I’ve been known to buy my own copy of a library book just so I could mark it up, a higher form of literary pleasure. I can pull a book off the shelf and immediately find the passages that sang to me, encapsulating the beauty of the whole thing.
Reading more intentionally, notations and underling phrases and fun new words... love this! I laughed at “skimming a page or two till ambien kicks in!” 😁 So now I take my book in the middle of the day and read (while waiting for my second wind😄) where it means much more as I’m slowing down, sinking in to the story. I take photos of a passage and write cool word and descriptions in my notebook if a library book. This is how to read, to fully cross from reader to better writer imo! Well done, Karen 😊❤️
I think I have read all of Morrison’s novels--all amazing. I also like it that she’s from Lorain...Marking up books is an old practice & I’ve enjoyed hours researching what this or that well-known figure cared to underscore or argue with via marginal notes. PS: And yes, I miss your book reviews.
“Computers and cell phones have turned me into a skimmer. Slowing down allows the story to stick, so that in six months, when I'm thinking back on the time I spent with this wonderful writer and her characters, I might recall more than just a sense of whether or not I liked the book. You know that feeling, right? My book club friends laugh about it sometimes. "I know I read and liked it, but I can't remember anything about it."” Yes, yes, yes!
I read voraciously! And I also am more discerning about my book choices, closing the books which don't grab my heart. I have said that I read fluff on my Kindle but must hold literature in my hands. I find that I retain less of my Kindle reads than when holding a book. I've even forgotten the name of the book I'm reading on Kindle. That said, it is mighty convenient to take a Kindle on a trip or vacation!
But, there is something about opening a book, smelling the paper, turning the pages which feeds my soul. My sweet partner asked me if I have ever been lonely...never...I've always had books.
I know I said this before, but I loved your time as book editor. Even though I didn't always love all of your book recommendations, you made me want to read them. I was so sad when you moved on to other things. I'll reread Beloved, merely because my favorite book editor enjoys it.
Lovely❣️ We learned to not write in our books way back in elementary school with text books handed down year to year. I remember in college when I finally gave up and began making notes and highlights in my texts. I rarely write in my own books now - the notion of treasuring the pristine… but I use book darts to mark the most meaningful portion. Tho when I look back at the darted messages I see that it would be more meaningful now if I had added annotations (and marked the beginning and end of the highlight. 🙄) I shall rethink my process. I have markers of many favored colors which I don’t use otherwise.
Loved this. But what about those of us who now read almost exclusively on out Kindles? I miss my paper books terribly-- the smell, the feel, etc. But I can and do read in bed while my husband drifts off to sleep. Also, I am able to slip the device into my bag for reading anywhere.
I used to be one of those that tried to keep my books pristine, this stimmed from loaning a book to someone I thought was a friend in junior high. The book was, eventually, returned to me in shreds. Needless to say the friendship did not withstand her lack of respect. Something changed in me in my 30's though, I started dog-earing and highlighting like there was no tomorrow, it seemed like almost everything I read had something to say directly to me. Like so many, the distraction of my cell phone has changed the way I read, and not for the better. These days I seem to be listening to mostly audioobooks, but even then I'll stop the book and take notes and jot down my thoughts on particular passages.
I’ve been known to buy my own copy of a library book just so I could mark it up, a higher form of literary pleasure. I can pull a book off the shelf and immediately find the passages that sang to me, encapsulating the beauty of the whole thing.
This is just great!
Reading more intentionally, notations and underling phrases and fun new words... love this! I laughed at “skimming a page or two till ambien kicks in!” 😁 So now I take my book in the middle of the day and read (while waiting for my second wind😄) where it means much more as I’m slowing down, sinking in to the story. I take photos of a passage and write cool word and descriptions in my notebook if a library book. This is how to read, to fully cross from reader to better writer imo! Well done, Karen 😊❤️
Thanks so much, Joan!
I think I have read all of Morrison’s novels--all amazing. I also like it that she’s from Lorain...Marking up books is an old practice & I’ve enjoyed hours researching what this or that well-known figure cared to underscore or argue with via marginal notes. PS: And yes, I miss your book reviews.
thank you, Laura!
“Computers and cell phones have turned me into a skimmer. Slowing down allows the story to stick, so that in six months, when I'm thinking back on the time I spent with this wonderful writer and her characters, I might recall more than just a sense of whether or not I liked the book. You know that feeling, right? My book club friends laugh about it sometimes. "I know I read and liked it, but I can't remember anything about it."” Yes, yes, yes!
I read voraciously! And I also am more discerning about my book choices, closing the books which don't grab my heart. I have said that I read fluff on my Kindle but must hold literature in my hands. I find that I retain less of my Kindle reads than when holding a book. I've even forgotten the name of the book I'm reading on Kindle. That said, it is mighty convenient to take a Kindle on a trip or vacation!
But, there is something about opening a book, smelling the paper, turning the pages which feeds my soul. My sweet partner asked me if I have ever been lonely...never...I've always had books.
It's true: We are never lonely with a book. ♥️
I know I said this before, but I loved your time as book editor. Even though I didn't always love all of your book recommendations, you made me want to read them. I was so sad when you moved on to other things. I'll reread Beloved, merely because my favorite book editor enjoys it.
Thanks, Paige! That was a wonderful job for sure.
Lovely❣️ We learned to not write in our books way back in elementary school with text books handed down year to year. I remember in college when I finally gave up and began making notes and highlights in my texts. I rarely write in my own books now - the notion of treasuring the pristine… but I use book darts to mark the most meaningful portion. Tho when I look back at the darted messages I see that it would be more meaningful now if I had added annotations (and marked the beginning and end of the highlight. 🙄) I shall rethink my process. I have markers of many favored colors which I don’t use otherwise.
Loved this. But what about those of us who now read almost exclusively on out Kindles? I miss my paper books terribly-- the smell, the feel, etc. But I can and do read in bed while my husband drifts off to sleep. Also, I am able to slip the device into my bag for reading anywhere.
It's an issue. I also read on Kindle and listen to audiobooks. All forms have their advantages!
Oh...the deliciousness of slow reading, the pleasure of defacing a book...I hear you. And I am going to get myself a copy of "Beloved". Thank You :)
I used to be one of those that tried to keep my books pristine, this stimmed from loaning a book to someone I thought was a friend in junior high. The book was, eventually, returned to me in shreds. Needless to say the friendship did not withstand her lack of respect. Something changed in me in my 30's though, I started dog-earing and highlighting like there was no tomorrow, it seemed like almost everything I read had something to say directly to me. Like so many, the distraction of my cell phone has changed the way I read, and not for the better. These days I seem to be listening to mostly audioobooks, but even then I'll stop the book and take notes and jot down my thoughts on particular passages.