Ways of Reading: An Anthology for Writers

Reading and writing is difficult, messy work. Ways of Reading embraces this challenge by inviting students into the process and treating them with respect. Based on the concept that texts should be considered in relation to each other, Ways of Reading fosters academic habits of mind as it carefully walks students through analyzing and writing about complicated ideas. With deeply thought-provoking readings from writers like Ta-Nehisi Coates, Judith Butler, and Anna Tsing, combined with a supporting structure of sequenced questions for rereading, discussion, and writing, Ways of Reading empowers students to engage with complex material and difficult concepts.

A robust introduction to critical reading, coverage of writing beyond the traditional essay, and assignment sequences all help instructors make the classroom a place of intellectual exploration. This is a book that asks instructors and students to do more ― to approach difficulty as multi-dimensional, in conceptual, historical, narrative, and practical aspects. And especially in this edition, with new readings on topics such as white rage, ethical relationships, and sexual violence, this work pays off, preparing students to address (as community members, citizens, and future leaders) the urgent problems that cannot be ignored, and that soon will be theirs alone to solve.