myself as a reader, I would have struggled to finish if I were to physically read it, but the audiobook absolutely entranced me. Listening rather than reading felt like it really honoured the history of oral storytelling behind it.
You’re in luck! The next video’s going to be on Audiobooks.
I know you haven’t done your audiobook video yet, but I want to hear what you think about Ulysses and audio. Normally I would think that it’s too dense to listen to, but so many people say that the way into it is to listen to it, or read it out loud (especially if you’re a Dubliner).
I think it demands a bit of both. When I was studying Ulysses at university my professor recommended the RTÉ performance of Ulysses and it was very atmospheric to listen to. But, having said that, it could potentially corrupt our reading of the text given that listening to the book is already getting a second hand interpretation, especially for more musical episodes such as Sirens and Oxen of the Sun.
The great thing about the "read 15 to 20 minutes a day" rule is that you will often find yourself reading more than that. This same rule can also be generalized to almost anything. Want to get into running? Start with 20 minutes every two days.
I have always struggled with asking good questions to a book or academic paper, can you talk about this in a video? 😊
I used to wake up, go to the bathroom, come back, grab my phone and get swallowed by Instagram, UA-cam, all political content, I would beginn my day filled with anger, before I even drank my coffe I allready hated the day.
Then, for a couple of days, I began my day with a coffee and a book, my phone I would only touch after 12:00, and those days, were way better, I was calmer, felt less the need to go out and buy stuff I did not need, etc. et.
Doesn't it make more sense if we concentrate on the work of a specific author or on a specific era when reading?
Concentrated Reading, everyday and creating it a routine . The duration itself doesnt matter
Where's Bloomsday part 2, Waldun?
Still putting it together. 🥲
Could it be.... first?
Damn, twelve behind. Really slacking, I am.
@@bigfootlil this is a first (pun intended) for me!
Hello, hello, I came across this video and the first problem reminded me to a reaaaally short story by Jorge Luis Borges called "La biblioteca de Babel" (I believe in English is called "The Library of Babel") and despite I always recommend reading his work because I believe he is one of the most prolific and interesting authors in the world, not only in Argentina; it's a great portrait of what wanting to read can become or can feel as a Literature graduate. I hope the recommendation finds someone ❤
In my retirement, I find that the best advice I have for myself is "turn off your media sources (especially UA-cam) and start reading".
“Divide it up into ridiculously small chunks”… That, my friend, is the fundament of calculus, which subsequently enables us to model and understand nature. Mathematics is like reading the Iliad 😂
This made my day. 😂 My highschool maths teacher would be proud.
Do you finish even the books you do not like (not because the writing is bad, but the theme does not finally appeal to you or shocks you)?
By reading it.
May I ask what are auto canonnical texts?
Which translation of the Iliad are you reading?
Fagles. 👌🏻
@@RCWaldun Excellent choice! That's my favorite, and the one that I would have recommended! 🙂
Do you have a Goodreads, Robin?
My reading is the opposite, completely inconsistent. On weekends I can read multiple hours in a day but on weekdays I can go days without reading anything 😅
This is the very problem I have! Yes, I call that my "study reading" period, working on a hard book. But consistency...arrrgh! That's the problem.
"there's nothing like an english degree that'll make you feel like you're the dumbest person on planet earth" lol true
i just wanna read the books on my bookshelf
Take one off the shelf. Read the first page. Next day, read the second page. Keep going until you get to the end. When it comes down to it, that's really all we can do! We're all looking for magical shortcuts or tips or whatever. But it always comes down to the same thing. Nobody can do it for you. It's just you, doing it.
If you want to finish every cool you start, keep reading them.
Great voice. You should be using that.
How to Read a Book: Inspectional Reading
You should just point people to “The Honest Broker” substack since this is exactly what he advocates.
Found Ted through David’s podcast and now I’m completely hooked!
As long as there are swords magic creatures and world building I’m there
I try to read when I can. This not only distracts, but also helps to maintain common sense and not to go crazy.
I bought books that I plan to read in the future: "The Magic Mountain" by Thomas Mann, "King Lear" and "Hamlet" by Shakespeare, I also bought several books by Ukrainian authors.
It may seem silly, because right now I hear explosions, but on the other hand, by buying books and planning to read them, I am thus confirming my faith in the future...
The fact is that I live in Ukraine and our city has been shelled by Russian troops almost every day for more than two months, they are killing the civilian population. For example, last Saturday, starting in the morning, three Russian drones hit a hospital, and another hit a residential building. As a result, 9 civilians were killed, 21 people were injured, and houses were destroyed.
Last night, the Russian army, using ammunition prohibited by the Geneva Convention, set fire to the forest around our city - it is impossible to breathe. So they try to kill peaceful people.
Therefore, in order not to lose my mind, I try to read.
Thanks for the video and great tips!
Take care. God bless Ukraine ❤
@@4061earthabcdesong Thank you! We hold on, we do not give up, because justice and truth are on our side!
What if I don't wanna finish the book
.
The fact that you have to begin this entire video with a disclaimer telling people you are just giving advice and it is not a one size fits all method so that people are not triggered and offended says a lot about the type of immature society we live in.
People need to be mature when listening to advice. Take what works for you. Leave what does not. Then, live your life.
If you are triggered because someone's reading plan is different than your own then you have a lot of growing up to do.