For the first few years after I started blogging, I took notes for reviews like crazy when I was reading. Somewhere along the way, I decided that was pulling me away from just getting swept up in books. Now I mark a few passages that especially speak to me but, otherwise, take very few notes.
Except when I'm reading on my Nook, when it's easy to drag my finger along the page and tape "Highlight." Just the other day I realized that Nooks keep all of the notes ever taken on any books read on it. So many little writing gems that I never shared in my reviews. So, periodically, I'll share some of them and I'd love to have you share the things you've found that particularly stand out in books you've read.
First up, from Where'd You Go, Bernadette:
"Chihuly are the pigeons of Seattle. They're everywhere, and even if they don't get in your way, you can't help but build up a kind of antipathy toward them."
I found this so funny because here in Omaha we're very proud of the Chihuly pieces we have. Imagine comparing something so beautiful to a pigeon!
And:
"Maybe that's what religion is, hurling yourself off a cliff and trusting that something bigger will take care of you and carry you to the right place."To which I say, Amen. I couldn't get through life without believing this.
Do you own a Nook and were you aware that it retained all of your notes and highlights? If not, I highly recommend checking it out!
I have a Kindle and find myself highlighting things all the time. It's really handy.
ReplyDeleteDo you ever find yourself going back to those highlights, though, and wondering why you highlighted things? Sometimes I've just baffled myself!
DeleteI do! Even one a book I just read. WHY DID I HIGHLIGHT THIS?!?! ;P
DeleteI never highlight or write down notes. Ever. It just does not feel natural to me to do so. However, if I come across a passage in a print edition that strikes me as worthy of remembering, it is the only time I give myself permission to dog-ear a book. Of course, this only works if I actually keep the book when I finish reading it...
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad I don't do notes any more. I was absolutely convinced that I was going to miss something in writing my review that was important but reading just felt like work when I did that and who needs that!
DeleteI have a Kindle Paperwhite and love this feature.
ReplyDeleteI haven't really gone back through my Kindle to look at the passages I've highlighted after finishing a book. You've got me wanting to do that though. Just to see if they mean anything to me now.
ReplyDeleteI used to take notes while reading too, but stopped somewhere along the line for the same reason you mention. I sometimes will still jot down a thought--or highlight a passage--but not as often as I used to.
LOVE these!
ReplyDeleteI remember being introduced to Chihuly and over the years, found out these pieces are EVERYWHERE. Like McDonalds. I like them, I do, but the excitement has worn off when I find one.
That second quote is really lovely, what a nice explanation.
ReplyDeleteWe had a Chihuly exhibit here in Dallas and it was quite lovely! When I heard that bit in Where'd You Go, Bernadette I scoffed a bit, too.
ReplyDeleteI love being able to drag my finger across the screen. I'll sometimes send little quotes to Evernote from the Kindle page (my Nook is gone) but I should do this more often! Having the highlight feature is definitely something I miss when reading on paper.
I also used to make a lot of notes while reading but now do very little of that. I am still trying to find a balance in that.
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