Books to read while preparing for the LSAT? Forum

[BarCliff]

As an engineering major, I haven't had to read a real book in the past three years. I mean, of course I've done small reading outside of my major, but I'd like to do more in the coming months just as something to do instead of watching TV.

So, any suggestions on books?

I'm almost done with Naked Economics, which I'd say is a great book to read while getting ready for the test.

Just ordered 1776 for the history portions.

Debating re-reading Atlas Shrugged because that's some pretty dense stuff.

Any other recommendations?

[TheBigMediocre]

Some personal favorites that don't necessarily have anything to do with law, but are good reads (in my opinion):

-When Genius Failed: The Rise and Fall of Long-term Capital Management
-Liar's Poker
-Bonfire of the Vanities
-Barbarians at the Gate
-The Predator's Ball

They're all finance/business oriented books, FYI.

[GATORTIM]

+1

...I would also try reading Animal Farm

[allison34363]

This seems like a wild goose chase. If you read 30 of these such books, I promise you that nothing you read will be on your LSAT.

Work on learning RC skills, not the content that will most likely not even appear in the RC section... lol.

[Headybrah]

I've been rereading stuff from former philosophy classes -
any suggestions on books and what not that could be obtained at the library ?

[AtlasLSATMike]

Sorry if I'm taking this a little off topic...

Have you thought about checking out old magazines from the library?

I think magazine articles -- shorter, and generally written to make a specific point, have a more direct correlation to what you'll see on the exam. Specifically, I recommend magazines that aim to explain advanced topics to casual audiences -- such as Discover magazine. The Week is another good one, because it presents a series of opposing viewpoints on a particular topic (good practice for both the LR and RC).

[BarCliff]

This seems like a wild goose chase. If you read 30 of these such books, I promise you that nothing you read will be on your LSAT.

Work on learning RC skills, not the content that will most likely not even appear in the RC section... lol.

Well, this isn't really a "focused" study method. I'm taking a practice test every three days and don't want to burn myself out, but at the same time, am looking for stuff to read in the cool-off time that won't cause me to burn out.

Thanks to whoever recommened Liar's Poker and Animal Farm. Picked up the former today and it's exactly along the lines of what I was looking for (and a pretty fun read too)

[Justin71]

I don't see any benefit to reading something that isn't LSAT material (i.e. taking the actual tests, studying incorrect answers, working through the LR and LG Bibles).

[articulably suspect]

I suppose reading as often as you can is in general a good idea, but I think people overstate this prep method. Read the newspaper daily, maybe read a boo, but it's all about pt's. Just reading frequently will help you read faster and absorb more, I guess. Probably no need to spend $50 on a subsription to the Economist.

[NDPhil]

Debating re-reading Atlas Shrugged because that's some pretty dense stuff.

Skip this unless you're interested in reading unsubstantiated hyperbole.

I concur. Reading anything written by Ayn Rand is an utter waste of time. You may as well read a novel by Glenn Beck.

[mackj12]

Really just take timed test after timed test after timed test but if you insist...

The Stuff of Thought: Language as a Window into Human Nature

A Confederacy of Dunces

Fooled by Randomness/The Black Swan

Guns Germs and Steel

[lewis louis]

I dont really understand what reading a few books can do for you over anythign short of like...a year. Unless it becomes part of a lifestyle for a substantial amount of time, I think you'd be better of focusing your attention on tests. There is nothign wrong with bettering yourself, however and if you replace TV with literature thats awesome. Just dont replace it with LSAT time.

[Justin71]

I don't see any benefit to reading something that isn't LSAT material

Are you serious? You don't see ANY benefit in reading?

I don't see any benefit in terms of LSAT preparation greater than an activity that is more LSAT specific.

[SeymourShowz]

I concur. Reading anything written by Ayn Rand is an utter waste of time. You may as well read a novel by Glenn Beck.

You're giving Glenn Beck way way way too much credit.

[grandslam]

I like to read Ayn Rand before bed - I have cooler dreams. Fountainhead > Atlas Shrugged though.

[Cosmo Kramer]

Being and Time by Martin Heidegger

If you can read this book, you can read anything.