Author: Abby Marks-Beale

Summary

“10 Days to Faster Reading” is designed to help readers improve their reading speed and comprehension over a span of ten days. The book is structured into daily lessons and exercises that focus on various aspects of reading efficiency. Here are some key points:

1. Assessing Current Reading Speed:

• The book begins by helping readers determine their current reading speed and comprehension level. This involves timed reading exercises and comprehension tests.

2. Identifying Bad Reading Habits:

• Marks-Beale highlights common bad reading habits such as subvocalization (reading aloud in your head), regression (re-reading text), and lack of focus. She provides strategies to overcome these habits.

3. Previewing and Prioritizing:

• One of the core techniques is learning to preview material before diving in. This involves skimming headings, subheadings, and summaries to get an overview. The book also emphasizes the importance of prioritizing what to read based on relevance and necessity.

4. Improving Focus and Concentration:

• Techniques to enhance focus and concentration while reading are discussed. This includes creating a conducive reading environment and setting specific reading goals.

5. Speed Reading Techniques:

• The book introduces various speed reading techniques such as chunking (reading groups of words together), using a pointer or guide to maintain reading pace, and minimizing eye movement.

6. Retention and Comprehension:

• Strategies to improve retention and comprehension are covered, including note-taking, summarizing, and discussing what you’ve read with others.

Review

Pros:

• Practical and Actionable: The book is filled with practical exercises and techniques that readers can immediately apply to their reading habits.
• Structured Approach: The ten-day plan provides a clear and structured approach to improving reading skills.
• Focus on Comprehension: Unlike some speed reading books that focus solely on speed, this book emphasizes the importance of comprehension and retention.

Cons:

• Repetitiveness: Some readers find the content repetitive, especially the emphasis on certain techniques and habits.
• Reliance on Props: The book sometimes relies on props and metaphors, which may not resonate with all readers.
• Not Suitable for All Types of Reading: The techniques are primarily geared towards non-fiction and may not be as effective for fiction or more complex texts.

Overall, “10 Days to Faster Reading” is a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their reading efficiency. It offers a balanced approach that prioritizes both speed and comprehension, making it a useful guide for students, professionals, and avid readers alike¹²³.

Source:
(1) 10 Days To Faster Reading Summary – Four Minute Books. https://fourminutebooks.com/10-days-to-faster-reading-summary/.
(2) 10 Days to Faster Reading – critical summary review – 12minutos App. https://12min.com/10-days-to-faster-reading-summary.
(3) 10 Days to Faster Reading | Summary & Audio – sobrief.com. https://sobrief.com/books/10-days-to-faster-reading.