Rhinos, dialogues & poop
Where have you been all my life! I don’t know about the rest of you but while reading this book by Alder and Van Doren, I kept wondering if I had read this in college would it have made a difference in how I read books? There are times that I start a book and want to yell, “Would you get to the point!” only to discover that the author does get there in the next chapter. I was mad, frustrated and relieved while reading this book. Mad because I felt like I should have known some of these ideas before, frustrated that I felt that I had plowed through lots of material I didn’t need to read looking for the “meat” and finally relieved because I felt as though I was freed to use the book as a resource the way I needed 
it to be, and not locked in to the way the author wanted. In the spirit of the book, I want to spend a little time dialoguing with some statements that were made.
If I was reading this in paperback rather than digital, I would have wrote a giant “AMEN” next to the following quote, “Everyone has had the experience of struggling fruitlessly with a difficult book that was begun with high hopes of enlightenment.”[1] The day began early as we rode in our safari vehicle, looking and longing to see what is referred to as the big five: Rhino, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo and Lion. The day passed quickly as we saw lots of buffaloes, elephants, lions and even the evasive leopard all before noon. Though we searched all afternoon the rhino was not to be found. What began as high hopes of finding all five ended with a disappointment; no rhinoceros were found. I will admit we had a great time but it reminded me of so many reading experiences where you have been told by others or read a great review only to discover that it didn’t deliver what was promised. I do think that using techniques like pre-reading, or understanding the index and table of contents, even reading, as Jason recommended, book reviews would help bring a better understanding to the books we are reading. I do look forward to using suggestions from this book to find the hidden rhinos that I hope exist and that give me incentive to keep searching for.
In chapter 5, the section on marking up your book, there is quote that I have been thinking about. “The person who says he knows what he thinks but can’t express it usually does not know what he thinks” [2] This idea of conversing and arguing with the author was intriguing to me. There are books that I disagree with the author and they make me want to yell. Others just cause me to roll my eyes and think how stupid that point was. I was challenged to move away from just reacting to the words and start engaging the topic; maybe even actually writing down why I think that particular point frustrated or pushed me. I also think that this quote calls out to me because there are times I don’t know how to express why a chapter, a paragraph, or a story has disturbed me. As I look back at those situations, I can’t really think of any examples probably because I didn’t take the time to truly wrestle and internally discuss the troubling thoughts. Beware the next book that gives me pause, I may write all over you.
Another quote that provoked a response from me was, “His propositions are nothing but expressions of personal opinion unless they are supported by reasons.” [3] Poop! You 
ever wonder how much poop an elephant makes? Ok just one more safari reference. I am in Nairobi and so it is fresh on my mind. On the game drive there was a lot of poop, dried poop, small poop, fresh poop and huge piles of poop. You can smell it for miles. Did I mention there was poop? I will admit that when I saw the poop it made me think that an animal was nearby. I have no experience with hunting or tracking game, so I know that when I confidently say, “I think there is, insert an animal name here, that I really don’t know what I am talking about. It was all just poop. I was reminded that all of us opinionated doctor of ministry students really have a temptation to over step our bounds. This can be easy when we know a little about the subject and say it with confidence we are usually not challenged. This quote reminded me that I really have a responsibility, as a pastor, as a father, as a husband, as a mentor, as a leader, as a student to not pretend that the poop I am shoveling, is anything other than poop.
I do think the techniques that Alder and Van Doren propose will be a helpful reference as I learn to read, discuss and digest thought provoking ideas into my life. I shouldn’t have to yell at any more books; at least very often. I do want to be authentic in my conversations with people and I believe that comes from understanding what I believe is true and how well I can communicate that to those around me. What does that have to do with a book about how to read? I think that reading well, conversing with other thinkers through their books, will help me clearly and genuinely express the journey that I am on.
[1] Adler Mortimer J, and Van Doren, Charles How to Read a Book: The Classic guide to
Intelligent Reading. (Simon and Schuster, 2014). 36
[2] Ibid, 49
[3] Ibid, 114
About the Author
Greg
Greg has a wife and 3 children. He has lived and work in Asia for over 12 years. He is currently the Asia Director of Imanna Laboratories, which tests and inspects marine products seeking US Coast Guard certification. His company Is also involved in teaching and leadership development.11 responses to “Rhinos, dialogues & poop”
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I haven’t read a word of this yet, but honestly, putting “rhinos” and “poop” in your title was effective click-bait! Ok. Hold on a sec, I’m gonna go read what you wrote….
OK, I’m back! Sorry you didn’t see a rhino.
I love this sentence: “Beware the next book that gives me pause, I may write all over you.” HaHa! But yes! Having a conversation with the author by either agreeing or disagreeing is one of the things that makes reading interesting to me. And yeah…the poop…great analogy. Totally paid out for your click-bait on that paragraph!
You also say, “If I was reading this in paperback rather than digital, I would have wrote a giant “AMEN” next to the following quote” Do you use the Notes feature on your kindle? Or how do you take notes on your reading when reading on Kindle? I like the Notes feature, but I’m just wondering if you use something else.
Jenn. you make me laugh. I guess providing “click-bait” is the new goal. I think reading digitally (which is what I do most) and commenting or making notes has been a little frustrating. Even this book, I lost many of my notes and highlights. I haven’t found a great way to do it yet.
Greg,
Potty talk! I can appreciate that. Why is it that us boys usually end up referring to bodily functions? I can picture my wife’s puzzled look on her face…
And all the safari talk–I love it. Brought back so many good memories. Thanks for the mini vacation as I read your blog.
Jay
I will try to keep the “potty talk” to a minimum. 🙂 Sometimes when your tired and feeling like a little boy that is what is reflected in ones blog.
Hey Greg,
Thanks for this reflection. I liked the rhino analogy when it comes to reading books, looking for something that you hope is there, and sometimes not quite finding it. See you soon!
I agree with Jennifer – this post was definitely click-bait. 🙂
You mentioned the idea of dialoguing with the text and conversing with the author by writing comments back to the author. This is something I’ve only done rarely when reading, but it is something I want to be more intentional about going forward. Somehow the act of physically writing a response to the printed words on a page allows the dialogue to become more real. I will need to learn to read with a pen in hand.
Greg,
I have to admit your post makes me laugh. Are you still traveling? You are in Nairobi?
Your statement “I really have a responsibility, as a pastor, as a father, as a husband, as a mentor, as a leader, as a student to not pretend that the poop I am shoveling, is anything other than poop.” resonated with me. I think this statement is especially true when it comes to understanding culture and behavior. None of us are an expert on a different cultural population. I’m wondering if you can give examples as to what areas you need to “stay in the poop zone” with?
My sarcasm comes out when I am tired. I am glad it made you laugh. I think there are times we want to appear to be smarter or more knowledgeable than we are. I unfortunately have many examples of this. Living in China I get asked cultural/political and religious questions as if I am a Chinese citizen and there are time I give an opinion, but say it with confidence, and it is taken for fact. I try to be a little more careful that what I say is understood as my opinion or my observations. I think in the church there are many grey areas that we love to take our opinion and state as fact. I would also put the poop analogy within this context. I think my point in all of this is to remind (myself mostly) us all to be aware that as leaders what we say has repercussions.
Hi Greg! Thank you for your thoughtful response! I hope you are starting to feel rested. I am thankful you raise this issue – I too need to stay in my zone of expertise. Have a great day!
Hey Greg! Dude I was laughing when you finally got to the poop part. I was intrigued by the title and wondered, what illustration does he have up his sleeve. And thanks for the picture to go with it, just to jog my imagination! Seriously though, I liked how you used the safari as your controlling metaphor for talking about Adler’s book. I was especially interested in the safari because I hadn’t heard anything about how it went. So, it sounded like you saw some cool animals and had fun with the peeps, but disappointed because no rhino. Well, glad you made it home safely and it was really great getting to know you a little bit in South Africa. Peace brother
Greg,
You spoke of yelling at books quite a bit…I understand that feeling. I think one of the reasons I refuse to move to a kindle is I have a tendency to slam down my books, on occasion toss them in disgust, and maybe I might have thrown a book or two. If I did that with a kindle I am pretty sure my wife would beat me. That said, we do need to realize sometimes we are just shoveling poop…I love this analogy. I have shoveled my share.
Thanks for the post.
Jason