How I read (Reading)

 

Nonfiction

  • I underline main ideas.
  • When a new term is defined, I:
    • put a box around the term (a box with right angles), and
    • I draw a little arrow at the bottom of the box pointing in the direction of the definition, either forwards or backwards
  • Examples
    • I write "ex" sideways next to examples.
    • I size the "ex" so that the width of the "ex" corresponds to the amount of vertical space the example takes up in the prose.
    • If the example isn't for the main idea immediately before it, I draw a double-headed arrow that points between the "ex" and the "MI".
      • Examples
        • Sometimes an example will be for a main idea that is described after the example.
        • Sometimes a main idea will be followed by another sub-main idea, and then an example for the main-main idea.
          • Examples
            • Python Machine Learning, p3
  • 2016.01.15 - I found today that it was easier for me to stop my mind from wandering while I was reading by also listening to Magic Tapes; so the music had the same kind of effect as when I'm programming.
  • 2016.01.22 - I found today that it was easier for me to stay focused while reading if I switched back and forth between reading a book and doing other work. So I'd do work for 30 mins, then read maybe 2-3 pages, then do work for another 30 mins. It felt a lot like when I'm at the gym and I rotate my exercises so that each muscle-group can rest for a bit.

 

Recommending books to people

  • I try to find the best part of the book and give it to that person.