Learning kanji and vocabulary in a different way

[Derfel]

I have recently purchased Breaking into Japanese Literature: Seven Modern Classics in Parallel Text (http://www.amazon.com/Breaking-into-Japanese-Literature-Classics/dp/4770028997/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_1).
Now I have a question. The books is written in kanji and kana with some furigana, and the readings of the kanji are listed at the bottom, so this makes me think. Is it perhaps more suitable for learning kanji than flash cards? Sure, sure, you learn reading-by-reading, but somehow, reading-wise, I have learnt more this way, not talking about the vocabulary I have picked up. Still, the fact that its reading-by-reading bothers me a little.
I would like to hear your opinion regarding this.

Thank You very much!

[kameron]

Well when you think about it, how do the Japanese learn Kanji? Through reading.
I find it to be very useful to me to read Japanese newspapers (go to your state / local library if you can't find any). If I run into a kanji/word I don't know I look up the meaning, I'll then check "Kanjidic" to find out whether I should know this kanji for the JLPT (i.e. is it taught at school in Japan?). Then I keep reading the article until it makes sense and I don't need to look anything up. Revision is so important too, it takes a lot to make a word stick, that's why putting it in context helps; it helps to build the neuronic connections in your brain. (dunno if neuronic is actually a word) To help with this mind-kanji-association process, I only choose to read articles that appeal to me and that seem interesting, e.g. stories about 自爆犯【じばくはん】 (suicide bombers), stories about 有名【ゆうめい】な人々【ひとびと】, etc.

Gotta run!

[Derfel]

Ah, thank you, I was thinking that im the sole ***** here doing something to entirely screw my studies... but It would seem it is a good idea to do it this way.
Thank You for your response.

[Mikawa Ossan]

Don't forget to practice writing, too, or you will only be able to read the kanji and not write them when you need them.

[Derfel]

I don't mind if I can't read them. I mean, I have years until I will be able to use them in writing, if possible I'd like to learn how to read them to keep my motivation high. Also, when I reach the sufficient level I'll switch to reading my books (the ones I read for my own pleasure) in Japanese, just as I did with English.
Although Japanese seems a bit different. I wasn't studying English too strictly... frankly I never really studied it, simply I was talking with my teacher about random topics, but I was aware of how much I knew, Japanese on the other hand seems to be different. I can't even comprehend how much I know. When I watch something, there are times when I understand whole senteces without much difficulty, but also quite often I don't understand a damn thing, even though the English subs suggest that its something darn obvious and easy. Quite interesting.