Critical [[Reading]], in comparison to the most common type of reading, involves deeper thought on the ideas being presented. Critical reading is not always required; part of the work of a [[Personal Knowledge Management|PKM]] system involves doing a lighter reading of books that do not merit further analysis. It can also be called syntopical or comparative reading. [^howtoreadabook] In particular, it involves: ## Understanding what the author is saying - What is the general message of the book? Can you summarize it in one sentence? - What are their main arguments to support their message? - What techniques does the author employ to express their arguments, and were they effective? ## Formulating an opinion about the work - Is the work internally consistent, or are there flaws in logic? - Look for weaknesses in the author's arguments or technique. - Do a literature review. What have other people said on the topic? Would they agree, disagree, or suspend judgment on the author's main message? - Do you agree, disagree, or suspend judgment on the author's main message? - What do other authors add to the conversation that the original work could have benefited from? ## Thinking about implications or areas of further research - Were there any ideas in the original work or in the literature review that deserve further research? - Given your opinions on the subject, what are the implications of the author's message on the industry, the people within it, and the wider world? - Did you have any questions that nobody in the literature review answered? ## Incorporating ideas into your areas of interest ## References - [[Shortform-How to Read a Book]] [^howtoreadabook]: Adler, M. J. & van Doren, C. (1972). _How to read a book_. Touchstone.