Popular science books are often heavily padded. I recommend skipping any sections that are just rehashing the main idea. For some books (maybe even most books) this can mean reading the first few chapters and skipping the rest.
I've noticed that they can be pretty repetitive, but honestly I think it's good for me to hear it over and over, so I remember it and integrate it.
I guess what I'm looking for is a way to integrate/remember faster or better so the rehashing isn't necessary.
If it's worth saying, but not worth its own post (even in Discussion), then it goes here.