Nonfiction can be a goldmine of insights or a slog to get through. So, I created a system to extract the value quickly while skipping what doesn’t matter. Here’s my simple SOP for consuming nonfiction efficiently, with the help of tech.
The SOP:
Search Youtube for a summary
Purchase the book from a company that gives you the file
Upload to Notebook LM
- Generate podcast (if Youtube sucks)
- Gauge interest with summary and questions
- Pick best chapters
Upload it to Speechify
Consume
Step 1: Grab the Right Tools
- NotebookLM (Free)
This Google tool lets me upload book files to generate summaries, insights, and even podcasts. I often listen to these podcasts while driving or doing chores—it’s like a shortcut audiobook. - Speechify ($100 ish/year)
Speechify converts book text to audio, letting me read and listen simultaneously. It’s great for speeding up nonfiction consumption and helps with speed-reading practice if you follow along visually.
Step 2: Don’t Read Everything
Before I dive into a book, I scope it out:
- Check YouTube for Summaries. If there’s no summary available, I turn to NotebookLM for an AI-generated one.
- Ask Key Questions. I upload the book to NotebookLM and ask questions like, How does this apply to X? It highlights relevant chapters, which saves tons of time.
- Plan to Skip Sections. Naval Ravikant suggests most books convey their main idea in the intro, so I skim for what’s useful and ignore the fluff.
Step 3: Consume It in Different Formats
Switching between audio and text keeps me engaged and improves retention.
- NotebookLM Generates Podcasts. Turn books into podcasts that you can listen to anywhere (it’s glitchy sometimes, but still useful).
- Read + Listen on Speechify. Speed up comprehension by listening while following the text. For dense books, I revisit key sections.
Final Thoughts
With tools like NotebookLM and Speechify, I’ve turned nonfiction into bite-sized, customizable learning. You don’t have to slog through every page—focus on what’s relevant to you, skip the rest, and enjoy the process.
Try it out and see if it helps you make the most of your reading time. Happy learning!