I really enjoyed reading this book about reading. The author deals less with the distractions in this "Age of Distraction" and more on the reasons why we read and the ways in which we find enjoyment in our reading. Far from a scholarly dissertation, the ton is rather light-hearted. If you like to read, but wished you read better or found time to read more, I would suggest that this is a good book for you. This was an excellent read that gave practical advice to those seeking a healthier approach to reading. There is a wide assortment of research and anecdotal support for his basic exertion that strong readers are those who are driven by curiosity ("Whim") and sheer pleasure. Reading plans that are forced or programmatic are often void (per Jacobs). It's the personal growth that cultivates deeper thought.Several practical suggestions are made through a series of categories that touch more on a philosophy of reading then on mere techniques of reading comprehension. Quantifiable goals are outright rejected. Over all, I learned a lot of interesting facts about how the mind is conditioned by technology and habits. The emphasis on pleasure as the main determinant in reading strategies is at times a bit too simplistic in my opinion (in later chapters Jacobs does admit to his contents being somewhat reactionary to current deficiencies). Otherwise, I found this insightful and inspiring. A book worthy of the time to "ruminate" (as Jacobs would say) its contents.
Delightful. Helped liberate me from The Plan. Whim is a much better adult reading strategy.
—Jazy5smith
I loved the premise of the book, but it was written in a tone that isolated the reader.
—staceyeady
I just love me good books about good books.
—minnie
"May our tribe increase."
—christie
Yes, to be discussed.
—vero
