dragonbook

38 Reading Books In reading books, there are several stages to go through, and one must make a judgment at the end of each stage. The question to answer is "Have I gone far enough to achieve my purpose?" If you have, STOP. If not, go on. STEPS: Note who the author is, and the date of publication. Read preface and table of contents. Look at the diagrams and pictures. Skim read the first and last chapters. Frequently these are introductory and summary chapters, and may give you all the information you need. Read the first and last chapters and skim the intervening chapters. This takes you into the book in greater depth, and allows you to decide which, if any, of the intervening chapters you should read. Read intervening chapters as demanded by your purpose. Go into the glossary, index, and appendices as needed. Skimming and selective reading are speedy and efficient techniques for getting what you need out of books and articles. Many students think it is cheating not to read every word in a book. Not so. You are cheating yourself when you waste time reading material not essential to your purpose.