The Pleasures of Reading in an Age of Distraction

By Alan Jacobs

Categories: Education & Teaching, Literature & Fiction

Literary scholar Alan Jacobs argues that reading should be driven by pleasure and curiosity, not by lists of books one ought to read. He recommends reading at whim, following one's interests, rereading favorites and slowing down to give books full attention. Jacobs also considers how digital devices and distractions affect reading, and argues that deep, attentive reading remains possible and rewarding.

Recommended by 1 person

• Shane Parrish: “For more on the subject, I highly recommend reading The Pleasures of Reading in an Age of Distraction in conjunction with How to Read a Book. Those of you interested in better understanding how technology affects reading—Jacobs is a fan of the Kindle—should add The Shallows, and Cognitive Surplus to this list. Make no ”