Not all reading is equal.
Scrolling an article isn’t the same as reading a novel.
Even within one book, skimming vs deep reading produces different narratives.
Reading Modes as Bandwidth
Deep reading:
- Slow, immersive, builds rich mental models
- Retains nuance and subtext
Skimming:
- Scans for plot beats or data points
- Compresses narrative into headlines
Both are valid; they just build different outputs.
Narrative Design Meets Reader Mode
Some books assume deep reading; others survive skimming:
- Dense literary fiction collapses if skimmed
- Plot-heavy thrillers often survive speed
Mismatch between design and reader mode leads to “I didn’t get it” complaints.
Critical Takeaway
When analysing a book:
- What mode did you read it in?
- Was the design matched to the mode?
- Would a slower or faster pass change your take?
Narrative comprehension is partly a speed setting.