I might start to study in year 10 - but unlike most kids in grade 8 I already know shit that most others don't. And if I don't know it, I'm a fast learner. I can read a paragraph from my text book (5 minutes) and work it out logically from there.
When I was learning moderate Java - I had minor previous experience with C++, but not enough as to make me "good". I pressed myself to read a 1000 page ebook, and now look: I can program! Its magic! /* sarcasm */ Logically, here are some good ways to study:
Write down notes/questions about each chapter that you read. At the end of each chapter, ask yourself some questions. If you can't answer the questions, flip back to the respective page and read it again.
find a study group or partner. Its often fun to exchange ideas between each other rather than sit in a lonely dark room at 11PM trying to understand how x fits in to y. (well, that was an example - I know perfectly good algebra

).
Find a place where you think is peaceful, such as the beach or a glade in the woods. Absorb the area around you (meditate), relax, and read at your own pace.