Unlocking Critical Thinking Skills with House Of El's Digital Book - Awake

Well, I bought my first digital book a few weeks ago, and that is a pretty big deal for a guy who is all about print media: newspapers, magazines, journals and books of all kinds. Perhaps it is because my father owned a small print shop and I grew up sweeping floors there, and progressed in my knowledge of paper, inks, type-setting, and eventually even operated a press or two. I love the smell of books (paper and ink). There is something in printed material that hearkens to a bygone era of libraries as the centre of learning. I love stacks of books, and the rows of shelves in libraries, with study carrels, desks, and comfortable seats for reading. Three libraries standout in my memories of libraries: The S Walter Stewart library in East York that my family made frequent visits to in my youth; the Robarts Library (top image below), and the Metro Reference Library, Toronto (bottom image).

But my purpose here is not to go down my memory of libraries I enjoyed, so much as to say that I am trying to stay current and that I have leaped into the future (or just stepped into the present) and purchased my first digital book.

The main story here is not my purchase, or the whole digital versus print debate, but the book I chose to acquire - Awake, by House of El (https://www.youtube.com/@HouseofEl) I have followed El's analysis of current economic and geopolitical trends especially closely since Trump started his tariff wars. Her insights have helped me to put a meaningful frame to the nonsense of Trump's economic policies (or policies by Tweet). The full title of her book caught my attention: The Practice of Critical Thinking in the Age of Soft Lies. This is right up my alley as I try to make the effort to analyze my sources of reliable news and information in the fog of entertainment news. Critical thinking? I'm all over that! So, what is El's book all about? Here is a quick survey of the 141 pages, or so, in the PDF file. *(the cost was about $25 Cdn and it is a good investment).

Why critical thinking?

Critical thinking shapes how we understand the world, solve problems, and make decisions. Yet, many struggle to develop this skill effectively. House Of El’s digital book Awake offers a fresh approach to mastering critical thinking, blending practical exercises with insightful guidance. This summary explores how Awake helps readers unlock their critical thinking potential and apply it in everyday life.

Key take-aways:

1. Critical thinking is more than just a buzzword. It is the ability to analyze information objectively, evaluate different perspectives, and reach well-reasoned conclusions. In a world flooded with information, this skill helps us:

• Avoid misinformation and bias

• Make informed decisions in personal and professional life

• Solve complex problems with clarity

• Communicate ideas effectively

2. Critical Thinking is a Skill That Requires Practice.: Despite its importance, many people find critical thinking challenging because it requires practice and guidance. This is where Awake stands out by offering a structured path to build these skills.

Unlike traditional textbooks or abstract guides, Awake is designed as an interactive digital experience. It combines theory with practical exercises that encourage active engagement. Key features include:

• Step-by-step lessons that break down critical thinking into manageable parts

• Real-world examples that show how to apply concepts in daily situations

• Reflection prompts that encourage readers to question assumptions and biases

• Progress tracking to help users see their improvement over time

  
  

This approach helps readers not only understand critical thinking but also practice it regularly, turning knowledge into habit.

Core Concepts Covered in Awake

The book covers essential elements of critical thinking, including:

1. Identifying Assumptions

Many decisions are based on assumptions we don’t question. Awake teaches readers to spot these hidden beliefs and evaluate their validity. For example, before accepting a news story, readers learn to ask: What assumptions does this story make? Are they supported by evidence?

2. Evaluating Evidence

Not all information is equal. The book guides readers on how to assess the quality and relevance of evidence. It explains how to distinguish between facts, opinions, and misinformation, which is crucial in today’s digital age.

3. Recognizing Logical Fallacies

Logical fallacies can undermine arguments without us noticing. Awake highlights common fallacies like straw man, false dilemma, and ad hominem attacks. Readers learn to spot these errors in reasoning and avoid them in their own thinking.

4. Developing Open-mindedness

Critical thinking requires openness to new ideas and perspectives. The book encourages readers to challenge their own beliefs and consider alternative viewpoints respectfully.

AWAKE is an exercise book too, with activities to help Build Critical Thinking Skills Through Practice Lessons

Theory alone does not build critical thinking. Awake includes exercises such as:

• Analyzing news articles to identify assumptions and biases

• Debate scenarios where readers practice constructing and defending arguments

• Reflection journals to track thought patterns and growth

• Problem-solving challenges that require applying critical thinking steps

  
  

These activities make learning active and relevant, helping readers internalize the skills.

Critical Thinking : Applying Skills Beyond the Book

The ultimate goal of Awake is to help readers use critical thinking in real life. Here are some ways the book prepares readers for this:

• Decision-making: Readers learn to weigh pros and cons carefully before making choices, from daily tasks to major life decisions.

• Communication: The book improves clarity and persuasiveness by teaching how to build logical, evidence-based arguments.

• Learning: Critical thinking enhances the ability to learn new information effectively by questioning and connecting ideas.

• Problem-solving: Readers develop strategies to break down complex problems and find creative solutions.

  
  

Why Digital Format Enhances Learning

The digital format of Awake offers advantages over traditional print:

• Interactive content such as quizzes and multimedia explanations

• Easy updates to keep material current with new research and examples

• Accessibility on multiple devices, allowing learning anytime, anywhere

• Personalized pacing so readers can spend more time on challenging topics

  
  

Tips for Getting the Most from Awake

To maximize the impact of the book, consider these tips:

• Set aside regular time for reading and exercises to build consistency.

• Keep a journal to reflect on insights and track progress.

• Discuss ideas with friends or online groups to deepen understanding.

• Apply lessons immediately in daily decisions and conversations.

  
  

By actively engaging with the material, readers can accelerate their growth.

So, interested in developing some serious critical thinking skills in 2026? I think House of El's book, AWAKE, is an excellent starting point. (https://houseofel.net/critical-thinking/)