How to Read a Book

By Mortimer J. Alder & Charles Van Doren

This classic book, originally written in 1940 is a must for every home, especially those who choose to home educate. It is written by the founder of the Great Books curriculum. It is the best and most successful guide to reading for understanding. We are all taught how to read…but not how to read a book with the depth needed to ask questions, organize thoughts and form opinions.  In other words, this book will help you to learn about the various levels of reading and how to achieve them -- from elementary reading, through systematic skimming and inspectional reading, to speed reading. You learn how to pigeonhole a book, extract the author's message and critique any book you read. In this 1972 revised edition co-authored by him you will be taught the different reading techniques for different types of books too: imaginative literature, plays, history, mathematics, science, poetry and more. This is a necessary tool for moms who want to foster deeper discussions about their readings with their children and those heading off to college. A must!! (426pp.)