1) Read and Highlight the Material (if you don't want to mark in the book then create thematic outlines with major points in a notebook)
1.1) Review what you've highlighted and make notes on what you think the most important things are — Why?
1.2) Read salient Example Code — this is usually the code in the readings. Learning to read code for understanding is one of the most important skills you can acquire as a programmer.
1.2.1) What is the author doing? How is he approaching it?
1.2.2) Look up any statements that you don't understand, either because you have not seen them before or you've forgotten how they work, and make a thumbnail write-up about how they work.
1.2.3) Anticipate what the output will be.
1.3) Compile, Build and Run the code (CBR)
2) Apply what you've seen.
2.1) Modify one of the working examples. Starting with a working program will ensure you will have the minimum difficulty making it work.
2.2) Do exercises or independent programs which illustrate the topic being studied.
If you follow this Pattern of Study you will absorb the material in a thorough and practical way that will lead to a command of the topic. You will also be building a solid discipline for acquiring a command of material in the future. Computer Science is a discipline which requires a commitment to lifelong learning.