How to Read a Book Audiobook By Mortimer J. Adler, Charles Van Doren cover art

How to Read a Book

The Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading

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How to Read a Book

By: Mortimer J. Adler, Charles Van Doren
Narrated by: Edward Holland
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About this listen

A CNN Book of the Week: “Explains not just why we should read books, but how we should read them. It’​s masterfully done.” (Farheed Zakaria)

Originally published in 1940, this book is a rare phenomenon, a living classic that introduces and elucidates the various levels of reading and how to achieve them - from elementary reading, through systematic skimming and inspectional reading, to speed reading. Audiences will learn when and how to “judge a book by its cover,” and also how to X-ray it, read critically, and extract the author’s message from the text.

Also included is instruction in the different techniques that work best for reading particular genres, such as practical books, imaginative literature, plays, poetry, history, science and mathematics, philosophy, and social science works.

©2021 Mortimer J. Adler, Charles Van Doren (P)2021 Simon & Schuster Audio
Words, Language & Grammar Intelligent Reading
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Excellent Guide • Imperative Understanding • Practical Insights • Great Book • Clear Concepts • Useful Tips
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Mortimer Adler takes your hand and guides you through not only knowing how to read different types of books but also why you should read them. Tremendously Edifying work.

Not just how to read but why

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This book sharpened my ability to read. Moving forward after reading this book, everything will be different when it comes to learning and reading. Very clear and concise.

I learned a LOT.

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...and quite honestly as you read/listen to the book you will understand why the accuracy of a book's title is the first step in ensuring you know how to analytically read a book.

It's title says it all...

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I like the ideas that is ok n the book they are very practical.
Suggest this book to anyone that is interested in improving there reading habits.

This a great practical book

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I wish I read this in high school before I touched any readings I was forced into during that time

the format of this book is golden

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I never would have thought that at 50 years old, I would need to know how to read a book. This book should be mandatory to teach in Junior High, High School, and College. It should be introduced to all people multiple times throughout their lives, similar to reading philosophical works like Marcus Aurelius' Meditations, or Aristotle's Meditations, and the Enchiridion of Epictetus. It is a perishable skill and one that is worth its weight in gold.

It doesn't matter how old your are, GET this book!

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Highly recommend a book it provides great insights for people with experience beginners and more

Educational

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this book covers quite a bit of content. It can be trying to get through some parts I found however as a whole it all comes together great

classic guide all readers can use to improve

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Clearly outlined the great ways of reading, supported with ample examples. Concepts & theories are expressed clearly & easy to follow.
Very inspiring & definitely a must read for anyone who loves reading!

Very brilliantly written!

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This would have helped me greatly when I was writing research papers in college. Hopefully, my nephew will benefit now that he has started at LSU.

I wish I had this book before I took English 102.

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