Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

I read 2-10 books a week, depending on what else is going on in my life.

Conditions allowing that:

- I nearly always read on my phone.

- I can read on my commute.

- I read before going to sleep.

- I read quickly.




My dad reads about the same level as you do. My wife reads about the same speed as she speaks. I am probably half the speed as my father at my peak. I have found out that my dad really isn't a details person. Sadly I am more of a global view first then details and I have to process stuff into that global view all the time. Being a Theological student in grad school I would have about 2,000 to 12,000 pages of reading per class. UGH took me forever to learn how to up my speed and my retention.


Frankly I began to slow down over the past few years and not worry about how fast I'm reading and I enjoy and retain a lot more.


How long is your commute?


A little less than an hour total, unless the T has a fit.


Can I ask how fast your read? (words or characters/minute)


It used to be a huge concern for me as well. I realized that the more I read, the faster I read. So if you are worried about reading speed, don't. Just read, and it will get better. With no extra effort from me, my reading speed increased by at least 50% since I started reading books seriously.


I'm not really worried about how fast I am, I'm just curious how fast I am in comparison with others. (I am fast enough for my needs)


Somewhere around 400, 450 words per minute for fiction and non-technical non-fiction.




Consider applying for YC's Fall 2025 batch! Applications are open till Aug 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: