Shawnee Love   •  
May 31, 2011

I am an avid reader. I always have at least 5 books on the go, and I am a member of two book clubs because I love to discuss what I have read. While I admit the idea of an executive book summary sounds appealing when I have a meeting in 24 hrs and no foreseeable opportunity to finish the book, there is a part of me that would feel like I am cheating.

I remember in high school, a few kids would source out Cole’s notes for the book or Shakespearean play we were supposed to read. The notes gave them the main concepts and high points of the book and enabled them to at least pass the test. I slogged through the wherefores and thous because knowing the high points and just passing wasn’t enough. I wanted to really understand the details and the innuendos and the ideas that form the book. As it turns out, in taking the time to read the full books, I was actually improving my reading speed and comprehension, and broadening my ability to discuss and understand the book itself and the many references to it in everyday life, so the reading effort up front has paid off in the long run for me.

Yes, Cole’s notes were enough to get by, but is that all we strive for?  For me, I don’t read to get by and I go to the library rather than waste my money on books I won’t want to keep. I read to learn, to enjoy and sometimes to escape. I don’t know what is enjoyable or escapist about reading a two page executive summary, nor do I know what I can truly learn when the examples, facts, and progression of the idea are missing.

Obviously I am someone who makes reading full books a priority. Curious if you see it the same way?