By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
Readers come in all shapes, sizes, and ages. Some prefer short nonfiction pieces while other readers reach for book length. Fiction readers select type and genre of stories according to their taste and whim.
Avid readers devour one book after another while many prefer to linger on each word.
Word lovers highlight and underline passages that excite them.
But what criteria make a reader productive? For certain it doesn’t mean age, gender, type of reading, or if the process is done fast or slow.
The following are 7 habits of a highly productive reader.
- A productive reader processes what is read for value. Everything read has a purpose: to entertain, inspire, encourage, inform, and/or educate.
- A productive reader applies worthwhile information to life. Every moment of our lives is filled with potential for enrichment.
- A productive reader often donates a completed book to another person or organization. We are a culture that places sentiment on books given to us or signed by the author. That’s great! But contributing to the reading of others is an investment in someone’s view of the world.
- A productive reader records finished books and adds a brief statement of what the book is about. This helps to make an informed recommendation and in selecting subject matter for future titles or those written by the same author.
- A productive reader discusses what has been read. Conversations about books is an invitation to step into another reader’s mind. All benefit in the exchange of opinions and views.
- A productive reader challenges his/her habits to select different types of books. We live in a diverse world, so why not be diverse in our reading?
- A productive reader admits when a book isn’t their preference and puts it aside. Don’t be afraid of not finishing a book or short piece that doesn’t appeal to you. There are many books out there awaiting your attention.
Productive readers introduce new concepts into their lives by exploring the world of fiction and nonfiction.
What about you? What habits enter into your reading?
DiAnn’s Library Corner
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Comments 11
Reading a book is like a conversation with a friend, a colleague, a stranger, or even someone whose views or outlook I do not share. I may receive encouragement, a blessing, direction, or challenge. I just want to share the excitement of the encouragement or blessing, and discuss the direction or challenge. I will not discuss the challenge with a confidante, explore my emotions, and pray.
HI DiAnn
Did I ever goof! I meant the last sentence to be the opposite.
Thanks, Frances, I thought that was what you meant. Thanks for posting your wisdom and insight.
When I was younger, I read fiction almost exclusively. I love almost every genre.
In recent years, so many secular thrillers have violence and language beyond what I want to read. I devour lots of Christian thrillers and suspense. Your books are great and it’s impossible to beat Steven James.
I also read more Bible studies and Christian growth books. I’m aware more every year of how much I need Jesus to make it through life.
Sherry, I think we change our reading style as the seasons in our lives change.
I like a book to entertain, educate and put me in an uplifting mood. Historical books have me searching for more knowledge.
Leona, I agree with you and refer to the uplifting mood as inspiring or encouraging. I think a good book leaves the reader wanting more. 🙂
Thanks,DiAnn. Your post has challenged and inspired me. I can see how I need to be more productive.
Thank you, Gerry. Your sweet words are just what I needed to hear today.
Love this article on the qualities of a productive reader–especially the last quality listed. Life is too short to read a bad book and sometimes bad only means ‘not for me in this time and place.’ Here’s something cool a the mother of a dear friend just did for me. She gave me a book on Easter (The Women of Easter by Liz Curtis Higgs) with a note that I should make my own notes in the book and then pass it on to someone else, asking them to do the same. Can you imagine what treasures this book will contain after it has journeyed through the hands and hearts of many women!
Lori, I love that idea. And Liz would be thrilled to know what so many women are doing, Thank you!