David Bartholomae and Anthony Petrovsky's book "Ways of Reading" creates a paradox for readers, for a primary thesis of the book is that there should be no standard or traditional readings to which a new reader must conform. A successful reader will interrogate and dispute the text at every turn. The book's organization mirrors the authors' commitment to the inseparability of reading and writing. Students are not relegated to the margins of the text: their work is in as privileged a position as that of the other writers represented in the book. Some complexities of the book stem from its attempt to make a radical departure from other freshman composition textbooks. It is difficult to locate the agenda behind the publication of "Editor's Notes," a guidebook for teachers using"Ways of Knowing" that offers teachers the way to "read" the material in the book. The authors' pedagogy falls apart when taken too far. There are some standards that must be followed, they seem to say, some basic ideas that are irrefutable. "Ways of Reading" is unique in its perspective. It privileges reading over writing and students over teachers. (Three notes are included.) (RS)