In the first section of this chapter the author discusses the idea of the death of print media. She claims that while reading to gather data might some day be wholly replaced by the internet serious reading will never be replaced. To be enlightened about a topic one must read seriously. Precise, evocative words and complex, difficult sentences are required. If you have difficulty with this you must first question whether or not you have actual difficulty with the mechanics of reading or if you expect it to be as easy as information gathering.
On the one hand she has a point. A well-thought out book, carefully researched and edited, truly can convey so much more than a quick online article.
On the other hand, I'm reading this book, and most others these days, on an e-ink device (a second-gen Nook to be precise)
I believe it is that which surrounds the act of reading, of sitting down in a quiet space and taking the time to really understand the words and the author that matters here, less so the actual physical thing you hold in your hand. While a personal library is a treasure for the ages reading on a Kindle or Nook or tablet isn't the end of the world.
The second section opens with a reading test, to determine if you are mechanically and mentally capable of embarking on a didactic course. Even if you are slow so long as you are capable you can do this. The serious reader is not attempting to assimilate a huge quantity of information as quickly as possible, but to understand a few many-sided and elusive ideas. To that end speed reading is discouraged. She uses examples from Aristotle and Jane Austin vs. a clip from People as examples of situations where speed reading should and should not be applied. She closes the section with a few tips for the adequate mechanical readers out there; to use your finger to keep your place, to scan difficult paragraphs for unknown words before you begin, and to remember that it gets easier with practice.
This is a particularly difficult one for me. So many things to do in a day, so many things sucking my attention, it makes it difficult to sit and focus, even though I am quite capable. I read some of the Great Books back in high school, before the true Internet existed but with a romping case of PTSD going. I actually can focus now, which is why I'm trying again.
The final section offers advice for those who truly do have mechanical difficulties with reading.
I am mechanically capable, so I skipped this section.
Goal, to work on this more than once a week so as to get to the actual work faster. Also, bonus! Found a use for some of my clipart collection
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