Do You Forget Books? Try This When You Read | EP 88
whatshot 11 snips
Feb 10, 2025
Many struggle to retain knowledge from books after reading. The discussion delves into the four levels of reading comprehension, revealing techniques to engage more effectively with texts. Using mountain climbing as a metaphor, the speaker highlights the mental effort needed for understanding complex literature. Active learning through note-taking is emphasized, transforming books into personal growth tools. Ultimately, reflection and personal application are essential for deeper insights and lasting impact from what we read.
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Mountain Climbing Analogy
Eddie Hood tells a story about climbing a mountain as a 12-year-old with only a PB&J and water.
This harrowing experience mirrors the levels of understanding a book.
insights INSIGHT
Base Camp Reading
The first level of understanding, "base camp," involves basic engagement with the text.
Like looking at a mountain's base, you envision its potential but don't apply the information.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Choose Your Climb
Level two involves deciding if a book is worth the effort.
Choose books wisely, as some aren't worth your time, while others demand focused energy.
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Published in 1852, 'Uncle Tom’s Cabin' is a seminal work by Harriet Beecher Stowe that depicts the harsh realities of slavery in the United States. The novel follows the story of Uncle Tom, a dignified and religious enslaved man, and Eliza, a fugitive slave, among other characters. It highlights the cruelty and injustices of the slave system and the emotional toll on enslaved individuals and their families. The book was a massive success, selling over 300,000 copies in its first year and becoming the second-best-selling book of the 19th century after the Bible. It played a significant role in fueling the abolitionist cause and is credited with influencing public opinion on slavery[2][3][5].
On Writing
A Memoir of the Craft
Stephen King
This book is both a memoir and a writing guide. It details Stephen King's life, from his childhood and early writing endeavors to his struggles with addiction and his near-fatal accident in 1999. The book is divided into sections that cover King's life ('C.V.'), the nature of writing ('What Writing Is'), writing mechanics ('Toolbox'), his advice on the craft ('On Writing'), and his recovery from the accident ('On Living: A Postscript'). King offers practical tips on writing, including the importance of vocabulary, grammar, and style, as well as the need for consistent writing routines and ruthless editing. He emphasizes that good writing comes from within, driven by curiosity, wonder, and emotional honesty rather than commercial motives.
How to Live
27 conflicting answers and one weird conclusion
Derek Sivers
In 'How to Live', Derek Sivers presents a collection of 27 independent chapters, each offering a different philosophy on how to live. These chapters often contradict each other, arguing for various approaches such as being completely independent, committing to one career or person, being fully present, or delaying gratification. The book is designed for reflection as much as instruction, providing actionable directives without quoting philosophers or naming specific ideologies. It invites readers to consider multiple perspectives and find their own way, emphasizing that there is no one right way to live life.
If you feel like you forget books as soon as you finish them, you're not alone. Most people never move beyond basic comprehension when they read. In this episode, I break down the four levels of reading, how to work through a book more effectively, and why deeper comprehension matters.
The Read Well Podcast 
