Yes, I treat it like serious study. I highlight and make notes on things like important points, summaries of what I read, questions I have, things I want to look into more when I'm done, etc. (often divided into sections to make them easier to use later, although the process of note-taking is hugely beneficial even if you never look at the notes again). I read slowly enough to understand everything and look up anything I don't know. If I find a text difficult, I stop and figure out what text will prepare me for it and read that first. I usually have at least a few books going at a time on connected topics so they can each support my understanding of the others. I read with an e-reader and take notes at a computer, but whether you use that or paper is just a matter of personal preference.
If you can't do this for any reason, just absorbing what you can is a great starting place! No one should be stuck doing nothing because what they can do isn't perfect, but we should all work on improving our study skills and take study seriously. I'm a teacher and love to help comrades develop study skills, so if anyone wants individualized advice, feel free to reach out to me.
I love this movie! It gives you a chance to imagine what life might have been like and the challenges communists faced.