How to Read a Book-5

OK guys, this is my last post on this book for awhile. Promise.

Adler's fifth chapter of How to Read a Book
is about being a demanding reader. I liked it the best because he discusses how to train analytical readers—which will in turn make them better writers. His four questions for readers to ask themselves as they read are:

1. What is this book about as a whole?
   
2. What is being said in detail, and how?
   
3. Is the book true, in whole or part?
   
4. What of it?
   

I love the last question the best. Basically the reader is asking the author, "So what?"

These thought-provoking questions can be raised when reading newspaper articles, advertisements, an historical novel, or a children's book.

Since I believe that reading is writing's kissing cousin, I would add more questions to the list:

1. How did the author communicate his points to the reader?
   
2. Was he effective?
   
3. Why or why not?
   

Now, back to reading the book…