How to Read a Book (Youtube Video Lectured by Dr Andy Naselli)

My Reflection on How to Read a Book (Dr Andy Naselli)

In the video, Dr. Andy Naselli gives a helpful overview of how to read a book by answering four key questions: Why should you read? How should you read? What should you read? And when should you read? Rather than going into every detail, he simply outlines the main points of his book. He mentions that it is not easy to skip over interesting stories and deeper explanations, but he hopes the listeners will still understand the heart of the message.

1. How did Dr Andy Naselli in the video engage with?

Under the first main question, “Why should you read?” Dr. Andy Naselli gives three key reasons: read to live, grow, and enjoy. The third reason- “read to enjoy” really stood out to me and made me think more deeply. He warned against reading just to check books off a list or to impress others. Honestly, I have done that before. His words challenged me to slow down and enjoy what I am reading, not just rush through it for the sake of accomplishment. It was a good reminder that reading should be meaningful, not just a task.

2. How did Dr Naselli's content reinforce my existing thoughts?

Under “Read to grow,” Dr. Naselli discusses how reading helps us grow in six different areas. One that stood out to me was how reading can shape and mature the way we see reality. I have often encouraged others to develop the habit of reading, and hearing Dr. Naselli explain it this way made me even more confident in that conviction. He said, “A good book can function like time machines, they take you to far-off places, different cultures, and different times, even fantastical ones. And the more time you spend in good books, the larger your view of God's world will be. And thus, the more accurate your view of reality will be.” That really resonated with me. It reassured me that promoting the habit of reading is not just about gaining knowledge, but it is about helping ourselves and others see the world more clearly through the lens of God’s truth.

3. What were the most powerful learning moments—and why were they so?

In the video, Dr. Naselli explained how not every book should be read the same way. He described three different levels of reading: survey, macro, and micro. He said, “Survey means you quickly and efficiently size up a book without reading every word. Macro read is you read every word, but you move quickly to get the big picture. And then micro read, you rigorously observe, understand, and evaluate what you read, and there are various levels to that.” That part really stood out to me. It was one of the most helpful moments in the video. His explanation gave me a clear framework to approach different kinds of books wisely. It reminded me that not every book needs to be deeply analyzed; some just need a quick overview, others a general read, and only a few need deep, focused attention. This perspective is going to help me read more effectively moving forward.

4. What may be some things that I disagree with (or have concerns about)?

In the video, Dr. Naselli made a strong point about the value of rereading important texts. He said, “Would any of you ever say, I don't need to read Romans again. I've already read it once. That's preposterous. We know that great literature requires multiple readings, and you can read it regularly for the rest of your life and never plumb the depths of it. So, if you read classic literature in junior high and high school, as some of you are doing right now, I know some of you in here who are doing that. Does that mean it would be a waste of time to read some of those same books again in college literature courses? Would you say, I don't need to read that again?” I completely agree with his emphasis on the need for multiple readings, especially of rich and meaningful works. However, I did have a small concern, not in disagreement, but more as a point of theological clarity.

While I understand Dr. Naselli's comparison between great literature and the book of Romans, I do think it is important to remember that Romans is not just great literature, but it is the living Word of God. Yes, it is written with literary brilliance, but it is also divinely inspired and spiritually alive. Secular literature, no matter how deep or classic, eventually reveals all it has to offer. But the Word of God, especially a book like Romans, continues to unfold truths and bring fresh conviction and comfort, no matter how many times we read it. Unlike other books, it does not just inform us; it transforms us. So, while I appreciate his teaching and know he is a godly man, I think the comparison should be made carefully.

5. Would you recommend this book to anyone, who and why?

I would definitely recommend this video to my pastor friends back in my home state. Like me, they could benefit from reading more and learning how to read more effectively. This resource could be a real help in encouraging a deeper reading habit and making the most out of the time spent in books.

 

This video by Dr. Andy Naselli has deepened my understanding of why reading matters, especially as someone committed to ministry. It reminded me that reading is not just a task for teaching or preaching, but a vital part of spiritual life and personal growth. The different levels of reading he described offer a practical framework that I can apply to both theological and general reading. I am encouraged to read more intentionally and to help others do the same.