For nonfiction, I like to skim the index, table of contents, and prefatory material first. I like to see the lingo the author expresses her/himself in, to get familiar with it and to spot their biases or world view a bit. I use the index also to take note of other people mentioned, or whose work is referenced, to see how the present material may plug into what I already know. I like to draw relationships of some sort between known and trusted information and sources, and the newer concepts the author is presenting to me.

I skim this material before buying, usually, and then if the table of contents is not too fuzzy, cute, or patronizing, or offensive, or downright silly, I'll pick a spot in the middle and see if I can tolerate the writer's style... and if so, the subheads in the most interesting-looing chapter will get a look next. I want to know, for instance, if this writer is giving me some new ideas, or (better yet) going to conclusions past what I already know-- or if the book is just another superficial look at something I already know enough about. If the book passes all these skims, I'll take it and plunge into it deeply.

Once I have finished it (which includes discussing it with people of varying viewpoints, and reflecting on it as I do dishes or engage in other present-time musing), it seems to integrate itself into my general mind... once I get absorbed in some new material, I can seldom remember who wrote what, or when I read it, or where one thing left off and another began.... the information gets sorted into its constituent parts and stored away where I can USE it in operation.

If it was something I can recommend for someone else whose mind I respect, I will keep the book to pass on. I have developed a pretty extensive professional library in a nunber of subjects this way, and people coming for MudGathers might enjoy seeing this.

Fiction has to attract my attention as a writer and editor, before I care enough about plot or character to spend my time on it. So the first chapter matters, and if the first page or so looks boring I just don't take it home. And I tend to look for new work by authors I have enjoyed, till they start being formulaic and cranking out pattern books. But once into it, I will either read it straight through or add it to the carry-all to go with me for odd moments in the car, etc.

But then I also have been known to have four or five good books going at the same time, fiction and nonfiction, on a variety of topics, in different rooms or purses!

~Susan