Social media has undoubtedly made book annotation a trend. Log on to Booktok or Bookstagram and you’re likely to see perfectly curated photos and videos of books aesthetically highlighted, underlined, tabbed and written in in just the right way to get the most likes. Book tabs and highlighters chosen specifically to match the color palate of the cover. Bubbly, easily-legible handwriting we all would have been envious of in high school.
Annotating books isn’t just a recent trend, people have been doing this for as long as we’ve been reading and writing. And it turns out, there are many benefits to annotating books.
Improves Comprehension and Memory
This analysis of 3 studies shows that the act of physically writing notes improves the ability to recall information on the subject the notes were on. We’re able to better memorize and recall the things we write about.
Whenever you annotate your books you’ll be able to remember the material longer and with a deeper level of understanding than if you hadn’t.
Improves Critical Reading Skills
Slowing down and analyzing the book you’re reading will aid in improving critical reading skills which deepens your personal understanding of a text.
The study mentioned above also shows that there is a significant improvement in the ability to discuss conceptual ideas around the topics the notes were on–meaning there is a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Annotating helps us parse meaning from the material. Things like important themes, motifs, and beautiful prose are more likely to be spotted and appreciated when we annotate.
More Enjoyment From Reading
Speed reading has become a trend in the social media age. Everyone in online spaces seems to want to brag about how many how many books they can get through in a year.
When you think more carefully about what you’re reading, you’re more likely to draw more enjoyment from it. We all love spending time thinking about the things we love and annotating forces you to slow down and really revel in those things.
Makes Reading an Even More Personal Experience
Annotating your books is like creating your own piece of art. You get to choose how to annotate it. Which tabs to use. Which colors to highlight with. What is meaningful to you or makes you laugh or cry.
If you haven’t tried annotating your books yet, slow down and give it a try. You just might see some benefits from it and have fun along the way.
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