I’ve always been what might be referred to as a “voracious” reader. I do often consume my books, in a way. The majority of books that I read are fiction, and if I’m drawn in by the story strongly enough, I can lose myself. I’ll read while eating breakfast; I’ll prop the book open on the sink top while I blow-dry my hair. I’ll take the book everywhere, just in case I can find a few minutes to escape back into the book.
I’ve noticed that my oldest child has become a similar type of reader. He blows through his books, often so fast that I find it hard to believe he read the entire thing. I see him turn the pages rapidly, and soon enough the library stack he checked out needs to be replaced.
The other day, my husband and I were reading something at the same time, and when I finished and looked away, he asked in disbelief, “Did you really finish that quickly?” I did, but I didn’t think I read it faster than normal. Perhaps the apple did not fall so far from the mother tree. We’re both happily blowing through the books that really interest us, ready to move on to the next one as soon as possible.
But, then I began to think about how little I sometimes remember from books I’ve read. I’m fairly certain that as I read, I skip over some details, and I’ve found that to contribute to some confusion later down the road. I tend to ignore physical descriptions of characters sometimes, or maybe I read it so quickly that it doesn’t really register in my head strongly enough to remember. If those details hold important information later in the story, I’m in trouble and have to look back to find what I passed over so quickly.
If I re-read a book, I’m often surprised by details that I don’t remember from the first reading. Especially if a book is incredibly plot-driven, I’m anxious to move at a fast pace to find out what is coming next, and those little details, which might include foreshadowing or valuable symbolism, can be left behind.
With the March 23 release date of The Hunger Games movie rapidly approaching (YAY!), I pulled out my copy of Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games for a re-read recently, like so, so many people I know. But this time around, which officially made for my third reading, I forced myself to read slowly and thoughtfully.
If a passage struck me as particularly provoking or connected to something to come later in the stories, I stopped and went back for a second reading. I stopped after one or two chapters with each sitting, and then I spent a few minutes actively thinking about what I had just read. I paid close attention to the details– the food that was eaten, the clothing that was worn, the description of the expressions on the characters’ faces. Sure, part of my motivation is to see if the filmmakers screw up this adaptation, but I also wanted to get as rich a picture as possible in my head from this reading experience. The first time I read it, I was so blown away by the concept that I know I missed many details, and the second reading was crammed in just before Catching Fire was released. Again, the action kept me going at a fast pace. The third time was the charm for me, and I feel I have as good a grasp on this story as one can have.
Now, let’s see if I can remember the mantra to slow down the next time I encounter a novel that pulls me in quickly. Forcing myself to read more slowly may be more difficult on a first reading, but I’ll be sure to try.
Dawn is shamelessly excited to be heading to an opening night showing of The Hunger Games, and she’s even convinced her husband to come along, too. She’s not sure if he’ll choose to sit in the same row as her, though. She’ll be happily sharing her opinion of the movie– and you know she’s going to have a strong one– on her blog, my thoughts exactly.
Dawn says
I so relate to that- and well, I actually have to re-read AS I read often because I catch myself doing those things. And then same thing, I realize I missed something. I can’t wait for the movie ! We will be there, my girl two of her friends and parents…so excited.
Dawn says
Yup, I can relate to that, too, Dawn. Sometimes I don’t realize just how important the passage is that I’m reading until later. Thank goodness for re-reads! 🙂
Jessica says
I find that I have 2 distinct reading paces, voracious “fast mode” and then more careful “attentive mode”. Fast mode was great for required reading in college, and for when I’m reading fluffier fiction, but when I’m reading books for review I sometimes have to consciously switch myself to attentive mode.
Dawn says
Yes, I understand that, Jessica. I’ll try to take notes in the margins or at the very least fold down corners on pages that I want to revisit when I write a review. But when I’m reading just for pleasure, I’ll often skip that and just go into “fast mode.”
Bob Lucore says
Slow is good. There are many books where the cadence of the author’s language is just as important as the story itself, for me. I often prefer to hear each word in my head.
Slow and mindful is something we are losing elsewhere in life too. Our entire society is suffering from a deficit of attention and a surfeit of “information.” Slowing down, even if only occasionally, is one way to recall that it need not always be this way.
Dawn says
You always provide good reminders of this, Bob. Thank you!
stacey says
If I am really enjoying a book I always read it again as soon as I finish it the first time. I know that in my enjoyment of the story & driven by my desire to find out what happens next, that I am overlooking details & missing nuances. Once I know what will happen, how it will end, I can go back and savor the story most slowly. Sometimes I try to head that off & read the ending about a quarter of the way into the book. Knowing how a story ends never ruins the story for me, quite the opposite. Knowing is what makes it possible for me to truly enjoy all facets of the story
Dawn says
Stacey, you’ve concisely said exactly what I meant with this post! It is in that excitement that I just plow forward trying to find out what happens next, and those little details often get left by the wayside. When I finished Mockingjay (the third Hunger Games book), I passed it to my husband, but started reading it again immediately whenever he didn’t have it in hand. 🙂
Jennifer says
I just finished HG, and this post did make me think. I am a fairly fast reader, and I do definitely miss things when I’m rushing to get through the plot (or to meet a deadline). It is nice to take time to notice more.
Dawn says
Ready for the movie, Jennifer?? Should we do a dual BOS post?? 🙂
Julie says
I think I am a pretty fast reader too. Sometimes if I have a lot on my mind I will read and then have to re-read a passage because I didn’t quite catch what I read the first time. And I know I forget a lot of stuff too.
Dawn says
I’m so happy to hear that I’m not alone, Julie!
MotherReader says
Also did a reread and also forced myself to slow down – at least a bit. I tend to blast through books too, and remember little afterward. It is a plus/minus sort of thing though because I so enjoy the rereading having forgotten so much the first time through.
Can’t wait for the movie either. I think we’re making it a teen scouts event, you know, plus me.
Dawn says
I’ve already ordered my tickets, and I’m trying to get a group of pals to go see the movie. 🙂 No teen scouts with us, though!
Barb says
I *so* identified with this post, Dawn. I read this line “Especially if a book is incredibly plot-driven, I’m anxious to move at a fast pace to find out what is coming next” and thought, yes, yes, YES! The more the plot carries me along, the faster I read.
Although I do love my Kindle, my only complaint is that I find it a lot harder to flip back and re-read a paragraph or a section. The price I pay for convenience…
Dawn says
I’ve wondered about that feature with the Kindle, and though I’ve never used one, I anticipate that would be hard for me, as I do like to flip back frequently.
I’m just so happy to hear that other folks can identify with me on this! Thanks for commenting, Barb!