John Miedema

Here is an overview of the chapters in Slow Reading:

1. The Personal Nature of Slow Reading. This chapter traces the practice of slow reading from its origins in the symbolic eating of books by prophets, to the scholarly technique of close reading, and the freer forms of slow reading used by modern educators with students of all ages. Personal control over the rate and content of reading is essential to the enjoyment of reading, which in turn creates lifelong readers.

2. Slow Reading in an Information Ecology. Read it online!

3. The Slow Movement and Slow Reading. The Slow Movement began with Slow Food as a protest against fast food. The movement emphasis two related themes, slowness in time and locality. Local foods are important for diverse and sustainable agriculture. Similarly, local reading is an important part of the information landscape, one in which libraries can play an important role.

4. The Psychology of Slow Reading. This chapter is of great personal interest. It examines empirical research on the psychology of slow reading, but it goes deeper, discussing reading as an altered state of consciousness, an experience common to avid readers. It also considers the role of slowness in the evolution of the brain.

5. The Practice of Slow Reading. I was reluctant to write this chapter. Slow reading is a personal and voluntary event, difficult to define in any narrow sense. Nevertheless, there are some general patterns that merit recognition, such as taking the time to select the right title, and reading in a suitable setting.

Learn more about the book, Slow Reading.