How to learn from a book like chessmaster checklist by Soltis?

Hi

I have been playing a couple of months and i have brought a few books in hopes of levelling up but sometimes they just seem hard to follow, i got this book chessmaster checklist by Soltis https://www.amazon.com/Chessmaster-Checklist-Andrew-Soltis/dp/1849947147/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8 and i have a chess set next to my computer. Chess books seem very different from other books ( i really enjoy reading) so am i supposed to work through them really slowly using a set to play out the text in the books and think about what is happening etc is this how you make progress using books? otherwise i just find them hard to follow and it is discouraging. 

Following along with a chess board is often helpful.   It requires more direct brain engagement than just watching a video.  

It is a little difficult but just learning to read chess notation is a valuable skill, especially if you ever hope to play over the board tournaments, where recording games using chess notation is required.

That looks like a good book.  I have always enjoyed Soltis's books.

There are plenty of diagrams in the book.  Looking at them and making your best efforts to understand the position certainly help with your getting something from the book.

thanks for the advice, i think this is the right approach for me atm.