Book Quote by Susan Hill
““Fast reading of a great novel will get us the plot. It will get us names, a shadowy idea of characters, a sketch of settings. It will not get us subtleties, small differentiations, depth of emotion and observation, multilayered human experience, the appreciation of simile and metaphor, any sense of context, any comparison with other novels, other writers. Fast reading will not get us cadence and complexities of style and language. It will not get us anything that enters not just the conscious mind but the unconscious. It will not allow the book to burrow down into our memory and become part of ourselves, the accumulation of knowledge and wisdom and vicarious experience which helps to form us as complete human beings. It will not develop our awareness or add to the sum of our knowledge and intelligence. Read parts of a newspaper quickly or an encyclopaedia entry, or a fast-food thriller, but do not insult yourself or a book which has been created with its author's painstakingly acquired skill and effort, by seeing how fast you can dispose of it.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Value of Slow Reading, 2020
Reading quickly captures plot and surface details but misses depth, nuance, emotional resonance, and lasting impact on the mind and character.
In simple terms: Fast reading skips deep understanding and personal growth.
Key Takeaway
Read slowly to truly absorb and be changed.
Themes
reading
depth
growth
literature
mindfulness
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- studying literature
- personal development
- educational curricula
- book clubs
Key Concepts
cognitive immersion
emotional intelligence
memory formation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does speed affect comprehension?
- What sacrifices are made for quick reading?
A Different Perspective
Fast reading may be necessary for time constraints, limiting depth.
