Quote:
Originally Posted by mldavis2
Even so, I tend toward books written by 'wordsmiths' who carefully craft descriptions or ideas. I find I must read for comprehension of description, not just plot, in order to appreciate their work. If the author took time to write (and probably re-write) it, then I'll take the time to read it. It rather like the difference between driving down the interstate and walking in the woods. How much we miss when we rush ... 
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This reminds me of a few postings on another thread where some were arguing that if a translation of a book wasn't exacting then the books was less than useless because it wouldn't convey the authors original flavor and intent.
But then the student reading, say Tolstoy, has to cram Tolstoy's book in with all the rest of the books he must read. An understanding of the plot is gained, but the subtleties of 19 century Russia is lost. And I supect that the study of 19 century Russia would be a specialty in it's self, and a requirement to understand Tolstoy. Of what use is reading even the original work in Russian, if you don't understand the time period and it's social structure?
As you said, speed reading for information, such as in a technical book, is one thing. Reading for pleasure one needs to take the time to build up the environment within which the story is taking place. The amount of time differs from one to another.
Imagine a James Bond story;
James Bond, fictional British agent. Encounters and overcomes threats. Succeeds and gets girl.
End of story.
It's not all that bad. I've read some books very quickly,
hanging onto every word. But either the story, or the writing, was so well done that I could speed along.
I imagine that there are many who can read much faster than I can with as much enjoyment as I get. But so what if they read faster than I do? It's the enjoyment that is of the most importance to me.