Balancing Speed and Enjoyment: Perfecting Your Reading Pace

Reading quickly is wonderful, but what if you want to make those precious pages last longer? This article will explore how to adjust your reading pace to ensure you savor every word. Whether you're a fast reader devouring books in mere days or prefer a more measured approach, this guide has tips for everyone.

Why Reading Speed Matters

Finishing a book in 3 days is not too fast. It seems you are already pacing yourself. Why do you want it to last 5–9 days though? After 3 days, you might want to start a new book or dive into a series. There’s so much to read, and time is precious.

I was recently given the Outlander series, and with 9 thick books ranging from 800 to 900 pages, it’s clear why you might want more time. Once you start, you can finish it in a day or two, especially if the characters are not overly numerous.

Reading Retention and Non-Fiction

Reading mostly fiction is fantastic, but for non-fiction, considering a second reading can significantly improve retention. You’d be surprised by how much information you can absorb the second time around.

The Greatness of Fast Reading

Of course, fast reading is not a bad habit. Because reading is about joy, and if you enjoy it, why not read faster? I, for one, used to read entire 400–600 page books in a single bath—albeit with many hot water refills.

Fast reading is just one aspect of enjoying a book. Simply try reading the same book quickly three days and then again slowly and reflectively. A year ago, I re-read 'Heart of Darkness,' captivated by the text, and read it twice in rapid succession.

Enhance Your Experience with Active Reading

Consider taking time to write your impressions of each chapter. This can be as creative as illustrating your thoughts or writing a poem. Even if poetry isn’t your forte, explore the concept of a found poem, and you might find it engaging.

One technique I use is to create a list of chores or necessary routines. Half an hour of unpleasant chores can be worth an hour of reading. Crossing off tasks from your list, followed by a reward, can make you more disciplined. If something is just in your mind, you're not nearly as disciplined.

Augmenting Your Reading Experience

While you may be looking to slow down your reading pace, there are ways to enjoy your books more deeply without going too slow. Try engaging with book reviews, researching topics in the book, and searching for other books that resonate with what you’re reading. If it’s good, it’s worth seeking out similar reads.

Remember, the goal is to find a reading pace that is enjoyable and meaningful to you. Slow, fast, or somewhere in between, the most important thing is that you’re engaging with the material in a way that enhances your understanding and enjoyment.