How to Select a Non-Fiction book
The book publishing industry is a 25 Billion dollar industry. There is no shortage of books to read so it is important to select what books you read with care.
When considering a book, look at the front and back. Read the inside jacket covers and browse the preface, forward, introduction, and Table of Contents. This will give you a feel for what the book is about. Flip through the book and notice any lists and charts. Read a few random paragraphs.
Then ask yourself three questions:
1. Why would I read this book? If the book will not immediately be helpful to you, it’s best to leave it for now. We learn best when we can use information immediately.
2. Is the author someone I can learn from? If the author does not have the position, credentials, or experience you want (this is different for everyone), look elsewhere. If you’re shopping online you can visit the author’s website and find out more about the kind of person you’ll be learning from.
3. Does the author communicate in a way I enjoy? Based on the sample paragraphs you read, will you enjoy it?
