Non-fiction can be really challenging to read. At least it is for me. It’s hard to find books that will be engaging. It’s hard to find the time to read them. Often, I find myself skimming through the pages and later realize I didn’t absorb any of it. To be honest, I often don’t read a non-fiction right to the end.
So why bother?
- I do love it. A great non-fiction read can be so inspiring.
- It can be a way of learning. In some of my studying about migraine, I’ve discovered the necessity of doing everything I can to keep the brain healthy. Lifelong learning is one of the ways to do that. Discovering new things and exercising the brain every day matters.
- A wealth of quotable material for my journals, notebooks, typing and lettering practice, and general mindful consideration.
But, given the challenges, I have a few ways to help myself do a reasonable amount of non-fiction reading and gain something from it.
HOW I READ NON-FICTION
- I usually read non-fiction while I’m eating lunch. Having it as part of a routine is helpful, and at least I get through a few pages most days.
- I have several non-fictions on the go at any given time. That way there’s always something I’m in the mood for. Currently:
- The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron (also mentioned in this post).
- The Practice by Seth Godin.
- Daily Rituals by Mason Currey.
- I buy most non-fiction books, rather than borrowing them. First because it takes me such a long time to get through them, and also because …
- I keep a pencil or highlighter close at hand. I’m not precious about underlining, starring, highlighting, writing notes in the margin.
There’s a way of reading that is like writing. You feel in collaboration… You have a pen in your hand, you’re going along in a way that’s, like, half creating it as you go. And you’re also strip-mining it for anything you can use… you’re sifting for what could be gold.
Patricia Lockwood (poet and author)
Do you read any non-fiction? What are your thoughts?
STATIONERY IN THE PHOTO
- bookmark (handmade)
- pencil, old from Target’s Dollar Spot, back when they existed in Canada #notbitter
- grey Mildliner
P.S. I’ve got nothing else today except, how is it almost May?!
