Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of Reading

By Maryanne Wolf.

Good book. It covers the history of reading, the developmental stages of reading, and the biology of reading.

Reading is special in that we have to learn how to do it. Our biology can't help but give us the ability to see, to hear, to learn language. On the other hand, reading doesn't come naturally. Parts of your brain must be repurposed to build the necessary skills. Learning how to read deeply changes your brain and how you think. It greatly increases our ability to understand symbols. 

It also increases our ability to see things from someone else's point of view. After all, an important part of reading, is hearing someone else's voice in your head. 

What I want to take away from this book-- read regularly. Not internet-style skimming, but long form, deep engagement and understanding.

There is a large section on dyslexia. Since our brain doesn't have inborn areas meant for reading, the presence of dyslexia means that something deeper is happening. For example, a dyslexic may also be slower at naming colors, or have poor timing in music.

In a dyslexic, the areas of the brain ordinarily used for reading can be involved with another task. This is the realm of the dyslexic who is strong in other areas. Unfortunately, just because you are dyslexic doesn't mean you are strong elsewhere. Frequently, the affected areas of the brain are just weaker than average.

The author has a call to action here. She wants us to find developmentally delayed readers early in life so that the appropriate interventions can happen early.