How to read books & my understanding of reading.

Don'ts:
1. Do not read from back wards.
2. Do not read from middle of the book. The author's intended train of thought will be definitely missed by reading this way.
3. Do not read with a closed perspective. Of course, reading more and more books will change this attitude.
4. Do not read, if you feel like stopping.
5. Don't discuss your reading with some one who is not interested. This will make you a comedian in front of others.

Do's:
1. I read from end to end, including acknowledgements, index, bibliography etc.,
2. I will give a short pause, when the author really stirs my brain either by positive or negative way.
3. Please read the foreword also. Many times forewords will give you more thought provoking ideas rather than the book.
4. You may start writing notes from the books you read. But I know it would be difficult. Start taking mental notes of what you are reading. With practice you can track down every concept to a particular book you read.
5. Critically examine author's point of view - This would help in identifying bad books.
6. Unless you read a lot, it is very difficult to find a bad one.
7. Keep a record of books that you read. Make your profile in www.shelfari.com. Visit profile "kums20" in shelfari.com
8. When you are reading biographies of extra-ordinary people, feel proud to understand the personality. Not everyone gets this chance.
9. I generally don't read any review of the book.
10. I generally prefer to read one book at one time. Curb the curious inclination to read, if you come across another mind-blowing book.
11. Try to reward you when you actually finish the book, especially for non-fiction books.
12. Get books from any source: Library, borrowed (but please return in good condition), platform, second hand, photocopy, scrap vendor, lying on the road etc.,