The Joy of Slow Reading

 　　The fast pace of life makes it impossible for us to slow down in anything we do, and reading seems to be no exception. "Fast food" culture permeates our lives. Many people have developed the habit of reading quickly, skimming through pages, swallowing the words whole, often failing to appreciate their meaning. They don't understand what the book is about after reading it, and quickly forget it. Often, fast reading is equivalent to not reading at all, let alone appreciating the subtleties of the book.

　　I am a picky reader and have always been slow. Even in my student days, I was the slowest to return books borrowed from my roommates. Without ample time, I absolutely would not read; I would rather not read at all than quickly flip through a book. Reading is about "digestion," about providing nourishment, and this requires slow reading. "Slow reading" is gentle, thoughtful, and only then can we enjoy the pleasure and ultimate satisfaction of reading.

　　When I first read *Ordinary World*, I had already read about the book. Many people, upon receiving it, eagerly flipped through it to find the ending. But I spent a significant portion of my vacation time reading it attentively. After finishing a chapter, I would return to the previous one, connecting the dots. Sometimes a single phrase would grab my attention, sometimes a complete sentence; I would read slowly, savoring each one. Rereading was perhaps even slower than the first time. Before continuing, I would sit in my study and imagine, hoping to immerse myself in the plot. It took me over two months to finish the book. This slow reading approach brought me many benefits, allowing me to experience the joy of reading. Only by reading slowly can you truly understand, immerse yourself in the book, and resonate with the author.

　　I absolutely do not believe that one can gain true benefit from a book through "speed" reading. Speed ​​reading is like playing music at the wrong speed on a record player. "Slow" is like simmering over a low flame, bringing out the full flavor while making the meat tender and the bones soft. Slow reading is just like that; it allows us to thoroughly understand the ideas in a book, internalizing them and putting them to use.

　　Sometimes, when reading slowly, I prefer to delve deeper into parts I don't understand by consulting other books. Once I acquire new knowledge or ideas, I immediately write them down, connecting them to other relevant contexts. Sometimes, for an unfamiliar word or a passage I don't understand, I consult a dictionary or encyclopedia. Slow reading is the best way to learn and understand a book, allowing you to absorb a great deal.

　　Savoring slowly allows us to appreciate and reflect upon the text, giving us a sense of leisurely enjoyment and the pleasure of digestion—truly a joy of reading. Reading should be a process of slow and careful reading. In a life that moves at an accelerated pace, we need to cherish the right to "slow" and enjoy it.