Too lengthy?

[vincanity1]

For those that have tackles books such as Sartre's Being and Time, how do you go about tackling such a lengthy book? What I mean to say is, how do you neglect the length and how seemingly arduous a task it presents?

I ask the question because I wonder if there is some kind of mindset that one can use to neglect it. I have read several lengthy novels about things other than philosophy but it seems like other novels present a different kind of task because the story unfolds.

I understand that the questions seems silly but I would truly appreciate any responses

[blazeofglory]

For those that have tackles books such as Sartre's Being and Time, how do you go about tackling such a lengthy book? What I mean to say is, how do you neglect the length and how seemingly arduous a task it presents?

I ask the question because I wonder if there is some kind of mindset that one can use to neglect it. I have read several lengthy novels about things other than philosophy but it seems like other novels present a different kind of task because the story unfolds.

I understand that the questions seems silly but I would truly appreciate any responses

I too do not like lenghty books, and now I Choose to read short stories. I have read Sartre's Being and nothingness. one gets lost in the course of reading. Recently I have started to read Ulysses of James Joyce and this book too is bulkily written.
Indeed I hate bulky books if it is not for the philosophy of them.

[Midas]

Much depends on the book, subject, era it was written etc., and why you are reading it. However, here is a tip which was given to me years ago by one of my professors.

Usually, remember I said usually, the main point is contained in the
opening sentence, or couple of sentences of a paragraph. The rest of the paragraph usually just expands, or supports that point.

This way you can skim read picking up the gist very quickly of most books.

(Obviously you would not want to do this wiith a novel.)

Another way to read fast is to train yourself to not focus your eyes on the actual line you are reading but the space in between the line you are reading and the one below.

It may take some a bit of getting used to as old habits die hard. Another effect you may experience is that you feel it speeds you up too quickly. This you can do with any book or any reading matter.

It's worth a try.

[Mr. Dr. Ralph]

Read the first 75 pages and decide whether it sucks or not.

[vincanity1]

Thanks for the speedy replies. I know it seems like a stupid and basic question but the length really does create a kind of mental block that turns me off to some books that I might have enjoyed more without the bias. This is especially true with philosophy, considering at any given point in the book the author can issue some life changing line.

Again, thank you for the responses and being able to relate to my situation. The tips really are appreciated

[Etienne]

Well you should never read a philosophy book like a novel or you won't remember anything.

[bazarov]

Read the first 75 pages and decide whether it sucks or not.
And they I conclude '' If I had wasted my time on 75 pages I can waste it on another 300 and finish it!''

[oracle13]

haha well I guess it really depends how quickly those first 75 pages went by!

I have a similar bias when I try and read some 'great' novels or philosophy texts. Because of their status as supreme, I sometimes find it very difficult to form reasonable judgements of merit. Blaze, I also started reading Ulysses a little while back, and I'm afraid to say I was forced to quit. The breadth of allusion was far too daunting...I just felt like I wasn't getting out of it the effort I was putting in. It scares me, though, that this novel is considered one of the best since its publication!

On the other hand, with some classic authors I recognise the merit straight away: Poe, Blake, Shakespeare (who can't!), Dickens. So not only do I get a big mental block regarding length, I also get one regarding supposed quality!

[bunker_70]

The way I do it is: Take personal notes (with philosophy), when I get tired of the book I lay it away for a while and go on when i feel ready to. I'm always Reading at least two books. Mostly one about science or philosophy and a novel. changing the subject once in a while keeps my attention sharp. Like right now I'm reading a book about literary theory and Dracula. ^^
When i start a book it needs to be very bad if I not finish it. :)

[caffeinecups]

Length doesn't really matter when a book is THAT good. Whether a book is thick or not, I read on when I enjoy its prose, and drop when I am not compelled to follow through.

Atlas Shrugged is so long, but it doesn't matter.