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How to Read a Book in 10 Minutes

Page history last edited by jessica moyer 15 years, 9 months ago

One of the easiest ways to get to know your collections is to use "Read A Book in 10 Minutes."  Here are the basic steps and guidelines. 

 

Steps

 

1. Cover:  What does it tell you?  Is it embarrassing or dated?
2. Jacket blurb: What does it tell you about the book/author?
3. Typeface:  How easy is it to read? Better for younger or older readers?
4. Heft - Can they carry it?  Open and read it easily?
5. Read a sample: First and last chapters, pages in the middle
6. Evaluate--genre/type; pace; clarity.  How does it fit into the appeal factors?
7. What is the format? Hardcover, paperback, illustrated, etc.
8. Connect this book to other books.
9. Who will enjoy this book?

 

Activity

 

1.  Pick out a book that you have not read before, and preferably by an author you don’t know
2.  Follow the steps above.  You have only 10 minutes so use your time wisely.
3.  Make notes as you evaluate your book
4.  Prepare to share your book with your classmates in a 30 to 60 second summary. 
--What is the book about? 
--What other books are like it? 
--What kind of reader would enjoy it?
 

Appeal Factors and Questions

 

Pacing

 

How quickly are character/plot revealed?

Dialogue v. Description

Short sentences, short paragraphs, short chapters?

Multiple plotlines, flashbacks, different points of view, straight line plot?

Is the ending open or closed?

 

Frame

 

Is the background detailed or minimal?
How does the book make the reader feel?
What mood does the book evoke in the reader?
Is a special background integral to the story?
 

Storyline

 

*Does the story emphasize people or events?

*Is the focus interior/psychological or exterior/action?

*What is the author’s intent? Serious v. light; comedy v. drama?

 

Characterization

 

 

*

Are characters fully developed or are they one dimensional stereotypes?

*Is focus on a single character or several who intertwine?

*Is characterization or characters the most important aspect of story?

*Is character developed during the series or in one book?

*Are there memorable or important secondary characters?

 

 

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