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annotating books: what, why, & how?
annotating books: what, why, & how?
enjoy the article, or scroll to the bottom to find suggestions for building an annotation started kit
WHAT
WHAT
"annotating" is, essentially, a fancy way to refer to note-taking. when done for fun, it's just a method for tracking your thoughts and reactions to stories. that might sound a bit like homework, but bear with me -- there are actually some benefits that make annotating a satisfying practice.
WHY
WHY
1. annotating can help you stay engaged in the story: your phone is buzzing, tiktok is calling, and stress from work is nagging in the back of your mind. those are all common (and legit!) reasons that you might fall out of a story. enter, annotating. it makes reading an active process. with note-taking, you stay IN it.
2. it helps you make connections and predictions: any SJM theorists out there? good luck keeping up with the many connections, themes, and breadcrumbs without a *hefty* set of color-coded notes (...or with the help of booktok).
3. it helps you understand and retain the story: how many times have you read a full page before realizing you didn't actually take anything in? annotating is often used as a study-technique, because taking notes in your own words helps memory and comprehension!
4. it's super cute: & that's enough!
HOW
HOW
this is where i get to tell you the fun part: you can annotate however you want. unless you're doing an assignment for school or work, the world is your oyster. do what makes sense for YOUR brain. here are some tips:
1. set your intention: it sounds silly, but ask yourself: what am i looking for? setting a purpose will help you to plan ahead, and remember to annotate as you go. for example, you might plan to make a note when:
you make a prediction
there's a spicy scene
you spy a theme
a certain character, or set of characters, are featured
you make a connection to another book, series, or piece of info.
2. color code: once you know what you're looking for, you can designate the colors. for instance, maybe you'll use a red flag sticky tab every time dain touches violet's face. to make your annotation aesthetically pleasing, match the highlight/tab colors to the cover of the book.
3. keep a journal: use a journal to keep track of your colors & notes. a journal is also good if you don't want to write directly in your book. if you do this, remember to note the page number!
colorful tabs
clear stickies
aesthetic highlighters
book journal
Psst, one more thing before you embark on your gifting journey: some of the links we've shared are enchanted affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase through them, a sprinkle of the proceeds comes back our way, helping us keep the magic alive. So, go on and wield those links like a seasoned sorcerer, and may your gadventures be as rewarding as finding a hidden treasure. Happy annotating, you legends of fantasy generosity!
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