anyone a really fast reader?

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I read fast normally. In recent years I've learned to use the "internal voice" technique, but it still takes an effort. Much easier to let the meaning slide down my throat like the juice from a ripe pear.

I put it down to having learned to read before I learned much about speaking.

I think I am a fast reader but since pages contain different number of words, I can't actually give an estimate. Anyway, when I have to read the same page with someone, I am usually finished and start to re-read it out of nothing to do it while they are still somewhere in the beginning of the text.
I usually read during commutes to and from work, when I have to wait in queue, when I brush my teeth, at boring conferences, etc. so I don't have time set for reading alone. For some reason I concentrate on my reading best when there's some other external stimulus at the same time. As for Harry Potter, I read each of the books 4-7 for about a day or two, but I never had a designated time for that as I was an adult when the first book was out so I had to go to work and do chores too.
Also, the comprehension level varies depending on the book. If it contains facts and figures, or if it describes action, my level of comprehension is about 100 %. If it is a management manual, however, or, God forbid, a sentimental novel, the level of comprehension is practically nonexistent (in the latter case some time after the reading I can recite passages from the text but I don't actually understand the meaning unless I force myself to it and I forget it very quickly).
Usually there's no voice in my head when I read, unless I specifically evoke it (when I read a boring text, I do need a voice in my head) - which slows things down a bit.

Last edited by Severus on 21 Sep 2010, 2:47 am, edited 3 times in total.

I'm a fast reader. When I read f.e. article with somebody, I read it many times and then this person says ok, next page. When I bought Harry Potter, I had it read on the evening. Science books I read slower, but faster than people from my school.

I think it's because they read quietly, moving their lips or at least they speak the words in their heads. I'm visual thinker and when I see whole word/sentence, it's enough.

I'm probably average, assuming I'm reading something of interest. If it's something I'm not interested in then I read way, way below average speed.

I read at 263 wpm (Words Per Minute). And can read for over 5 hours straight.

I read at about 180 WPM, and I can comprehend what I'm reading. The only thing "wrong" with my comprehension is that I'm not stating how I'm feeling in the text. Then again, it was in 5th grade and the people were stupid there, so...

I've never timed myself or been timed, but I read very, very fast, and ppl are always asking me to "teach them" how to do it. I can't. I always comprehend what I read, and I don't have an "inner voice" when I read either. I just read it.

~Kate

That's it, exactly, couldn't say it better. Somehow I don't start at the beginning and halt at the full stop, I can see the whole sentence at the same time. Didn't realise that this was part of visual thinking though.

Yes, very fast - no internal voice either.

i read pretty fast... i finished off near 700 page twilight:breaking dawn in 7 hours, first time. If i wanted, i could read the whole saga in two days now. i dont have an 'internal' voice- i think WAY too fast for that, i would just get frustrated at having to read so slowly. i think i may have ADD as well, i always starts reading the end, then a little in the middle, THEN i start reading, even then i sometimes skip paragraphs. lol

When I was younger I could do 1200 words of text/minute (not mathematical formulas) with 95 + comprehension. Now I am down to about 600 words of text/minute. Old age takes a toll.

ruveyn

Exactly my experience, and I believe I am a faster than average reader, as well. I used to finish tests faster because of this. I don't know any other way to gauge my speed though.

I have to ask, do you still find reading enjoyable at such paces? I love reading but it's about the pacing and the sound and the individual words together. It would seem seeing things as whole sentences is... missing out.

@Buryuntime- I don't miss anything. I feel like I am living it. I don't know how to explain, but since I visualize what I am reading it is like watching a movie. I don't miss anything, but I don't have what they call a "photographic memory" either. When the material is more technical (not fiction) I tend to read it more than once if it is unfamiliar, but I still read it fast, so it doesn't take longer than average even if I have to read it again.

ETA: Yes, I enjoy it very much when it is "pleasure" reading! That doesn't just mean fiction- I like reading medical and science journals and articles and technical texts for computer programs and stuff like that too. Oh, and art books.

I apparently learned to talk and read faster than average and I've never been told that I had any issues with reading at school. I do however find myself drifting off into la-la land sometimes and I have to go back over what I have just read.

I also have terrible trouble with external distractions and concentrating on what I'm reading. I think however that this has more to do with my other blessing, ADHD, than ASD and my stimulants have really helped in this area.

Yeah, it depends on how interesting the reading material is. If it's some boring chemistry paper, I'll read it slower than I would read, say, a JFK biography.