Read to Succeed by Stan Skrabut

Stan Skrabut, an instructor and tech expert, offers cogent suggestions for developing reading techniques to enhance professional success in Read to Succeed.

Skrabut’s manual covers a wide breadth of topics related to reading, with an emphasis on self-improvement. Reading improves memory, enlarges vocabulary, increases knowledge, and is inexpensive or even free. Many of the founding fathers, US presidents, military leaders, and business leaders have been dedicated readers. Establishing reading’s relationship to success, Skrabut lays out a foundation for effective learning. For example, libraries can help organize reading interests, and one should choose books geared to their profession. Kindle and other online systems are useful tools, but organizing a library of hardcopy books is also recommended.

An avid reader since childhood, Skrabut has carefully constructed a step-by-step manual for any individual reading program, which is especially important in this age of so many distractions from other media. He has arranged his book cogently to guide the reader into the world of books and knowledge and above all to encourage a more analytic approach to books, including note taking and reading groups to promote discussion. He provides useful techniques for study such as SQR3 – Survey, Question, Read, Recite, and Review – and recommends blogging about one’s latest book choices, as reading can improve writing. All in all, the book is informative and inspiring.

A practical, well-organized handbook, Read to Succeed will encourage readers at any level to hone their skills.