Why annotating books is an intellectual practice and should be done by every serious reader!

It doesn’t matter if it’s fiction or nonfiction, even though I tend to annotate nonfiction a little bit more. Here is my argument for why you're not destroying the book - rather, you interact with it which is a huge compliment for the author!

You are too scared to "ruin" the books

I bet you think it's disrespectful too... And let me tell you, as an author myself: it's the greatest compliment ever, if I hear that someone annotates my books! Why? Because my words made you reflect and react! We're having a conversation...

I wonder were these thoughts and opinions come from. Shouldn't literature be a conversation anyway? It should be a two way street. At least in my opinion. I have a suspicion that the thought of "ruining" books has a root in fear of disrespect of someones work. However, I will tell you: you won't disrespect it. If you want to practice deep thinking you need to try this practice. If you don't like it, fine, you don't have to continue doing it!

You think it looks ugly

What is more important, though? Your thoughts and an intelligent practice or that your handwriting is a bit messy? I don't understand why we have become more obsessed with not making mistakes and to avoid imperfections at all times on the expense of intelligence nowadays!

Everywhere it's such an emphasis on "aesthetics". In this practice, you can - of course - be creative with doodles and such, but try to practice "intelligent imperfections"! It might give you benefits you weren't aware of!

You don't see the point?

If you still don't see the point by now, maybe it's not your thing. And if you aren't a reader of books overall, I understand that as well. But as a book lover, I challange you to at least reflect upon why it's a hard no to write in your books! What's the "root reason"?

Here are some reasons to annotate your books:

• You practice deep reading: while analyzing what you read, you think deeper about the words on the paper (or e-reader/tablet).
• You practice critical thinking: you can even disagree with the author, reflect on what was read, write your own comments...
• Save good questions, answers and quotes! It's always good for reference.

But what if I just want to freaking read the book?!

I understand that, and that's valid too! Sometimes we just want to experience something for that moment and it's maybe not that deep. We can be exhausted and just want to relax. I mean, when I talk about annotating, that it should be a reflective, intelligent practice and I talk about it for people who are too afraid of ruining their books and are afraid of disrespecting the author. I want to argue why it's not disrespectful or dishonoring, but actually the contrary.

I would say passive reading is more dismissive to the written word.

/Trix