Do not read a history book like you read a novel, where you turn from page to page, waiting for the plot to unfold.
2. Read the title and table of contents first. Doing so will help you know where the book is going.
3. Read the front material, particularly the introduction, where the author will tell you exactly what the book covers.
4. Read the back material, including the index and conclusion.
5. Now begin reading the introduction and conclusion of each chapter.
6. Once you’ve gotten the “bird’s-eye” view of the book, begin reading the chapters analytically, taking notes as you go. Keep the book review questions in mind as you read. What is the author’s thesis? How is s/he developing the thesis? What sources did s/he use? Did s/he achieve her/his objective?
