Read, as you like it

Many people believe fast reading isn’t the best way to read, while slow reading is the habit that a reader should acquire. On the contrary, there are many others who believe otherwise (though I do not know how it matters whether you are a slow or a fast reader).

My friends often criticise me for reading too fast. They believe one cannot grasp enough of the plot if he/she reads fast.

“Try to read slowly,” they prescribe.

“You just skim through the book.” 

“Do you even remember what you have read?”

Reading fast, according to these well-wishers, implies that you read just as a frivolous pastime. You don’t actually pay attention to what is written. While slow reading can help you savour the plot, grasp the content, be captivated with the characters, provide time for imagining the scenery, wondering about the characters you come across. And the list goes on.

However, the question remains – do they really have a point? And, is their viewpoint relevant in all situations and for everybody?

Can’t it be that fast readers understand better, remember more?

I have met a few who support speed-reading. They are keen on proving that slow reading is not a good idea as it proves less fruitful than speed reading. 

“Slow readers often aren’t able to retain information for a long period of time. On the other hand, a fast reader is able to do so,” one of my fast-reader friends said fiercely when others were bent on proving us wrong. 

I have often read that few slow readers experience tension, since they read for a short time and they fear exceeding the time limit. Conversely, a fast reader can remain relaxed while reading. Often slow readers lack concentration while those who read fast are in a position to concentrate well by being able to avoid distractions.

However, I fail to understand why it is necessary to hold a debate on such a trivial topic. Read at your own pace and enjoy reading a book the way you like it.

How does it matter whether a person is a slow reader or a fast reader as long as he/she is an avid reader?

I would just like to pitch for reading. One must find time to read, anywhere, anytime, anyhow. Because, as they say, “the world belongs to those who read.”

(Published in The Gulf Today on December 24, 2016)