Speed reading is the ability to read quickly while retaining comprehension. Not everyone acquires this skill during their school or college years, but in today’s work environment, it has become a crucial ability for students, professionals, and anyone dealing with vast amounts of information.
The good news is that speed reading can be learned and improved through various techniques, many of which are outlined in well-researched courses and books. We will not talk about the courses here as I have already done that.
So, These speed reading books provide structured methods to develop reading efficiency, enhance comprehension, and reduce the time spent processing text.
With numerous books and digital tools available, selecting the right resource is essential. This article highlights some of the best-selling books on speed reading, offering insights into their content, key strategies, and benefits.
1. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Speed-Reading – Abby Marks Beale
Abby Marks Beale, a speed reading specialist, presents a comprehensive guide to reading faster while maintaining comprehension. The book’s subtitle, Time-Saving Strategies to Accelerate Your Reading Speed and Comprehension, gives a clear indication of its content and purpose.
Key Features:
- Suitable for students and professionals who want to enhance reading speed.
- Offers an easy-to-follow structure with tips and exercises.
- Provides strategies for reading both printed books and digital screens.
- Encourages skipping unnecessary words and lines to boost speed.
- Covers skimming and scanning techniques in detail.
- Includes strategies to expand vocabulary and improve reading efficiency.
This book is well-organized and easy to read, making it an excellent starting point for those looking to develop their speed reading skills.
2. How To Be A Super Reader – Ron Cole
Ron Cole introduces memory training techniques to help readers improve their reading efficiency. The book focuses on three main areas: increasing speed, enhancing comprehension, and boosting retention.
Key Features:
- Ideal for students, professionals, and English learners.
- Also suitable for dyslexic readers.
- Helps overcome poor reading habits that slow down speed.
- Encourages mental processing of word groups instead of isolated words.
- Offers practical exercises based on the author’s experience.
- Adapts techniques to digital reading.
This book was a New York Times bestseller, with over 400,000 copies sold. It remains a popular choice for readers looking to enhance their speed reading abilities.
3. The Speed Reading Book – Tony Buzan
Tony Buzan, a renowned expert in learning techniques, introduces an innovative approach to speed reading. His book has sold over a million copies and is popular in more than 100 countries.
Key Features:
- Translated into nearly 30 languages.
- Suitable for students, teachers, and executives.
- Discusses the history and evolution of speed reading.
- Offers practical exercises and tests.
- Explains common reading issues like sub-vocalization, regression, and finger-pointing.
- Introduces advanced skimming and scanning techniques.
- Provides tips for reading different types of materials (newspapers, poetry, fiction, and non-fiction).
- Includes mind-mapping strategies to enhance comprehension and retention.
This book is an excellent resource for anyone serious about improving their reading efficiency.
4. 10 Days to Faster Reading – Princeton Language Institute
This book claims to significantly improve speed reading skills in just ten days. The structured exercises and quizzes help readers assess and enhance their abilities.
Key Features:
- Short-term, structured learning plan.
- Includes quizzes to assess current reading levels.
- Provides exercises for speed reading and comprehension.
- Addresses common bad reading habits, like sub-vocalization.
- Enhances concentration and peripheral vision.
- Introduces unique techniques like “Preview” and pacing.
- Encourages adapting reading styles based on material and purpose.
This book is particularly beneficial for those who want quick and measurable improvements in their reading skills.
5. Guide to Speed-Reading – Nathan Armstrong
Nathan Armstrong’s book is designed to enhance both speed and comprehension. The book claims to increase reading speed threefold while maintaining understanding.
Key Features:
- Provides tests to assess current reading speed.
- Helps readers track their progress.
- Covers techniques like visualization, skimming, scanning, and meta-guiding.
- Explains the difference between “words per minute” (WPM) and “effective words per minute” (EWPM).
This concise book is an effective tool for those looking to develop speed reading skills efficiently.
6. Super Reading Secrets – Howard Stephen Berg
Howard Stephen Berg, the Guinness World Record holder for the fastest reading speed, presents an advanced guide to speed reading.
Key Features:
- Authored by the world’s fastest reader.
- Combines psychological insights with speed reading techniques.
- Differentiates between reading for pleasure and study.
- Focuses on study-oriented reading exercises.
- Teaches how to read up to 20 pages per minute.
- Provides step-by-step instructions for measurable progress.
This book is ideal for students and professionals who require rapid reading and comprehension for academic and work-related purposes.
7. Triple Your Reading Speed – Wade E. Cutler
This book introduces the Acceleread Method, a proven strategy for increasing reading speed and comprehension.
Key Features:
- Classroom-tested learning principles.
- Helps eliminate poor reading habits.
- Guides readers in practicing block reading and pacing.
- Focuses on vision expansion and concentration techniques.
- Includes quizzes and assessments to track progress.
This book is an excellent choice for those who want a structured and scientifically backed method for improving reading speed.
8. PhotoReading – Paul R. Scheele
Paul Scheele introduces PhotoReading, a unique technique that enables readers to absorb information at an incredible speed.
Key Features:
- Utilizes subconscious processing to improve reading speed.
- Claims to help readers process up to 25,000 words per minute.
- Incorporates accelerated learning and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP).
- Enhances memory and concentration.
This book presents an unconventional yet highly effective approach to speed reading.
9. Speed Reading For Dummies – Richard Sutz
A practical and straightforward guide, Speed Reading For Dummies is perfect for beginners.
Key Features:
- Focuses on eliminating bad reading habits.
- Encourages silent reading for faster comprehension.
- Introduces pre-reading, skimming, and scanning techniques.
- Includes vocabulary-building exercises.
- Improves concentration and comprehension.
This book is a great choice for those new to speed reading.
10. The Evelyn Wood Seven-Day Speed Reading and Learning Program – Stanley D. Frank
Originally published in 1959, this book remains one of the most trusted resources for speed reading training.
Key Features:
- Offers a 7-day training program.
- Helps improve reading speed by 50% to 100%.
- Enhances concentration and comprehension.
- Includes note-taking techniques for study-oriented reading.
This book is ideal for students and professionals who need quick and efficient reading skills.
11. Speed Reading for Business – Steve Model
Designed specifically for business professionals, this book provides strategies for managing large volumes of information efficiently.
Key Features:
- Tailored for business executives and managers.
- Focuses on overcoming poor reading habits.
- Includes illustrations and sidebar notes for easy understanding.
This book is highly recommended for professionals who need to read large amounts of information quickly.
12. Speed Reading 4 Kids – George Stancliffe
This book focuses on teaching children speed reading techniques from an early age.
Key Features:
- Simplified manual for teaching speed reading to children.
- Encourages developing reading proficiency at a young age.
- Helps prepare children for future academic and career success.
This book is an excellent resource for parents and educators.
Verdict
We have explored some of the best speed reading books available today. These books offer effective techniques based on well-established learning principles. With commitment and practice, anyone can enhance their reading speed and comprehension.
Of all the books reviewed, How To Be A Super Reader by Ron Cole stands out as the best.
What are your thoughts on the best speed reading books?
Have you read any of these? Which one are you planning to try?
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If You want to speed up your progress you might like to opt for a course like the Iris Reading Speed Reading Mastery Program