How I Annotate Books

[@phattturtle5677]

CONVINCED.

[@NayaReadsandSmiles]

YES!!!! *rubs hands together evilly*

[@TallRedCan]

I noticed you doing that a few times in the video xD

[@BreakingStubad]

@MAKENNAH ENGLE I've never written in books but my fellow Language Arts teacher was horrified that I break my book's spines and dogear the pages (yes, I do realise its 2 years later)

[@dyl7194]

When I started watching booktube, I was so obsessed with keeping my books tidy and clean that the smallest dent used to upset me. I then found a video where the girl said that the damages you cause to your book gives it personality. It really got me thinking so I stopped stressing about how tidy my books should look, rather how I felt comfortable reading them. I like the fact that you write in your books but I find writing in a notebook of reviews is better for me :)

[@ona9993]

im sooo hesitant to start doing this, i want to sosoo bad but i cant physically bring myself to do it, it’s a working progress tho

[@jasminachetioui3468]

Yes ! I know that too well

[@SaintNobody]

The resale value is already depreciated. Might as well let your kids know your thoughts.

[@mayfia]

Have you started yet?

[@Ketutar]

@@SaintNobody If there is any resale value to begin with. Charity shops are full of books no-one wants. People could just as well see their books as photocopies.

[@erinmarie27]

I did this with the 1st Harry Potter book! I didn't use the copy I owned though, I went to the thrift store and found a cheap copy there so it didn't matter if I wrecked it lol

[@yaisareadsbooks3515]

Where have you been all my life!???? I have been criticized for abusing my books or just mistreating them and I feel that the marks you leave behind brings the story of the person reading the books!! I want my daughters to remember my marks on my books and what I loved about them 20 years from now

[@rocknregalia]

Annotating is key to interacting with a text (that was my teacher voice). Now, I won't annotate in a collectors edition though. I prefer paperbacks for studying and annotation.

[@coffeebean_]

Agreed! Or if there is a classic hard cover that is limited edition, I wont annotate in it.

[@della9884]

I don't write in my books but I have a separate "reading journal" in which I usually write the quote or whatever I liked and the page number and maybe a comment of mine. This might be an alternative for some people. The only problem is that I always have to have this notebook and and a pen by my side while reading

[@JayGTheAwkwardBookworm]

I am far too lazy to annotate. You have such commitment 😂

[@logann-mackenziefroste563]

I am convinced to write/annotate my books!

[@xxfaithyxx1]

Side note - I *love* the headwrap and hoop earrings combo. So beautiful!

[@marty2476]

I just watch cause she is so joyful !!

[@BooksInFive]

WRITE IN YO' BOOKS. Getting used books with notes and doodles is my favorite thing in the world.

[@hej_nisi]

YEAH IKR?

[@awildkiru]

Books In Five Sameeee, I’m like reading some else thoughts which I find fantastic.

[@therobin980]

@@awildkiru yesss finally people who understand me haha

[@awildkiru]

the Robin yasss

[@glennamahar3323]

That’s what made me hesitant to start! I wanted other people to be able to enjoy them but don’t know if they’d want my thoughts on the sides… it’s nice to hear other people might actually like that!

[@Byerlyn]

I've written in and highlighted my books for years and love to read books that other people have annotated. Thanks for this encouraging video. It was refreshing to see someone be real with their books.

[@BasicallyBrittx]

I loved this!! I just started annotating my books but I use a pencil to underline sentences because I'm still a bit scared that the ink of a highlighter will show through the pages, especially if the pages are a bit thin.

[@g2ace_76]

She is the happiest youtubers I've ever watched😂

[@whateverkimberly]

Naya!!! You evil genius, this essay has made my scream in triumph and scream "YES! I'm not alone!!" I'm an emotional tabber; I have a hard time putting my thoughts into words and I created my own system so that a different color represents those thoughts and I can look back and physically SEE my emotional journey. You said it truly and wisely "its glue and paper, the value IS in the words" AND in the journey the story takes us on. ♥️

[@aquagamer1212]

Does writing on a sticky note and placing it inside the book count? 😂😂 I personally can't write in books, I don't like the way it looks. But I don't think it's bad 💙

[@Sarah-hj4jj]

A sticky note! Now there's an idea! I may give that a try . . .

[@Ketutar]

Of course it does. It's also a gateway drug... ;-) You start with sticky notes and washi tape and tabs and end up gluing on extra paper for your illustrations and magazine scraps...

[@1Inked4Heart3]

@@Ketutar I love this and can total see it happening ..

[@KellyAnotherAdventure]

Or you could write in pencil? It's what I do. A throw back to my student days, when I was studying literature. It's easier to tweak ideas/re-phrase your own commentary when you go back and read again.

[@riley.0419]

I got transparent sticky notes and that’s what I use instead of writing in the book

[@Courtagonist]

I LOVE ANNOTATIONS! They are amazing. I love read them from others because then you learn about the reader! I even love rereading a book I've annotated, and trying to see if I think of things differently! Great video!

[@codezwartekat]

"The value is within the words." Such a beautiful way to say that.

[@MegTheMaven]

Yes!!!!!! I love writing in my books because I don't plan on ever reselling my books. Like you I watch Booktube and no one is writing in their books so I thought it was wrong. Now that I have watched your video. Now I feel like......They are mine and I will highlight, write, dog ear pages all I want!!!! What kind of pens do you use to actually write with in your book?

[@kaylaEA_]

MegTheMaven if this helps, I use Pilot Precise V5 Extra Fine, it comes in lots of colors, is relatively cheap, writes smoothly (no skipping or globs of ink), and the extra fine point makes my small notes legible.

[@aestover91]

the manic energy with which you said "A Court of Mist and Fury" while listing the books you've annotated the most was...... highkey relatable fashfasdf

[@Crazygal713]

Thank you!!!!! You got me annotating... I haven’t done any annotating since high school when we were reading atonement and I forget how much I actually love it, it’s so refreshing!!!

[@CeCe1066]

I love ur enthusiasm!!! I've occasionally thought about annotating some of my favorite books that I tend to reread because to me, annotations add a personal touch to books and allow you to be more connected to the story (depending on how you annotate). But I've never done it because I was so scared of ruining my books!! Now, just seeing how passionate you are about annotating your books makes me wanna do it! Not only that but just seeing how happy and energetic you become when you talk about your books makes me wanna grab a random book and just READ! I haven't read a new book in about a month, partly because I don't have the time due to other activities and partly because I have no inspiration to read but thankfully I found this video and you make me want to start reading more😄

[@nohemireale2427]

I love annotating and dog earing and highlighting… I feel like a book feels well loved when you care enough about the content to do such things!!!

[@curiouslykaylee]

Recently I have been thinking about writing in my books, but I was kind of lenient to do what I used to think was "destroying" books. This past year I had to annotate my books for my English class, and now this video has made me want to start annotating books for fun.

[@herschmannbooks1875]

I just started to write in my books!! I'm both excited and nervous about ever mark I make. Thanks for telling how you learned to write in books.

[@herschmannbooks1875]

Love the quote!!

[@kirtiaggarwal31]

you were so cheerful throughout the video and yes annotating isn't bad!!

[@jaelleouapou4578]

I love writing in my books! It makes it way more personalized and it's so fun to re-read a book and know what you thought the first time.

[@DivinesDream]

literally my new favorite booktuber, so glad i found your channel. I have kinda started annotating my books but havent been sure what to do. I love watching your videos they always make me smile! truly my inspiration

[@mylasmemories1475]

I love how you are always so enthusiastic! It just brightens my day everytime I watch ur videos!

[@kirtiaggarwal31]

Hi Naya, it was the first ever video I watched on your channnel and you really convinced me to annotate my books. Apart from that your cheerful and bubbly personality just adds up to the experience and makes me happy as well.

[@AlwiyiaYafii]

I used to sticky note my favourite parts in books but I stopped doing that, although I do miss it. I have tried writing in a book with pen but it felt wrong. I do think worn books look cool but the one thing I refuse to do is dog ear my pages! In the end, whoever bought the book has the right to do whatever they want with it!

[@genesisg.3047]

Ive always loved annotating for school but hadn't done it in my own reading but started doing it last summer. Love your videos!!

[@magictomes]

Yes! I was a literature major in college, and I always wrote and highlighted in my books and carried the habit over to my own reading. Yay for active reading!

[@sarahal-abbadi2076]

I've been staring at my laptop for a while with a blank expression on my face and literally 15 seconds into your video your energy already rubbed off on me and I'm smiling. I LOVE YOUR CHANNEL!

[@veganyblom5982]

a part of me is screaming for even thinking of doing this but in the end, you have me convinced! I loved this video, it really opened a new side of reading to me, that I hadn't even considered. Just keep doing you, you are so amazing and you always give​ me a smile. Thank you, Naya!

[@emmanikki8592]

... I think I might be convinced

[@katelynfox1082]

Thank you so much! I was always hesitant to write in my books, but now, thanks to you, I won't hold back anymore! this video saved my life! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[@kabu_jpeg]

I just started annotating after watching this, and i feel kind of like i have a deeper connection with the book if that makes sense??? You don't even know how grateful i am💖

[@taylor-dc4cf]

Ahhhh I’m so glad I found your channel! I’ve stumbled upon a few videos about writing in books and ever since I saw Pink Lemonade Read’s and Ariel’s and your video... I’m CONVINCED I’m gonna draw in and annotate Raven Boys now💞

[@Jonathan-pm8lg]

very helpful, i loved it. it helped me in my journey to annotating books

[@crystalsbooknook6339]

I love this! I've always been scared to write in my books but I'm over it, like you said the value is in the words!! I love that you have "conversation" with the characters. 💕

[@a_mioduszewski]

Gosh i love your energy and you really convinced me to annotate books, gonna do my first one right now! Thanks!

[@briannaflowers7131]

You convinced me to start annotating my books! Love doing that now! Thank you so much!

[@evadierickx9615]

You've turned me over to the pink side! I've just started marking my first book.

[@booksandpies2256]

You should definitely read Inkheart by Cornelia Funke! It's a middlegrade series about a family that also loves books and has a special talent: they can read characters out of their books! The main character Meggie also annotates her books and the book has these amazing quotes about readers and books. I definitely recommend these series!

[@ziggy-xo8ni]

I want this series rn😮

[@M00NBL0SS0M]

I remember this series, and it was so good, I absolutely loved it

[@xxflipchick22xx]

Loved that article! I have to try annotating my books now

[@mayascagedbird]

First time viewer here. I love your energy! Another reason to annotate books, for me at least, is that I love reading books that friends, family members, teachers, etc... have read. If there are annotated by them, even better, as it gives me a window into that person, their time and place. I hope my annotated books are read by my sons, grandchildren, nieces and nephews so that they may better know me and serve as a basis for understanding me, my thinking, and my culture. I'd rather have a book passed down to me from someone who has read it, than a brand new, never been read book :)

[@spilltheteasisss1206]

Your energy gives me hope.

[@makennavandyne3921]

I have been annotating my books now ever since I first saw this video when you originally posted it. Thanks for the new perspective girl!

[@hayleymarie630]

I love to watch this video as inspiration right before I read and annotate

[@CompletelyMelanie]

I cannot help but smile when I watch your videos!

[@thisstoryaintover]

wow i just found your channel and LOVE this video! you've officially convinced me to annotate more often now!

[@katl.7586]

Also, as a writer myself, nothing would feel more gratifying to me than seeing someone annotate my stories. Engaging with the text that actively is the biggest compliment you can give an author. 💖

[@hayleywhyte9840]

THAT ESSAY WAS BEAUTIFUL AND MOVING AND EVERYTHING I NEEDED RIGHT NOW; THANK YOU FOR SHARING IT!

[@Kristin-A-Book-Dragon]

Convinced, Gonna write in my favorite books that I plan to keep and reread.Thank you Naya

[@grungegirl1604]

I haven't watched you before and as soon as the video played all I could think was "How is she so happy?" but then I continued watching and I got used to it and now I am happy that you are super happy! And now I wanna try and annotate my books.

[@Dipr3ssjoni]

I love your positive energy.. it honesty warms my heart ♥️ p.s I’m going to annotate my Harry Potter books from now on because there’s so much that I love in those books and it’s honestly sooo heartbreaking when you just forget your favorite lines, chapters, scenes or when something spectacular happens.. I’m officially convinced

[@rebekahc2632]

WOW. I just read that essay, and I'm so ready to start annotating my books!!!!

[@emmylou444]

How am I just now finding your channel?! You are so positive and you made me smile! I subscribed!

[@caseylofton4336]

I normally don't annotate my books. However, for my favorite book (TFIOS), I tabbed, highlighted, and wrote in it each time I've reread it and it was the best thing! I love to see what struck me when I read it before and how I was feeling in that moment. I will continue to do so each time I reread it until practically every page is marked up!

[@zoeymanae6325]

Hey Naya I love how passionate you are with books

[@lestay40]

Thanks Naya! This video has convinced me to annotate and write in my books!

[@alec9524]

Thank you! I don’t understand people who are so anal about not writing in books. Few material things bring me as much joy as a well-annotated book. It just feels like I’ve engaged with a text so much more when I write or highlight in it.

[@cass4701]

You've convinced me! Definitely will give that essay a read too

[@coocoointhebrains]

oh thank goodness, i found this video. it's so eye-opening and i really loved it and I'll start from now to integrate the advice you and mr. adler gave. Thank you so much for this. I believe this will really help me.

[@khaylawilliams9322]

You haven definitely convinced me to start annotating my books!

[@bookmarksandbookshelves3998]

I love that quote from the essay! I'm so close to being convinced. I'm mostly scared about making mistakes or writing something stupid! :)

[@jennaflores8850]

Your energy is contagious LOVE IT.

[@caseyraleigh5517]

Once you've started its literally impossible to stop

[@ONYXPages]

I annotate ALL the time! Especially if I'm going to review them on my channel. Love that you did this!

[@yanamae5359]

I love writing on my books! Whenever I go back to it I would see all my previous thoughts on it.

[@yeyabrowneyes]

thanks to that essay I started annotating in my books years ago. It's so good!

[@suzyspeaksgerman]

You've inspired me to write in my books more! I love the idea that my books have been used and well loved, not just kept pristine. ❤️

[@theteacupbrigade8242]

One, you are adorable. Two, this is such a cool idea! This really makes your books your own. You know, a lot of family history is found out through annotations in books, specifically bibles. I took a genealogy class in high school and we were taught that before formal records were kept about births and deaths usually people trying to learn about their families could find information like that in annotations in bibles because mothers would mark what was happening in their lives on the page that they were reading that day. So really, annotating your books like that is sort of like leaving behind a legacy for your loved ones after you’re gone

[@meritreads90]

LOVE IT!! I usually buy a second copy (usually paperback) of an impactful book and annotate that one instead of my beautiful (and more expensive) hardcover.

[@teatimewitht6937]

I annotate my books too! Usually when I want to write reviews or when I enjoy the book a lot and what to draw up theories. I use more sticky notes than actual writing in the book, but it allows me to be analytical and look at things more closely as opposed to just casually reading the book- devising your own theories are so much more fun.

[@armystaytinyheart956]

You convinced me! I read the essay and I really want to thank you for this 😃😊

[@tardirosal]

I'm gonna try to highlight and annotate in pencil to start! but I'm definitely giving it a try!

[@hardbackhoarder]

i LOVED this video. If i really love a book I buy a second copy to annotate usually. but writing little snarky comments on the side is the BEST

[@Alic3v3nus]

Does she always talk like this?? Cause it's so cute and happy and I'm feeling very happy! I love people who talk about something they love with so much joy!!

[@toastyturtle]

Because of you I now write in my book, thank you. It's actually freeing after trying to keep my books perfect.

[@artsyellie9090]

i have watched a lot of how to annotate books videos and was not convinced,,,, but thanks to this video i definitely will start!

[@agustinacaceres7352]

I’m going to try and anotate during my jane eyre re-read, it’s one of my favourite books of all time, and i have a feeling i’m going to love doing it. I just have to be brave 😋

[@NovelteaCorner]

I'm really looking forward to reading the essay you shared. I don't often write or highlight in my books, but I colour code tabs for a whole range of things in books and most books end up looking like I threw a rainbow over the edges. I've also been known to dog ear pages and occasionally deface hard cover books. But I firmly believe, and have always believed, that perfect looking books are not the goal of a bookshelf - books should look like they've been loved!

[@xxflipchick22xx]

I recently reread HP6 and you inspired me to write on it. It was so much fun!

[@dtimmymoua]

You got me! Sold! I’m gonna start right when my BookOutlet order comes in!!!

[@KMRobinsonBooks]

I am definitely not one to write in books (unless I'm annotating one of my own books to send to a fan who won a contest or something lol) but I'm an avid note taker. Whenever I see a line I love, I write it in a note on my phone with the page number and I keep running list of all the things I love from all the books I love! When I was a teen, I used to use notecards or sticky notes to mark the pages of my books with passages I loved. Pretty sure they're still sitting on my shelf in my childhood room somewhere...I should find out next time I'm in there! haha

[@isabringsuthehorizon]

THANK YOU!! I started to mark lines in ebooks in my kindle but I thought I would never do that with physical copies. But I'm gonna start doing this

[@laurenpowell6868]

I wish you were my English teacher right now you have so much enthusiasm for literature and it would be so exciting to be in a class with you as a student!!

[@Amyduckie]

I honestly am so glad I started annotating. I feel like I can see all my emotions when I look at the tabs. Even for some books that didn’t get good ratings (I only annotate rereads) if you choose the right books to annotate, you won’t ever regret it. That’s my thinking anyway, I don’t really think there’s a wrong way. I just have found that because I’ve annotated them, those books are important and special just for that deep dive into the text, even if they didn’t rate highly. It makes me love them in their own way.

[@misskittengames1892]

LOVE the way you annotate.

[@srod31]

What highlighters do you use that don't bleed through the page ?

[@legslikewhoa]

Sabrina Rodriguez those bible highlighters are good. Also the zebra mild liners are amazing

[@yerbasicnerd]

the mildliners are actually pretty good

[@byoncerodriguez444]

omg I’m in love with your personality you are so bubbly I love itttt

[@anisaj2282]

I thought no one could convince me to annotate my books you are a wizard and you did it I am going to annotate from this day forward thank you.

[@ParsimoniousTV]

I love this. I always highlight my books and I never make any effort to keep them in perfect condition. If I wanted to keep a book perfect then I would just check it out from the library. To me the whole point of buying a book is having the freedom to mess it up a bit.

[@rebeccas2156]

I've probably watched this video about 20 time! I love it and you have convinced me to annotate my books on the second read!!! I was wondering if you couldn't mind making another video maybe a bit more in depth on other ways to annotate. I know it's all very individualized, but just to get a better idea...I don't know, but I'm very excited to try it out!!!!

[@viccantanhede]

This video changed me. And that article makes some great points as well 💜💜💜

[@RebeccaBexDale]

Wow! I can't wait to try this!

[@diana.herrera]

you convinced me, I printed the essay and it was the best thing I could've done. I only came back to thank you for this. I love you nana. keep up the good work

[@kaylagonzalez3599]

I went here expecting to feel the same way about writing in my books, but now... I’ve been convinced. I cannot believe I’ve been convinced. Thank you Naya.