Still Possible to Speed Read with eBook Readers?

[lindseyleeanna]

Originally Posted by J. Strnad

I just can't believe they're getting much out of a book, speed reading. Maybe so, but it seems to be that good writing has a rhythm and cadence that you're not getting with speed reading. Like chugging a good wine or digitally speeding up a piece of music.

But, not being a speed reader, I wouldn't know what it's like.

When you read slowly, your mind tends to wander off in all different directions, things about your day, tomorrow, something people said, what you want to eat, and so on. If you find yourself rereading text then you should read faster, not slower. I work best when I'm actively scanning for information or answers.

[Uncle Robin]

Originally Posted by lindseyleeanna

When you read slowly, your mind tends to wander off in all different directions, things about your day, tomorrow, something people said, what you want to eat, and so on. If you find yourself rereading text then you should read faster, not slower. I work best when I'm actively scanning for information or answers.

Who is the "you" of whom you speak? Whoever this "you" is, it is definitely not me. When I read slowly it is because I am either reflecting on the content or because I'm reading in a non-L1 language. I definitely never have time to make assertions about what others are doing while reading.

[Dr. Drib]

Originally Posted by lindseyleeanna

When you read slowly, your mind tends to wander off in all different directions, things about your day, tomorrow, something people said, what you want to eat, and so on. If you find yourself rereading text then you should read faster, not slower. I work best when I'm actively scanning for information or answers.

I read slowly and lovingly, because I love words and I love the way certain writers write.

Obviously, the 'you' in your post - a 10-year old thread that may, admittedly, have taken some time to finish reading the 15 prior posts - refers only to you in your very first post.

But do not be deterred: We will all keep an eye on your next post.

[hobnail]

Originally Posted by lindseyleeanna

... your mind tends to wander off in all different directions, things about your day ...

If my mind wanders while reading, invariably it's because the book isn't engaging. Then it's time to move on to the next book on my list (ever growing, thanks to eReaderIQ).

[Sirtel]

I read for pleasure, not for work. So I'm free to read as slowly or as fast as I want. I'm in no competition with anyone.

[rcentros]

Originally Posted by lindseyleeanna

When you read slowly, your mind tends to wander off in all different directions, things about your day, tomorrow, something people said, what you want to eat, and so on. If you find yourself rereading text then you should read faster, not slower. I work best when I'm actively scanning for information or answers.

That's simply not true in my case. I'm a slow reader. When I'm engrossed in a book I'm basically in another world — often when I look up after a couple hours of reading I'm surprised at where I'm sitting. (I mostly read at night when it's quiet.) I've also recently realized that, when I'm sitting at my computer, I take a sip of water every few minutes. When I'm reading a book, my cold bottle of water is often warm the next time I realize it's there, and I haven't touched it.

[rcentros]

Originally Posted by hobnail

If my mind wanders while reading, invariably it's because the book isn't engaging. Then it's time to move on to the next book on my list (ever growing, thanks to eReaderIQ).

Same here.

[DNSB]

I’m at the high end of reading speed whether I am reading pbook or an ebook. I don’t think that I am missing much compared to slower readers other than the lack of Mount TBR. OTOH, your mileage may vary.

[kyrilson]

Originally Posted by lindseyleeanna

When you read slowly, your mind tends to wander off in all different directions, things about your day, tomorrow, something people said, what you want to eat, and so on. If you find yourself rereading text then you should read faster, not slower. I work best when I'm actively scanning for information or answers.

No. I’m a slow reader and I’m totally engrossed in the book. If my mind wanders it is because the book is not engaging me. If it happens too often I’ll drop the book and move on to another.

[kyrilson]

Originally Posted by hobnail

If my mind wanders while reading, invariably it's because the book isn't engaging. Then it's time to move on to the next book on my list (ever growing, thanks to eReaderIQ).

Ha, I literally just posted almost the exact same thing just a second ago. 😂

[Thasaidon]

Originally Posted by rcentros

That's simply not true in my case. I'm a slow reader. When I'm engrossed in a book I'm basically in another world

I am basically the same except I naturally read quickly. If, however I am rereading a much loved book, I may read more slowly because I am enjoying the text and how it is written so much.

[rcentros]

Originally Posted by Thasaidon

I am basically the same except I naturally read quickly. If, however I am rereading a much loved book, I may read more slowly because I am enjoying the text and how it is written so much.

When a passage is particularly well-written I'll sometimes backup and re-read the last few pages.

As for fast or slow reading... my daughter reads fast (probably four or five times faster than me) but she reads for enjoyment also. Speed (fast or slow) is not the point, it's worrying about it that would seem to get in the way of enjoying a book. At least that's the way I see it.

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by rcentros

Speed (fast or slow) is not the point, it's worrying about it that would seem to get in the way of enjoying a book. At least that's the way I see it.

Exactly. I couldn't care less what someone else thinks about my reading speed (which can vary wildly, depending on whether I read for enjoyment or scan for information. After 30 years of reading in English, my reading speed is pretty much the same in English and Estonian, so language doesn't play a role).

[hobnail]

Old timers may remember the tv commercials for Evelyn Wood speed reading.

https://www.pryor.com/training-produ...speed-reading/

[Thasaidon]

Originally Posted by rcentros

As for fast or slow reading... my daughter reads fast (probably four or five times faster than me) but she reads for enjoyment also. Speed (fast or slow) is not the point, it's worrying about it that would seem to get in the way of enjoying a book. At least that's the way I see it.

I could not agree more. Read at whatever speed is comfortable, suits your needs and gives you most enjoyment.