How to Read A Book
by Mortimer Adler
Presented by: Pat Whitty
Note, this event will be held on zoom only.
“How to Read a Book” by Mortimer J. Adler is a comprehensive guide to becoming a more effective and critical reader. First published in 1940, this classic work presents a structured approach to reading that can be applied to any text, helping readers engage with books on a deeper level. Adler and co-author Charles Van Doren offer valuable tools to not only understand what a book says but also to evaluate and interpret its ideas.
The book is divided into several parts, each focusing on a different aspect of reading. Adler starts by outlining the different levels of reading, beginning with “elementary reading”, which involves basic comprehension, and progressing to “inspectional reading”, where the reader quickly surveys a book to get a sense of its content. The highest level, “analytical reading”, involves a thorough and thoughtful examination of the text to understand its structure, argument, and deeper meaning.
Adler emphasizes the importance of asking the right questions while reading, such as “What is the author trying to say?” and “What is the evidence supporting their argument?” He also introduces the concept of reading for the “four levels of reading”: understanding the basic message, interpreting the content, critically analyzing the arguments, and finally, synthesizing the information with one’s own knowledge. The book also offers strategies for reading different genres, such as fiction, history, and philosophy, and provides a framework for engaging with texts more actively.
Ultimately, “How to Read a Book” is about developing the intellectual discipline necessary to approach books with purpose and clarity. Adler’s timeless advice encourages readers to become active participants in the reading process, fostering a more thoughtful and enriching reading experience.
WHEN:
Friday, March 7, 2024
Presentation: 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM (US Central Time)
Meet Life Long Learners and Open Discussion:
9:15 AM – 9:30 AM (US Central Time)
WHERE (either):
VIA ZOOM
**You must register to receive the Zoom Link**
You do not need to have read the book to attend the event.
If you would like to invite other colleagues to join this conference, please send them to the website at www.ExecutiveBookReview.com to register and find out more about this or future events.