How to Get More From a Book

You're a new person each time you open it

You get more from reading one great book twice than from reading two great books.

Learning happens through repetition and convexity. In other words, doing the same thing over and over and getting a little better each time.

Since hearing that, it has radically changed what I get from books. Over the past two years, I’ve read the same 10 books time and time again. I go to the library and skim through new books looking for something interesting, but mostly I reread the books we’ve done in Book Club and a few others.

So why is one great book twice better than two great books once? Because the learning isn’t linear. I don’t read a book once and get 5 “smart points” and then read it again for another 5. More often, if the book has substance to it, the second time I read, I get closer to 10 more “smart points”.

Having the full context of the book already in my head, lets me make all new connections with the material. That’s why it’s important to reread the books you love. The content is the same, but you aren’t. You’re reading it with new eyes each time.

Question of The Day

What’s your favorite book?

Go read it again.

Your Friend,

Noah “BigNerd” Sochaczevski