Book Review: Recovering the Lost Art of Reading by Leland Ryken & Glenda Faye Mathes

A book about reading is an intriguing idea to me so I jumped at the chance to read and review Recovering the Lost Art of Reading.  This work was a bit of an eye opener for me as I normally read for informational purposes. Authors Leland Ryken and Glenda Faye Mathes enlighten the reader to the benefits and indeed the necessity of reading literary works, including the Bible, for the beauty and enjoyment of reading.

As each chapter unfolds the authors take the reader deeper into the beauty, wonder, necessity, and appreciation of literary books and they return to their theme, found in the title, Recovering the Lost art of Reading often. As the volume suggests, and where I would agree, reading is an art and it is dying art. As can be seen from the table of contents below, Recovering the Lost art of Reading is comprehensive.

Introduction: Welcome to the Conversation 

Part 1 Reading Is a Lost Art  

1 Is Reading Lost?  

2 What Have We Lost?  

3 Why Consider Reading an Art?

Part 2 Reading Literature  

4   What Is Literature?   

5   Why Does Literature Matter?   

6   What Does Literature Offer? 

7   Reading Stories: Tell Me a Story   

8   Reading Poems: Songs of the   Soul   

9   Reading Novels: Come Away with Me 

10   Reading Fantasy: A Far Journey 

11   Reading Children’s Books: Once Upon a Time 

12   Reading Creative Nonfiction: To Tell the Truth 

13   Reading the Bible as Literature: Words of Delight 

Part 3 Recovering the Art of Reading 

14   Recovery through Discovery 

15   Truth in Literature 

16   The Moral Vision in Literature 17   

Beauty in Literature 

18   Discovering Literary Excellence 

19   Freedom to Read 

20   Reading Good Books 

21   Calling and Creativity 

22   Literature and the Spiritual Life: Over and Above

(Leland Ryken; Glenda Faye Mathes. Recovering the Lost Art of Reading (Kindle Location 86). Crossway.)

I benefited most from the authors take on reading the Bible as literature (chapter 13).  Something where I am often amiss. I didn't agree with everything but found it most helpful.

I found this book enlightening and useful as I'm primarily an informational reader and usually leave my fiction intake to quality movies and TV programs. Nevertheless, I found this a quality read and recommend to all, especially those oriented to fiction.

 Crossway has provided a complimentary copy of this book through Beyond the Page. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

 

Five Ways to Improve Your Reading

How much do you get out of your reading? Perhaps you're one of the fortunate few you can read a book quickly and retain it. Most of us aren't like that. We toil over a book to learn and enjoy what we can but soon lose what we've read. Allow me to provide a few ideas to make your reading more profitable. Having trouble just getting started? Check out this link.


Read Slower
If you choose a work to read it must have some envisioned value to you. There's no need to rush through it. Take your time to read it. Slow down. Stop occasionally and ponder what you've just read and make note of it.

Take Notes
Many of us remember what we've seen, read or heard by writing it down. Read with a notebook at your side. Makes notes of the crucial passages you've just read. Write down what you want to take with you from the book. What you want to apply to yourself. I suggest a notebook or journal that you can shelve and refer back to repeatedly.

Write in the Margins
I know some of us are purists and don't like to write in our books. But a book is only a thing. It is the words on the page that are important, not it's pristine condition when we're through with it. Write in those margins! The next person who reads that book may profit from your marginalia.

Highlighting
Closely associated with the last suggestion I would add that highlighting makes it much easier to refer back to those portions that stand out to you. I often joke when I loan a book that all the important passages are already highlighted. So it is for yourself and the next reader, highlighting makes it much easier to go back and find that important passage the made you laugh, made you cry or simply something that you need to remember and apply to your life.

Review the Book When You're Done
Once you've finished reading, making notes and highlighting a book you've only completed the first step. Go back, review what you've read. Review your highlights and marginalia and your notes. Put it all together. Did you understand the thrust of the book? What exactly did you learn? How will you apply those ideas and suggestions from the author to your life and work.

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Five Hints to Kick Start Your Reading

Many of us can't find the time to read or have some kind of life issues that prevents us from reading. The kids are screaming, the boss is screaming, your neighbor asked for one more favor; I'm with you, I'm no different. I may even be worse than you. I love to read but it can be difficult to find the time and then enjoy it. Here's a few hints to get moving on that stack of books and periodicals on your bedside table.

Just Do It
Read whenever and wherever you can. I don't have much time, either, so most of my reading is done at work on my breaks. It also gives me something to look forward to after I gobble down my sandwich on my lunch break. Read in the car while you wait for a friend in the store, when you go for a walk take a break and sit for a few minutes and read. Even just fifteen minutes a day adds up.

Read Even If You Don't Like To
I know many who aren't fond of reading. I get it. Its just not their thing. But watching a movie or documentary on your favorite subject just won't do if that's your main source of information on a subject. Read a book or magazine devoted to that field, it will sink in and your knowledge base will increase.

Read Regularly
If you only have 20 minutes a day as I sometimes do on my lunch break, take advantage of the time and read and do it everyday. Twenty minutes before falling asleep - read. Thirty minutes before leaving for second shift - read. Soon you'll be looking forward to it.

Use Whatever Media Suits You
Some folks like the feel of that printed book in their hands. So do I. There's just something about it that can't be explained. Even the small of an old book is enchanting. On the other hand, an iPhone, iPad or Kindle can serve the same purpose. There are advantages to both. A  printed book allows highlighting and its easier to move back and forth to different pages. Its also pretty cool to see that book on the bookshelf when I'm done. On the flipside, with my kindle I can quickly look up unfamiliar words in a dictionary, highlight special passages and have them grouped together for future reference,  jump between two or more books for studying reference works and much more. But whatever works for you, just use it.

Read With Purpose
Whatever you read, read with purpose. That may sound strange but it is valuable to keep that in mind. If you are you reading for enjoyment, then make it an enjoyable experience. Read in silence without distractions or read with your favorite music playing. Read at the park or in your favorite easy chair. Do what you must to get your head into it. Reading for knowledge? Keep a notebook with you and take notes. Whatever you read, read and absorb well enough to write a review of the book and then do it. Write a review for Amazon or Goodreads.

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Reading, Learning & Discipline

Disciplines of the Christian Mind is a fascinating and insightful podcast at Christ the Center. The guys, Camden, Jeff and Jim, delve into developing the Christian mind by consistent, focused reading every day along with several other disciplines. How often do we as lovers of theology books still neglect the opportunity to read? Often, in my case and I aim to remedy that. The guys bring many useful suggestions to the table to develop good reading habits that will aid us all in the life long learning process. Swing over and have a wee listen. You'll be glad you did.