The Dawn Treader

[In Depth] Reading of a book is a serious detailed approach to the understanding of what the author is saying. It is an approach which says that the book deserves to be read in a detailed enough way so you are able to give evaluation statements about the book as a whole. When you have read a book you have an overall grasp of the book and can discuss it motivationally with a potential reader.

Dr. Robert Clinton

Reading a book in-depth will prepare you to make several kinds of evaluations of a book.

1. You will be able to show where an author is misinformed because they have drawn false conclusions.  Perhaps they failed to apply sound reasoning.  Perhaps their analysis failed to consider all the facts.  Perhaps the premises for their argument were flat out wrong.  Perhaps their conclusion did not go far enough. Where ever the case the author was attempting to make skidded off into the ditch, you will be able to point it out if you have done an in-depth read.
2. You will be able to point out the strengths of this writer.  Perhaps their strength is in their ability to articulate their ideas.  Perhaps the strength is in their research.  Maybe it is in their use of sound reasoning.  You will be able to show where the strength of the writer lies.
3. You will be able to show the relevance of the book to today's reader.  Again, this applies to reading for information versus reading for pleasure.  After an in-depth read, you should be able to point out who should read this book and explain how the content can be applied to various life situations.

Step one seems a little harsh, doesn't it?  Why go to those lengths to tear down the argument of a book.  There is a reason for that.  We need to apply close scrutiny to principles and concepts we are going to recommend.  In other words, the intent is to be able to recommend this book to people who need it.  But if the book does not hold up under close scrutiny, then we dare not recommend it.  We have to do the heavy lifting necessary to make sure that the book is worth recommending to others.

Now you know why there is a reading continuum.  Very few books deserve this level of intense reading.  Very few should make it this far.  But when they do, get out your pencil and read it thoroughly and with your analytical antennae fully deployed.