I’ve been reading more than usual lately. This is most likely because my current sermon series is demanding a lot more of my time in the books. I’ve also read from a few other guys who talk about the importance of reading – such as C.J. Mahaney, Mark Driscoll and Michael Hyatt (to name a few). All this has made me spend more time with a book in my face. Now there is a stack of books in each room of my house (yes, each room) as well as my car and office.
While my reading has been increasing, so has been my desire to write. After I’ve been riveted by something I read, I usually start thinking, how am I going to capture my thoughts on this and all I’ve learned in writing?
And just before I start to think about when I will write on the topic, a tidal wave of discouragement sweeps over me. Why would I write on these things when such great works have already exhausted the topic?
Literally after lying on the couch in discouragement about this the other day, I decided there are a few reasons why we write on something we read, even if what we write is far less superior than what we have read.
I write on what I read because:
1. It allows me to join the conversation. If I were standing in a room with the author and others, I would want to give head nods, interjections, and insights just to remain in the conversation. The same is true with a book – I write on what I read to interact and interject into a conversation.
An example of this is how my wife often tells me to interact better at parties and social gatherings because (contrary to popular belief) I am an introvert. If I sit there and don’t interject I will take away little and add nothing. But if I do interact in a conversation, I will take away much and possibly add something.
2. I can convey to others who did not read what I read and why it was helpful (or not). With all that is coming at us these days through the web, Facebook, and Twitter, we are inundated with stuff to read. If I can be just a small filter for people, providing good synopsis, quotes, references, and suggestions for others, then I am helping those who may not have time to read everything I am reading in addition to their growing list. When I write on something I read, I am not just regurgitating it, but distilling and complimenting it in the best way possible.
3. So I can ingest and not just observe. The greatest benefit for writing on what you’ve read (on your blog, Facebook, email to someone else, or whatever) is that you further consume what you already tried to put in your head. It is amazing what you can remember from a book when you take 20 minutes to capture in writing some of the things that stood out to you.
C. J. Mahaney said that we only remember 1% of what we read, but “read because that 1% that you remember has the potential to change your life.” What if writing on what I’ve read would double that percentage to 2%?
What do you appreciate about reading what others have read? Book Summaries? Book critiques? …?
