Speed Reading: Third Edition (Plume) Review

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(More customer reviews)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!

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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.

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