Review of How to Read a Book by Andrew Naselli
This past April, Andrew Naselli’s new volume, How to Read a Book: Advice for Christian Readers, was released by Canon Press. Over the past few months, six of my kids have read it. Most of them had already read Adler’s book with a similar title.[1] They thought Naselli’s book was an extremely helpful resource and, in many ways, an improvement over Adler’s. One of them wrote a summary of the book, and after reading it, I thought it would be worth sharing below.
How to Read a Book: Advice for Christian Readers by Andy Naselli tackles four primary questions about reading. Though the author uses the same title as Mortimer Adler’s classic, he focuses on biblical advice and reasons for reading.
Chapter 1 introduces the first question: “Why should you read?” In summary, Naselli says we should “read to live” (13), “read to grow” (16), and “read to enjoy” (20). The primary reason to read is because we need God’s Word. “The ability to read matters because God’s words matter” (14). God’s Word is the foundation for the Christian life, so reading is important for all believers.Jesus says in Matthew 4:4, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” God’s Word gives life (Ps 119:50), so reading is important.
The second reason is “read to grow.” Even though we may not remember everything we read, we are always being shaped by it. Reading shapes the way we think and the way we view the world around us. In addition, reading provides examples for us. From biographies to fiction, books provide us with examples of good and wise behavior as well as sinful and foolish behavior. Fiction, especially, can show us the consequences of foolish, self-centered decisions (e.g., Edmund in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe or Boromir in The Lord of the Rings). Reading can also help us become better communicators. Excellent writing style will naturally rub off on us as we read. Thus, we should read to grow and mature as believers.
The third reason is “read to enjoy.” Andy Naselli paraphrases John Piper in saying, “You most glorify God when he most satisfies you” (21). We should read what we like to read and glorify God through our enjoyment.
Chapter 2 lays out the question: “How should you read?” Though obviously everyone reading the book already knows how to read, Naselli argues that reading is a skill that always needs to be developed (23–24). There are so many books in the world and not nearly enough time to read all or even most of them. Thus, it is important to read well. Naselli gives seven guidelines for how to improve your reading:
1. Read carefully.
2. Read at different levels.
3. Read systematically.
4. Read repeatedly.
5. Read without distractions.
6. Read with eyes to see and ears to hear.
7. Read with serious joy (25).
Principle two seems to be the most important as it is interwoven throughout many (if not all) of the others. Naselli identifies three separate types of reading: surveying, macro-reading, and micro-reading. Surveying is quick reading that is designed to catch the overall meaning of a book and evaluate whether it is worth reading thoroughly and at a slower pace. When surveying a book, the reader does not read every word but instead focuses on the main ideas. Naselli argues that all books should be surveyed. Macro-reading is still quick reading, but it takes much longer because it involves reading every word. Micro-reading is the final and deepest type of reading, involving both stopping and studying. It is “rigorously observing, understanding, and evaluating what you read” (57).
One other tip Naselli gives is to write or talk with others about what you are reading. “Talking about what you read helps you clarify what you think about it and helps you communicate easily and promptly. And writing about what you read forces you to clarify more precisely what you think about it” (63).
Naselli’s guidelines for reading skillfully are helpful, but as he says, “You won’t be putting your skills to good use if you’re reading the wrong books” (85). Chapter 3 discusses “What should you read?” As one might expect, the first recommendation is to read God’s Word. Reading the Bible is so much more important than reading any other book. No other book is inspired or infallible, and no other book is sufficient for “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Pet 1:3, also see 1 Tim 3:16–17). Thus, even if you read nothing else, read the Bible.
Naselli’s second recommendation is to “read what helps you be vigilant about your character and doctrine” (91). He notes that even Paul, who wrote inspired Scripture, wanted books (2 Tim 4:13). As we discussed earlier, what we read shapes us, so we should read books that shape us toward Christlikeness and good doctrine.
The third recommendation is to “read what helps you excel at what God has called you to do” (106). God has called all to “sanctification” and “holiness” (1 Thess 4:3, 7). In addition, God has given us roles such as church members, parents, children, and more. We all still need to grow, and we should read what helps us grow in the areas God has sovereignly placed us.
The fourth recommendation is: “Read what helps you better understand reality” (109). Books can help us study God, the world he created, and ourselves. “Reading great books, reading stories about history, and reading fiction can help you better understand reality” (125).
The fifth recommendation is connected to one of Naselli’s “reasons to read” in chapter 1. We should “read what we wholesomely enjoy” (125). One way we can glorify God is through enjoying and thanking him for the gifts he has given us. The sixth recommendation is “read what models outstanding writing” (130). As stated earlier, there are so many books in the world, so we should read good writers as wise stewards of the time God has given us.
Naselli’s seventh and final recommendation is to “read what people you respect and trust recommend” (133). Proverbs is filled with wisdom saying to listen to the advice and instruction of others. Watch and see who around you is following Christ well, and then read what they say to read. Chapter 4 addresses the question: “When should you read?” Naselli says you should read “whenever you (responsibly) can” (139). Reading may not seem urgent, but it is important—much more important than many of the things we spend our time on. Additionally, we should read even when we do not feel like reading. As Naselli says, “We often don’t feel like doing what we should do” (142). He also gives eight tips for setting a habit of reading:
1. Start small.
2. Plan what to read.
3. Listen to audiobooks.
4. Plan where to read.
5. Plan when to read.
6. Read consistently.
7. Read with others (145–55).
Thus, we should read when it does not interfere with our other responsibilities. Though Naselli says we should read regularly and often, he also says that “it is an unhealthy extreme to treat reading as an ultimate good that trumps other good activities such as meditating and talking to God and talking to other humans” (156).
Overall, Naselli’s book is an excellent read for all believers. Its strength is its simplicity and readability. At the end of each chapter, the author summarizes all his main points in a numbered list. He gives practical and easily applicable advice that is based on biblical wisdom. He also emphasizes the importance of reading Scripture and reading for God’s glory, not merely for ourselves.
[1] Adler’s classic work was briefly discussed by Tim Miller eight years ago on this blog and he, at that time, expressed his desire to see a similar book specifically designed for seminary students.
