Critical thinking?

How do I feel about critical thinking? Well, I can say that critical thinking is one of my biggest and most challenging weakness when reading, and in general. I can't seem to read something only once and have an instant understanding of what I'm reading. I used to read and write a lot in high school; I was probably better at it then, then I am now. My reading habits, like I had mentioned above, have included reading the sentence or paragraph over and over until it "clicks", so to say. I do find that I think more critically if I am reading or discussing something that is more personable or about someones view on an issue or topic. I am not much of a reader these days but I do enjoy authors like, Mary Higgins Clark. Her books draw questions out of me like no other book so far. I enjoy good books and am amazed by the creativity of some authors. As far as the media and politics goes, I am somewhat consciously blinded. I do not like read newspapers that often nor do I really follow politics other than the presidential elections every couple years. I find the nature of reading the newspapers is somewhat the same every day. It's most always bad or depressing news these days and always the same issues, murders or lies. Although, the more time I spend in my education I am realizing that to be an educated person you need to know what is going on around you! My goal in taking this class is to help me on my weakness of critical thinking and reading. I would hope to learn to analyze my readings in a more efficient and challenging way. In some of my classes we have to read, and then discuss the readings out loud in class. I am often impressed of some of the in dept responses that some students say. I feel that in some readings I don't get the full concept of the material I am reading. I believe that taking this class may help me understand and be more involved in what I'm reading. My major in college is sociology with a minor is psychology so I think this class will help me focus on my analyzing and reading skills needed for my future. I am not much of a deep thinker nor am I very good at it, which is also goal of mine throughout this class. I would also like to improve my reading skills in general. Overall , I would like the skills and knowledge to be able to view the world through more questioning and accurate eyes!