Readers' Advisory Bonus: How to Read a Book in Ten Minutes

How to Read A Book in Ten Minutes
from Georgine Olson, Joyce Saricks & Stacy Alesi in various incarnations

To speed read a book:

· Look at the cover — what is the art like? Does it give you any clues to the genre? Is the author's name bigger than the title?

· Hold the book & look at its basic features – Is it heavy? Look at the typeface, the space between lines, the general layout - How easy to read is it? Is there much white space? Is it densely printed?

· Read the back jacket copy — what does it say, who is endorsing the book, what other titles are mentioned, is the book a series title?

· Read both flaps — are you getting a sense of the story and the characters? Does it give you an idea of the storyline; does it tell “everything” (or maybe it doesn’t tell you anything)? Is it inviting, teasing, ominous?

· What over all tone do you perceive based on what you have read?

· Read the opening few pages — are you pulled into the story right way or is there a slow buildup? Do you want to keep reading? If it’s a series title, how smoothly does it deliver background info?

· Flip through the book, noticing its format. Does it have lots of chapters? Is there a great deal of dialog?

· Skim and read bits and pieces here and there throughout the book - Does it seem to flow? What’s your general impression of the book?

· Read the end (sorry, but this is important!). If it has an epilogue, read a couple of sections before the epilogue. Is there a conclusion or is it open-ended? Does the ending read like a checklist, wrapping up all loose ends?

· Read the reviews (Amazon, etc.)

· Read the reader responses (Amazon, GoodReads, etc.)


Now, what do you know about this book?

Style: tone; humorous; serious; length of sentences, sections, or chapters; more dialogue or descriptions?

Pacing: leisurely or action-oriented

Format: straight-line narrative, flashback, single or multiple points of view (how smooth are transitions)

Characters: many or few; are they a recognizable “type”; does it seem character or action-oriented

Setting: time; place; integral or wallpaper

Storyline: character or plot driven

Genre: does it follow genre conventions? sub-genre?

Is it part of a series?

What is the basic plot?

Do you know of other books by the author? Have you read any of them?

Has the book won any awards?

Can you think of any similar authors or read-alikes?

Do you know any specific readers who might enjoy it?