HOW TO READ

Some questions to consider as you read:

First, focus on four issues:

1. Who is the author?
    What is his background/education/experience, and what influence may this have on his interpretation of the material or stated conclusions? Do you know his background?  Does he consider it relevant?  Is he open about his biases? Why or why not?
2. What are the book's arguments?
    Be able to summarize the main arguments succinctly.
3. What is the evidence that supports these arguments?
    How did the author gather the evidence?
4. What are the book's conclusions?
    How do they fit in with the rest of the work?

Then, consider your own stance in relation to the work

What are the strengths/weaknesses of these arguments, evidence, and conclusions?
What do you think about the arguments, evidence, and conclusions?
How does (or how could) the author respond to these weaknesses, and to your own criticisms?
How does the author's writing style shape your perception of the argument?

Two good ways to think about this are:

a) Imagine that are reviewing the book
b) Imagine that you're having a conversation, or a formal debate, with the author.

For more information, please see Prof. Paul Edwards' Guide to Reading