One tip you forgot to include - stop watching videos telling you how to read more ;) Thanks for the kick up the ass!! Best video I've watched on the topic!
I think you hit the nail on the head for me when you said people comment “I wish I could read so much” then go out and do other things then complain! I think this is why I get angry when people ask me how I read so much as I take it as negative judgment about my choice of time allocation (and often think it’s meant as a backhanded “compliment”). I like the “why” question much more, and like you and Eric I’ve made changes in my life to fit it in because it is a priority for me.
You certainly inspired me on the last tip which certainly fits all in this modern world . However your thoughts on this “one life “ truly awakens me on the urgent need to read more . I rarely comment but this video has urged me to do so. Thanks Steve and I am looking forward to have more such videos from you now an then to keep us inspired. Looking forward for more of your readalongs in 2019.
Thanks SO much for some great suggestions! I have made many adjustments already to increase my reading time, but I think your suggestions will even improve it more. It’s a good thing too, because my TBR runneth over...
I am working on the subvocalization... You talked about it in a video quite some time ago and I have been practicing. It does not come easily for me, but I have realized that it is the key for me. I’ll get there!
Thank you for talking about subvocalization! I was a political philosophy major, and subvocalization was my way of analyzing text. It worked! I was good at it. The only problem: I am 51, and I am still chained to it. I subvocalize when I read the newspaper. You have convinced me to try yet again to break the habit. I still read philosophy, and I would like to keep it for philosophy, but do I really need it when I read...Maigret?
Thanks Steve this was really informative and well put together! I mean, there's a bunch of it that I know but somehow organize together like this one bit of information built on the others- sort of the pyramid of power (if you will.)
I love your sense of humor as well as your sense of urgency. Thank you for being such a good motivator. Britta Bohler recommended you and that's why I'm here.
I agree.i use to be a big fan of video games i started reading books and wow it reading books was life changing for me. For me personally i became mentally healthier(intellectually, my focus and mental awareness,etc) and physically healthier. (Going for walks and being outdoor and being in touch with reality)
I just realised why I read less fiction than non-fiction and it is that when there is dialogue - I play the dialogue in fiction in my head whereas if I am reading non-fiction I read at a faster pace. I therefore read vastly more non-fiction and choose shorter fiction when I do read it - short stories and novellas etc. Interesting observation.
While I would like to learn how to read without subvocalizing, when I have tried it for brief periods of time I feel like I am doing the equivelent of watching a film on fast-forward. Learning how to not subvocalize does not seem to be the difficult part. It's being able to make that higher-speed stream of words process as a naturally playing event in my mind that I think is the challenge.
My reading pace slowed considerably in the past few months but that's because I've been spending time doing other things and I have no regrets about that either but it's great to know that we can do both.
I really cannot do the sound-vocalizing when reading. If I accidentally do it, it completely throws me out of the reading process, so I definitely agree that that is something to slow anyone's reading down! I will say though that I want to try to listen to more audiobooks this year. Yes, in terms of speed they might not be helpful but you can use them when you couldn't read otherwise like during cooking, doing laundry or exercising. I'm not quite where you are to give everything up but reading. 😉 I do, however, tend to avoid going to the gym because that is time I miss out on reading, so maybe audiobooks might be a good compromise.
I think that I've found it much easier to read without subvocalizing when I read on my phone. The screen isnt as wide as a page so I can get the words in manageable portions. Sometimes I find I can absorb the information a line at a time instead they of scanning left to right reading normally. Maybe I am just tricking myself since the portions are smaller so of course I would go through them faster but I am pretty sure I am getting through the book faster.
I’ve noticed this for myself as well. The experience of reading physical books is lovely, but the ebook format does seem to be better for keeping the subvocalization at bay.
Ever since you mentioned subvocalizing I have tried to stop... it’s taking some time and I ALWAYS catch myself doing it. It’s ridiculous... I sort of stink at it Steve. I did feel hopeful when you said you didn’t always read this amount, and you’re making up for lost time (me too). I’m trying to use every moment (despite working 16 hour shifts at a hospital)!!
Steve Donoghue usually while I’m getting ready for work. Which might explain why I’ve worn my pants backwards, washed my face with toothpaste, and put my laundry in the recycling bin out in the garage. Worth it though!
Pre-booktube I hadn't realize how many people subvocalize in languages they already read fluently. I always assumed (probably because I don't subvocalize when I'm reading English or French but do in Dutch and German, and in my case it's clearly tied to fluency) it was just something that naturally disappeared when one's brain starts to associate the shape of words with concepts without needing to sound them out.
Subvocalizing: Occasionally still find myself doing this, particularly if a book isn’t holding my interest, but it’s fairly rare. Once I get going, a hundred or two hundred pages can go by in which I am completely absorbed. I can’t explain it except to say that it’s as though I’m reading unconsciously. I’m just doing it. Works well for me, anyway.
That's the part of subvocalizing that really still confuses me: how do people continue to do it even after they're deeply, electrically absorbed in a book? I should think that's when people would just naturally shift to the much faster way of just absorbing reading directly.
@saintdonoghue that reminds me of a passage in Bertrand Russell's Analysis of Mind in which he was discussing a behaviorist psychologist, I can't remember who off the top of my head, who thought consciousness was grounded in vocalization and involved involuntary muscle movements in the throat 😳 🤔 🤣
Thanks for taking the time from your busy reading schedule to make this video. Watching it was a real privilege. Was going to get back to reading but think I’m going to have me some wafers and milk first...
@@awshubbar431 Well, keep in mind I WILL be stopping, very soon, over the change of the year! Fortunately, you'll have hundreds and hundreds (and hundreds and hundreds) of Steve-videos to tide you over!
Steve Donoghue Stop? Unacceptable!! Just kidding. If you mean you’re taking some time off for the holidays, by all means it’s well deserved. Will look forward to your videos in 2019 especially the great Hyde cottage library reorganizing extravaganza! Thanks again for the all the videos and your hard work.
I've noticed that I tend to subvocalise more dense books, like classics. If it's an "easy" book I don't do it all. Maybe my brain just wants to eat all the new words it may find and so makes me focus extra hard lol
Magnificent video! So on point! I agree with everything you said, sir. Such an intelligent video. Sir, can you advise on how to NOT fall asleep when reading? This is what I suffer with when I start reading. It doesn't matter that I rested, slept a lot, drank a lot of coffee, the minute I start reading I start to fall a sleep. This really distresses me because now that I have the time to read (I'm retired) I can't get through the books that I have (a ton of them). Right now I have to finish a book in 2 days and I'm feeling the pressure, which slows me down (it's a library book on hold). Please give whatever advice you can provide. It would be so appreciate.So far, I LOVE your videos! I love your passion for books, the joyful energy you convey and the positive feel I get from this love of books. So thankful!
You compulsively fall asleep whenever you read? That's actually one I haven't heard before - does it happen even when you're sitting upright in a straight-back chair? Or standing?
Thanks for replying. It is something that I can't control. All I know is that as soon as I start reading I start falling asleep. I fight it enough so I can get some reading done, but eventually I can't keep my eyes open. It's a total drag because I would like to read at least 100 pages at a time. Yep, it happens when I'm in a straight-back chair or on my sofa, both places where I read. I don't read standing up. Thanks.
But this just CAN'T be natural! I mean, it has to be some kind of learned response to an open book - was reading typically a bed-time thing for you, in the past? There's GOT to be a way to gradually undo this reflex!
I love this video! Out of all the billion videos on youtube about how to read more, this is on the top that can be used to get results. Maybe i should stop watching a billion videos and just read instead though, hmm.
I subvocalize and I know I shouldn't but every time I try to stop, I don't know where to begin. x_x I don't know how to stop doing it, because it's so basically incorporated in my reading... Specially when I'm reading in foreign languages. I kinda "need" (or feel like I need) to hear the words in my head, and kinda enjoy their sound along with my processing them and moving along with the story. Is there any way I could try to stop subvocalizing? How do you stop? O.o In any case, my reading speed varies a lot depending on the language of the text. When it's a text in my mother tongue, I read twice as fast as I do when it's in my second language and probably thrice as fast as I do in my third and forth. :P One of my dreams is to someday be able to read fast in all the languages I speak! :)
I drink hot chocolate and listen to asmr vids with no talking, or chamber music while reading; it makes the experience more cosy. I also have several cats round me. Now they ARE distracting :)
Thanks for the welcome. It will take me a while to get through 2000+ videos to be sure! You & I probably Could Not Be more opposite re book selections - which is a good thing for me. Your videos inspire & motivate me to broaden my reading horizons. Now all I have to do is find one of your recommendations I can.. umm.. read. Maybe I'll give the Mary Washington bio a go. :-)
The last 2.25 minutes of this video are powerful. I'm 68 years old and I know the truth of what you say, but I still need a reminder from time to time. Maybe I should save that clip and play it back at least once a day. An audio Memento Mori. Thanks.
This is the best reading advice I have seen on RU-vid, I live by that sense of urgency. However, I do believe that reading dull books that you might not enjoy the process of reading, also has its value, sometimes even more. Also, I always thought that the advice of not pronouncing the words in your head would make you a faster reader wasn’t true. I only very recently found that it is well founded. Nevertheless, I find it incredibly difficult since I began reading through poetry and that was always out loud. I still struggle shutting myself up when I read and it hasn’t improved yet my speed which is quite slow.
Hi. Today I made a video I called My Reading Habits. I wish I found you before I did my video. The publishers are keeping me busy, over 400 books since I began reviewing in April. I have only got 285 of those read. I am white-listed in a lot of places, so there is much more I could have in my queue.
What an interesting video! I understand what you mean about no subvocalizing, but how can i do that?? is there a technique or something. I tried it and its so hard.
I can't read and eat at the same time. I worry too much about getting something on the book; I usually watch something historical on RU-vid or Jeopardy to keep stimulated.
that is true, if you really want to read you will manage to structure your life around it, I have 2 small kids and my own business that I work 10 hours on every single day and I am able to read 100 books a year, can't stand hearing " I would love to read like you but don't have time"
I received The Expired by B P Smythe today, I sneaked a peak at the first chapter, and wow it was raw, I loved it. Then I ran across a person basically trashing his short stories. I stopped the video, and said what I just told you. I am pretty sure I saw his short stories on one of your videos. What do you think of this authors writing?I also thanked the book tuber for her alternate view, because it prompts me to check the short stories out.I was told I have too many unread books, I only have about 2 or 3 years worth, so that's not bad.
Steve, this is anybody who is successfull at anything. You cannot succeed in a 40 hr work week. You can live, you can get by in a 40 hr work, but you cannot really succeed. You acquire skill, become an expert when something, not things, becomes 24/7. And that includes the arts, reading. AWESOME VIDEO, and ABSOLUTELY CORRECT
A commenter, Jacqueline McMenamin, sent me over here after we were talking about my recent read of The Last Pirate (Rich Cohen). Great video and I appreciated so much what you had to say on this topic! Subscribed! The subvocalising bit is a perfect point.
People want to know two things usually. One is how do I read so much and the other is have I read all the books I own. Well the answer to question number one is that I have pruned most activities out of my life and worked to retire and read. If I was told I only had months to live I’d be furious because of the books I haven’t read yet. The second question annoys me because I am the lady of the house but I think I’m regarded as the slut of the house because we have books everywhere. No I haven’t read everything but some books are for reading projects and I collect those as I go along. Others await their turn patiently. They aren’t a mess. They don’t create stale energy - this last comment made by my daughter in law whose home is so minimal that my son has his bookcase in a wardrobe. Hmmm. I think I vocalise more now as I’m getting older and I know I’m doing it. I shall stop. Immediately! Take care. 😊💕🌷
You seem to misunderstand that words can be altered by other words preceding them. 'Privilege' is harmless; you are offended by nothing (as most people are - in fact, the irony here is astounding). 'White privilege', for example, is different from 'privilege', just as 'toxic masculinity' is different from 'masculinity'. Context is, of course, important, and the fact that you felt it necessary to launch into a needless critique of 'millennials' - who can be aged 37, though your venom appears to be aimed at young people - appears to suggest that context matters little to you. One assumes you understood the context of the video, unless you wilfully ignored it, preferring to make clear your unfounded and ignorant view. Perhaps we have to explain the definition of 'homograph', if you can't understand that we know what meaning was implied by his use of the word 'privilege'; or perhaps you simply assume we couldn't possibly separate it from its 'stupid 21st Century' meaning. I'm actually rather disappointed... It's always great to hear someone like you rail against people like Trump, for example, but I suppose he's an easy target. With this video, you have exposed yourself as more akin to his supporters (or at the very least what my elderly father - as long as we are referencing parents - would refer to as a Champagne Socialist) than you would like to think. I'm sure you don't care what I have to say - I am, after all, a stupid millennial, and at the younger end; but then again aren't most Booktubers? You must hate those politically vocal young women - but I really really loved your channel, and your views, and your recommendations, and this feels really sad. Of course, I assume you're not reading this anymore, but if so this sucks and I hate it.
I don't know why you'd think I wouldn't read your comment - of course I would. But then, I also don't know why you'd so persistently call me ignorant, when I'm clearly not. And yeesh, Champagne Socialist? Have your elderly father watch some of my videos and then ask him if I strike him as a Champagne Socialist.
Steve, I know you don't hate millennials or vocal young women (e.g. 90% of the Booktube population, as the previous poster pointed out) BUT, I have to agree that you seem to willfully misinterpret the definition of "privilege" as used in what you might call "social justice" circles... given your example of Irish Catholics, I have a hard time believing that you think the oppression of Irish Catholics in America is on the same level as, say, the oppression of Black people in America, or that the effects have been the same over time; and that you can't take it a step further and see that white privilege is part of the reason why. I'm making perhaps a big assumption that it's "white privilege" you're objecting to, or stating that it doesn't apply to white people who are marginalized for other reasons... almost everyone has some kind of marginalized identity or history of oppression in their family history, but that doesn't mean white privilege isn't real... and as for it being a millennial thing, that "unpacking the white privilege backpack" paper (often cited as a good place to start with the concept) was published in 1989 by a member of the Silent Generation, so it's not that new. Certainly popularized by millennial though! (I'm only a borderline millennial, and of Irish Catholic background myself)
Hah! Well, I appreciate the comment, and certainly it's a lot easier to think about the whole subject clearly when I'm not being called ignorant six times in 21 lines. The use of the word 'privilege' that really irritates me is the general, non-race usage, the one that a great many young people I know (no idea where this nonsense about 40-year-old Millennials is coming from - like every other person who's ever used the term, I'm referring to people in their twenties) use as a way of pre-emptively shutting down any response from somebody else - i.e., that I can't speak on Subject A simply because I'm white, or old, or male ... the definition of prejudice, in other words. The point I was trying to make in this video is a parallel one: we're ALL incredibly privileged ... to be free, to be literate, to alive in a technological age that makes things like RU-vid possible, etc.
