It seems like people constantly overlook the differences between reading textbooks versus reading novels. When reading for academic purposes (including novels f

It seems like people constantly overlook the differences between reading textbooks versus reading novels. When reading for academic purposes (including novels for say English majors), the pattern of reading is often non-linear. People may read through it once or more times, but the majority of the time is spent skipping around, constantly flipping back and forth trying to find the relevant passages for reference. Personally, this type of reading is a very visual experience for me, I remember where a certain equation or figure was on the page and can quickly flip to it even if I don't remember the exact contents. Something that is not possible in the same way digitally. On the other hand, I would guess that when most people read novels recreationally, they are reading in a linear fashion. There is a much smaller need for readers to constantly be flipping to different sections of the book while reading a novel. There is also the issue of where people read. For textbooks, it is pretty easy to set a large book down on a table or desk at home, in a dorm room, or in a library. It is much harder to do so if you read primarily on a train or bus during rush hour or at a bus stop.