Lesson: Today’s session, ‘Let’s Talk About Annotation,’ focuses on a valuable skill for those reading non-fiction: annotation. Annotating a book is a way of making your reading interactive, engaging, and personalized. It helps in better comprehension, retention, and critical thinking. I’ll share with you a color-coded system I use, but remember, the key is toContinue reading Day 15 – Let’s Talk About Annotation
I’ve always written in the margins and underlined interesting or memorable passages. I use only one color highlighter per book typically. Then I use blue or black gel or ballpoint pen to make notes. Sometimes, I write major notes on blank pages at the beginning or end of the book. This year I also keep a digital record of books I have read, the author, and dates I read them. And a summary of my opinions and an AI summary. By hand I keep a numerical list of books I read and record where I got the book. Also, I note if it was audible or e-text or hard copy paperback or hard back. Further, in a binder, I keep an alphabetical list of authors and their books I’ve read and the date I read them. By keeping these three methods of tracking I can fairly quickly find which books I’ve read, when, author, and summaries. I tried keeping an Excel spreadsheet sheet but I like writing by hand much better. I have read so many books some years since I’ve retired that sometimes I can’t even remember the plots. I find that even books I read for pure entertainment often have topics or elements or themes that can apply to everyday life.
Now that I am reading more slowly and consciously making notes and seeking to apply the ideas, I will not read as many books as previously but I am convinced I will have more tools in my adulting tool kit from my experiences with becoming a focused reader.