Reading: Key to Learning by Sarwar Jahan, published by Southern University Press, Chittagong, in October 2010, page 249, price Taka 320.00. ISBN: 978-984-33-1274-7
The book under review is an exceptional monograph on the horrific crisis-ridden contemporary society. It is weighed down with American culture and society of life and education as well as Bangladeshi culture. To an interested reader, it is likely to appear an educative and instructive book. Its message is eloquently expressed in clear language. In order to make the engagement and indulgence of the students interesting, I shall attempt an illustrative review of it. The name exposes the key intention about the Book.
The book 'Reading: Key to Learning' has two parts. In the first part, the writer explores reading, has given an introduction about reading, discusses how to develop reading habits, various methods and techniques so that the learners can read easily, present and develop effectively. In the second part, the writer explains the objective of reading articles. The articles are divided into eleven chapters namely Academic, Culture & Art, Employment, Emotion & Motivation, Food, Health Organisation, People & Politics, Technology, Transport, and Weather. Each chapter is followed by skills check that has been specially developed to meet the needs of readers. According to the author, most of the articles are examples and of contemporary issues taken from a variety of sources. This book can be a good textbook for students and it has instructions for teachers as well. Most of the teachers teach reading for critical reading but this book helps the reader to become a better reader. The book is replete with articles of high interest that would provide a wide range of inspiration. Carefully selected topics of reading would not only capture reader's interest but also enhance their understanding.
The title of the work is too simple. The author's intended theme is however reflected in his title 'Reading: Key to Learning'. It is very unfortunate that our students study English for twelve years (up to HSC level), but do not become good readers or speakers, let alone good writers or listeners.
This book is intended to improve English skills through reading habits. The book is very typical and informative and has covered a broad range of subjects pertaining to Bangladeshi readers without being bored. It is also very easy to read. The book is interesting and has a unique storyline; the author combined all parts of the book in a very effective way.
The design, get-up and printing of the work is very good, the cover page is very bright and crispy. Our grateful thanks are due to the author, who contributed a well-written, clear-cut, foundational story-oriented, timely monograph. The work is suitable as a textbook in the higher English classes of colleges and universities and for rapid reading of the general people. I recommend this book for wider circulation among non-English speaking people.
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