Tony's Reading List

Years ago I began a practice of outlining books or articles that were significant enough that I wanted to be able to retain as much of the information as possible. For example, I will start reading with a pen in hand, underlining as I go. Once I finish a chapter, I open my word processor and put together a detailed outline of what I read. The outline generally will include annotations, direct quotations, and my comments. Then I go on to read the next chapter, outlining each one until I'm finished. When I'm done with a book I might have as many as 50 pages of notes on it. This exercise helps me retain what I have read. I also can go back at a later date and review my notes to refresh my memory of what I have studied. Interested readers can peruse my notes as a digest and review.