Don't treat an academic book in the same way you would a novel - they're not necessarily designed to be read 'start to finish'. Instead, make use of the contents and index, as well as skimming the introduction and conclusion, to find the parts of the book which are really relevant to you.

Try to read with a question in mind. If you know why you're reading a certain text, and what you hope to learn from it, it is easier to focus in on your reading. Don't worry about trying to retain everything you read first time, but focus instead on finding the answer to your question.

When reading an academic text try to make it your own by interacting with the words on the page. If you're reading a print out or a photocopy, use highlighters and pens to emphasize the important parts. If you're reading from a book or on screen, try noting down key words or rephrasing what you've read in your own words - though don't forget to acknowledge where it came from!

When you've finished reading an article or book chapter, don't move on immediately. Instead, ask yourself what you remember from what you've just read. Make a note of any key messages, and consider how these relate to your reading question. If you can't remember the key message as soon as you've finished reading then you certainly won't remember it the next day.

Remember that with academic reading, true understanding is far more important than speed. Don't worry if it's slow-going at first, your reading will get quicker the more you get used to academic texts. If you have a long reading list ask your lecturers which key texts you should start with, and work through these in detail.