In this continuing series, I provide concrete dos and don’ts for a variety of writing and reading practices.
Do THIS: Use outside sources to complement your reading.
Not THAT: Use outside sources to replace your reading.
Explanation: If I offered you a bowl of ketchup as a meal, you would turn it down. If I offered you a glass filled with lemon wedges and no water, you might throw it in my face.
Ketchup and lemons are complements. They enhance the flavor of something substantive, but they are not designed to provide nourishment on their own.
This is true of outside sources too: summaries, author interviews, essays on major themes, or even YouTube lectures. When used properly, all of these can enhance your enjoyment of the work.
But if you decide to replace reading The Great Gatsby with reading a summary of The Great Gatsby from SparkNotes? Well, you’ve just consumed a bowl of ketchup.
The temptation comes from the fact that these outside sources seem like a less-time-consuming replacement meal: exchanging a regular meal for fast food.
But this is a mistake. You’re not exchanging steak for a hamburger. At best, you’re exchanging steak for a bowl of A-1.
If you use outside sources well, you’ll find your experience of the book your reading richer and more rewarding. If you substitute outside sources for the work, don’t be surprised if you develop a tummy ache.