Reference Or Novel

Good Morning,

I'm currently reading, or trying to read, "The Official American Numismatic Association Grading Standards for United States coins." This, like "The Red Book" is a reference book is it not? Therefore reading it like a textbook or novel type book may be why I'm going crazy because I only understand about 1% or everything I have read and am only interested in learning to grade what I collect.

Would the correct approach be to treat it like a reference book and only read what is needed when needed? I know I will never be like a super robot that can memorize all of the grades of every coin in this book. I figure using the book as a reference as needed is the next best thing.

Any Thoughts?

Thanks,
Rich