From Jeremy: I wanted to ask you what you think are some of the biggest challenges facing adult common readers today. His answer is at the end. Some thoughts. Reviews. A lot of books get published and a lot of reviews. But most reviews are about the same books and are too long—and they give away the plot! I would like to see more composite reviews and more impressionistic ones. Notable that Goodreads is successful at this but most “Books” sections are not, noting that they do a very good job of what they set out to do.
Great post, Henry. I would be very interested in attending a follow up to the how to read a novel series, as well as how to read a poem. And reading lists....!
I was thinking of ChatGPT for Point 4. We’re hearing of this use case in schools: kids are chatting to, almost tutoring, ChatGPT about a particular subject or topic and using that to see where their gaps are.
I think a How to Read a Poem series would be excellent. Have you explored recording some pre-recorded classes via e.g. Idler Academy or Teachable so that those who can’t make your lives classes can still partake?
Fellow Common Readers: This new site <Shepherd.com> is in Beta yet functional. I really like the concept: Authors recommend five books around a theme. The site allows you to search by topic or favorite book, or author. The site seeks to use technology to facilitate a human touch.
Henry, the exponential increase in current events of importance, and the need to keep up with the present as well as to be able to put it into historical context. It is not just the news but the backstories written by those in a position to know, as well as where similar events are found in the past.
What are the biggest challenges facing adult common readers today?
I am delighted that my question received such a thoughtful, considered response! Loved this essay, thank you Henry.
Great post, Henry. I would be very interested in attending a follow up to the how to read a novel series, as well as how to read a poem. And reading lists....!
Great stuff Henry. Thanks for writing it.
I was thinking of ChatGPT for Point 4. We’re hearing of this use case in schools: kids are chatting to, almost tutoring, ChatGPT about a particular subject or topic and using that to see where their gaps are.
I think a How to Read a Poem series would be excellent. Have you explored recording some pre-recorded classes via e.g. Idler Academy or Teachable so that those who can’t make your lives classes can still partake?
Fellow Common Readers: This new site <Shepherd.com> is in Beta yet functional. I really like the concept: Authors recommend five books around a theme. The site allows you to search by topic or favorite book, or author. The site seeks to use technology to facilitate a human touch.
I was invited to participate and here's the link to my recs as an example of how it works: https://shepherd.com/best-books/the-hidden-history-of-america
NOTE: I was not paid to create a list nor do I receive any remuneration for sharing or talking about the Shepherd site.
I would love it if you did another series on ‘How to Read a novel’ and a poetry series would be great too. Yes, to the reading list!
How To Read A Novel....yes please 👍
Please do another How to Read a Novel series!
👋🏼hi, new subscriber here! where do i find the first How to Read a Novel series you did?
Henry, the exponential increase in current events of importance, and the need to keep up with the present as well as to be able to put it into historical context. It is not just the news but the backstories written by those in a position to know, as well as where similar events are found in the past.