It is possible, through books, to read the original works of an author. The written word is still the main way of accessing academic debate in all fields of study. Through reading, it is possible to discover the fundamentals and essential aspects of a subject, its basic assumptions, the facts upon which it is built, and how these are examined and approached.
Purposes for reading:
a) Read an instruction book with the intention of immediately applying the information.
b) Read an enjoyable, exciting novel for escapism, as quickly as possible.
c) Both a and b.
d) Neither a nor b.