How I Annotate My Books

There's something about a book that's already been read through - the soft, dog-eared corners, highlighted lines, tiny notes in the margins. Annotation isn't just a habit for me; it's how I stay present with a story, how I interact with it, and how I remember why a book mattered after I've closed it.

My Tools of Choice

While other people like to highlight and mark their books, I'm a very different person. I love using my colored, transparent tabs to keep me updated with my story. It keeps me from losing purpose.

At first, my annotations were color coordinated - pink was romantic, red was spicy, and black holds plot twists. But now it's evolved to a single color per book, matching the colored tabs to the book cover.

I use my tabs still for cute little things happening, plot twists, quotes that made me chuckle, and scenes that made me cry. I can always go back and look through my tabs to see what I've enjoyed and reread certain parts.

Why I Annotate

Annotation helps me in ways I've never thought before.

While growing up, I've always had to mark inside my book for classes, and I hated every possible second of it. It felt wrong. I felt like a sin to the book gods. Now, it's so much easier with my tabs.

Tabbing helps me stay engaged, especially with dense and emotional books. I can remember details and use them to craft honest, thoughtful reviews. I connect with characters differently, as if I'm having a conversation with them. And, I track my growth as rereading what I've enjoyed feels like time travel.

Final Thoughts

While I don't like to write or highlight in mine, I understand that others have a unique way of doing it their own. Highlighting and writing stills helps them stay engaged, and leaving notes for the next person is something magical.

Never be afraid to 'mess up' your books in your own style. Consider it as a permission slip. Your books are yours. Let them hold your thoughts, reactions, questions, and heart.

And, if you already annotate, I'd love to know how your process differs from mine. There's no wrong way to have a conversation with a story.