Product Description

The newly revised and updated edition of the classic book on improving reading speed and comprehension. Buzan offers a flexible approach to reading, combining traditional information on speed reading with the latest discoveries about the potential and workings of the brain.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #264777 in Books
• Published on: 1991-01-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 192 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780452266049
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Customer Reviews

dissapointing and uninformative
To begin, I think that it's important to note that Tony Buzan does not specialize in teaching Speed Reading. From what I can tell, he specializes in a technique he's coined called "Mind Mapping" which can be found in his other books: "Use Both Sides of Your Brain" and "Make the Most of Your Mind." I think that these two books are a far better use of Buzan's knowledge, as they represent areas in which he focuses the majority of his time to.

Basically, I think that this book is a decent introduction to speed reading, nothing special. You can aquire the same basic knowledge from any other speed reading books that are out there. Though the book seems to boast some sort of revolutionary approach to speed reading...don't be fooled, there is nothing revolutionary about this book. The most valuable thing about this book is that it points out the major problems that most readers have--and these problems are easily overcome, and you can improve your speed by fixing these problems:

1) Subvocalizing: mouthing words outloud or silently while you read
2) Regressing: constantly going back and re-reading material
3) Lack of concentration & interest
4) Unorganized Approach to reading: not having a set of concrete questions about the text before diving into it.

Of course, these are in no way innovative ideas in the field of speed reading.

It is very dissapointing that most of the book is dedicated to things other than speed reading, like how to take notes (Mind Mapping), vocabulary, and random passages about history/music/art..ect. Buzan 'beats around the bush' throughout the book, never really giving distinct instruction on how to reach these insane speeds he speaks of in the riviting introduction. This is not Buzan at his best..and there is certainly no "general education" being given here (not that you want one from Buzan anyway), despite claims to the contrary!

Excellent book if you want to improve your reading speed
I am just about half way through the book and have already double my reading speed without much difficulty while increasing my comprehension. I was a 248 words a minute reader with 66% comprehension. Now half way through and am reading 550 words a minute with 85% comprehension. The book guides you through with plenty of exercises and checks throughout with a chart to map your progress. But a word of warning: Don't just think that you can start reading 2000 words a minute just by reading this book. You do have to practice and actively push yourself to break your own barriers. If you are serious about improving yourself and willing to put in some work and practice then buy this book. There are so many crappy books out there purporting to increase your reading speed, usually only doubling your current speed (normal readers read at about 200 to 300 wpm) but Buzan promises to take you up to 2000 wpm!! But remember, you still have to work at it.

Exercises for Dramatically Reducing Comprehension Level
The book is systematic, clear, quite concise, full of motivating examples, and full of practice exercises. It is an effective training technique.

However, most of the info about reading potential is wrong, and it systematically trains you to miss important material. As far as has been measured by professional reading experts, speed reading experts are unable to read at over 700words per minute at any more than 50% comprehension. Buzan claims that you can. To prove it, he sets up some nice and clear exercises and comprehension tests.

The reading tests are concocted by him. They have all the main info to be tested in prominent places, written in a concrete way so they are easier to comprehend, and they repeat info that is written all over the book including the back cover. The tests themselves are so easy you could get over 50% correct even without reading the material. Some are common knowledge, and others can be worked out by looking at the other questions. He breaks every rule of comprehension testing in an effort to make his methods and seminars look like magic. Please do not be fooled!

If you do not like reading and you want to train yourself to misjudge comprehension, this book is for you. If you want to get a book for improving study reading, just get a good book on study techniques (sq3r etc)). If you like reading, just get one of those nice helpful books on how to understand and appreciate novels.

Cheers
D.Rayt