There are four questions an active reader should have in mind. Answering these questions is the readers job.

1. What is the book about as a whole?
2. What is being said in detail, and how?
3. Is the book true, in whole or part?
4. What of it?

How to Make a Book Your Own

1. Underline
2. Vertical lines at the margin
3. Star, asterisk, or other doodad at the margin – use sparingly for most important passages of the book.
4. Numbers in the margin
5. Numbers of other pages in the margin
6. Circling of key words or phrases
7. Writing in the margin, or at the top or bottom of the page

Reading is like skiing. When done well, when done by an expert, both reading and skiing are graceful, harmonious activities. When done by a beginner, both are awkward, frustrating, and slow.