When I did my PhotoReading experiment/test on a foreign language book. I spent a total of 3 hours activation (6 20 minute S/R & Dip with 5 minutes of mind mapping).
The first 2 passes were less than satisfying. I got a little but it seems like the book would take ages to finish. It was my 3rd activation pass where I felt that I was getting somewhere and it started to make sense.
The method is quite simple really. If it hasn't gelled yet do that one more activation pass. It might just take another 10 minutes of your 20 to 30 minute planned layer to get the whole thing to click. Doing an extra pass, two or three, doesn't mean you goofed it means this time you needed/wanted more information from the book. That's what learning is about chasing for the information you want/need and spending the time so that you get the most out of it.
As for purpose. I think you probably know what your purpose is; Know the plot so that you can correctly answer the questions in relation to the book and mind map those pesky little details. There is nothing against the rules to prevent you from allowing yourself to actually enjoy the story and understand the significance of it.
Alex
[This message has been edited by Alex K. Viefhaus (edited April 08, 2004).]
