A Guide to Reading Nonfiction with Purpose
Many of us interested in tech, productivity, and living a good life read a lot of nonfiction books. In the past month, while slowly reading one book of fiction, I’ve read four nonfiction books about productivity, spiritual growth, healthy eating, and retirement.
Recently, I ran across the book, The Curious Reader’s Field Guide to Non-Fiction, by Anne Janzer. She is a popular writer and has written several excellent books about the craft of writing, including The Writer’s Process: Getting Your Brain in Gear and The Writer’s Voice: Techniques for Tuning Your Tone and Style. I’ve followed her blog for a couple of years. She’s helped me become a better writer.
The Field Guide is designed to make you a more aware reader of nonfiction. It helps you identify the typical elements of nonfiction and what features you like and don’t like to better decide what to read.
It’s a book about actively engaging with nonfiction, not just consuming it. Critical engagement enhances reading by helping us retain key insights, filter out weak arguments, and avoid time-wasting books.
Why Nonfiction Captivates Us
Why do we introverted nerds read a lot of nonfiction?
One reason is that we understand that there is a gap between what we know and what we don’t know. I know just enough about a topic to know that I need to learn more about it. As Anne Janzer writes, Once we perceive the gap, we feel the need to fill it, like an itch we must scratch.” The Curious Readers Field Guide to Nonfiction.
Another reason we read is for the pure joy of discovery and learning. I’ve always been a learner. I enjoy learning new things. When I was a teenager, I’d ride my bike to the public library and spend hours perusing the stacks, learning about all kinds of new things.
We read nonfiction primarily because it’s the main meal for lifelong learners. As Janzen says, “Reading nonfiction, we connect with great thinkers of our age and the past. We encounter the wisdom of other cultures and the wonders of the world.”
What Makes Nonfiction Work? Some Key Elements to Watch For
Throughout the book, Janzen identifies and explains most of the elements found in non-fiction books. Her goal is to make readers consciously aware of and evaluate these as they read.
A sampling of elements are:
• Introductions. They are designed primarily to inform readers about what’s to come and how to approach the book. As Janzen says, “They set our expectations for the reading experience and help us identify whether we’ve picked up the wrong book.”
• Vignettes. These are “small, richly described scenes that put us in a specific context.” They help us to understand the abstract point the author is making. I tend to prefer reading shorter vignettes as opposed to longer stories.
• Stories. Writers often use stories to gain readers’ interest and make an abstract point. Stories are easily followed and attract our attention. They can help us grasp a point without the mental labor and dryness of abstract concepts and can also include an emotional understanding. A well-crafted story can both give me insight and enjoyable reading.
Janzen says stories must serve a purpose. “Otherwise, they’re merely ramblings.” Some authors develop a style that leans heavily on the use of stories. Personally, I tend to avoid these kinds of books. One on-point story is fine, but a chapter made up of multiple stories making the same point becomes tedious. I got the point the first time and am ready to move on. Sometimes, I sense that stories can become ‘fillers’ in a book.
• Imagery. This refers to language that appeals to the senses. Use of imagery can make writing come alive. Instead of a procession of abstract points, I can gain a more visceral understanding when a writer uses imagery.
Becoming a More Thoughtful and Selective Reader
Reading this book was enjoyable and educational. Janzen’s writing style is engaging and interesting. She includes practical exercises to help readers become competent in reading nonfiction.
Unlike Mortimer Adler’s classic How to Read a Book, it is not ponderous and dry. It’s written in a way that makes it enjoyable to learn how to be an informed reader of nonfiction. Janzen uses exercises to engage readers actively.
How to Avoid Wasting Time on the Wrong Nonfiction Books
One of my favorite pieces of advice she writes is, “Go ahead and abandon any books you don’t enjoy.” But she suggests identifying what you didn’t like to avoid the same type of writing in other books. We have limited time and energy and don’t want to spend time struggling through books that don’t resonate with us.
Here’s a few tips on how to make smarter choices upfront when considering reading a nonfiction book:
• Define your purpose – Are you reading to solve a problem, gain a new perspective, or simply out of curiosity? Clarifying your goal helps you pick books that align with your needs.
• Read the table of contents – A well-structured table of contents gives you a roadmap of the book’s arguments and focus areas. It might not be the right fit if the chapter topics don’t resonate.
• Read the introduction & conclusion first – – Authors often summarize their key points in these sections. Skimming them can help you decide if the book’s content and tone match your expectations.
• Consider the writing style – Some books are dense and academic, while others are conversational and engaging. Skim a few pages to see if the style suits you.
Why This Book Deserves a Spot on Your Shelf
If you read a lot of nonfiction, The Curious Reader’s Field Guide is a valuable companion. It provides practical insights into how nonfiction books are structured, helping you become a more intentional and discerning reader. By learning to recognize the key elements of nonfiction, you can better evaluate what works for you and what doesn’t.
Janzer’s writing is engaging, and unlike Mortimer Adler’s classic How to Read a Book, it’s accessible and enjoyable. She also includes practical exercises to sharpen your reading skills, making the process both educational and interactive.
The Field Guide will help you:
• Read nonfiction books more critically.
• Identify the elements of nonfiction as you encounter them.
• Understand what you enjoy (or don’t) so you can choose better books.
If you want to get more out of your nonfiction reading, I highly recommend picking up this book. It will change the way you approach learning from the written word.
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