Labor Day has come and gone. Some students are just starting classes, while others began mid-August. Either way, the start of September means that the Fall semester is here, and it’s time to get serious with school.
Hopefully, you’re not behind yet. If so and you’re short on time, having done my fair share of school, let me teach you how to “gut a book.” Like cleaning a fish where you don’t consume all the parts, knowing how to “gut a book” allows you to focus on the essential information.
- Know the Book’s Theme – Books give 3-4 areas where they tell you its synopsis. Tests, book reports, or reviews emphasize these themes. Knowing where to find them will save you time. Plus, understanding a book’s big idea also creates interest in the rest of the book. So here are some places to read to find the theme quickly:
- Summaries on the Back Cover or Inside Flap
- Read the Preface and the Introduction, Skip the Acknowledgments.
- Scan the Table of Contents
- Skip Sections – Here’s the part you’re eager to learn. Read the first and last paragraph of each section. Then scan a section’s middle paragraphs. Anything that stands out, read that portion in detail. Some areas will be small. Other parts are pages long, and that’s where you’ll save time.
- Dive Into the Parts You Love – If a section has your attention, read it. That’s a good sign because it’s probably crucial. Just know that not all essential parts of the book are interesting.
- Statistics are Tricky – Unless you’re a statistics or similar major, numeric data can be overwhelming, confusing, and boring. In some cases, you can skip these sections. For example, if there’s a whole chapter on statistical methodology, forget it. Instead, look for the summary or specific data supporting thematic points. However, do not skip these sections if you’re in a class or doing an assignment on research methodology or quantitative statistics.
Not everyone will agree with this approach, but this advice that was given to me, and it’s worked.
In the end, you will get better with time, so don’t give up, and keep reading as much as possible. Remember, gutting a book is only when you’re short on time. It’s not meant for each assignment. Plus, when you enter your career field, you’ll know things you forgot you learned, making you a more competent professional. The more we read the easier coursework and work competencies will increase. For now, while you’re in school, “gut a book” when you need. Let me know how it works for you!
