I cannot be called a reading person, frequent reader, compared to those big guys who read hundreds of books each year. While since I came to America and lived a life without much entertainment, reading books did become one of my major hobbits. I couldn't say that it have benefited me a lot, maybe because I didn't achieve a certain degree that could lead to magnificent effect in my life. Then it seems necessary to comb my current reading habits and plan for a more systematically schedule for this very hobbit which should have had assure a capable and smart version me. (Noticeable moly more articulate, writing better)
Most of the great books, which enlightened me a lot or taught me applicable skills are recommended by strangers in the Internet. Book lists in Douban Reading never failed you to find some edible books. After finishing a book, except the comments on it, I would always check the lists containing this book. In this way, the odds of finding one or even more similar books increases remarkablely. Weibo is another place full of sources. Jiang Fangzhou, for example, is a young female writer who always updates what she is reading and loving. I stealed a lot brilliant but maybe not so hot books and writers from her Weibo, like A Visit From the Goon Squad or Dear Life. One article on Zhihu talked about how to hunt books. One answered that looking for another great book based on what you have read is the best way. I agree with this.
When you have a great book available now, you downloaded it and storage it in your online drive. How long would it be before you open it again? For me, it's quite random. I am not saying it is a proud thing. Reading requires timing, cozy environment and what is most important, appropriate mood. Some books are so serious or academic that I am not able to read it at my break. As a result, the more accessible, the fast I could get done with it. Currently, I read most often at my work time. When I am tired of surfing the Internet, I might be in the mood of enjoying a serious book rather than nonsense within 140 words. I am trying to rule myself a strict book list for one month. As far as now, it seems a single list is far from enough. Considering reading is such an activity between study and taking a rest, I should have a serious attitude to guide relaxed actions.
There are approximately 50 books lying in my online drive. The latest one I have just finished is Zen and the Art of Motocycle Maintenance, a book about personal intelligence growth. The reason why it is always easy for me to read up this kind of books is that it satisfies my soul, even temparoly. I could get the impression of being in blessed, in love, in power. Nothing can stop me from growing except for myself. Some of them are effective pills, replacing negative thoughts with sound one. While some of them are just achehol for the minds: Once you leave them, happiness would leave as well. And belive me, it is frustrating experience. To increase the effectiveness, first all all, laziness is not allowed. Never choose the way with the least resistance. For example, I tend to copy those impressive words directly and save them and never look back for them again. Obviously, not enough thinking is involved. Copying is convenient, but it doesn't equal effectiveness. Digesting the content and transform it into your own language takes much more effort which also pay back much more. Not only for books about mental healthy, for all the words touch the heart, don't let them go just the same way they come. Thinking and applying them, letting them become me is the fatest way to read.
In fact, I am not always a lazy reader. I have improved a lot after I read the book How to Read a Book. In this book, reading is divided into four levels. From the rough reading to the level of deeply understanding, there are specific requirements for each level. Asking your self questions would be number one tactic which go through the whole reading process. What is the theme? What does the author insist? How he or she develop the argument? With answering these questions consciously, the unconscious moment during reading could be avoided.
Armed with effective reading method or format, good materials lead to good thoughts. The books about time management encouraged me to keep log of my time, my study and my life. It does not only help when you review it, it also makes you more concious when you are spending time. The fictions capturing all the details in life in delicate language reveal the truth about human beings, I found the shadow of myself, my friends. I found the answers to life and forgot them again when I was in a hurry on my way.
We are living in a quite fortunate era where free sources are all around us. All we need to do is selecting, experiencing and selecting. At some points, I would say to myself, truth is always the simplest one, is it really necessary to experience them in words again and again? Yes, truth is simple, but they have multiple faces. A habit of reading is a habit of making friends with truth. This is an endless road towards the richness.
