How I take notes from books

Today we're taking a look at how I take notes from the non-fiction books I read.
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[@Thomasfrank]

🤔 Do you take notes on what you read? If so, how does your system differ from mine? 🦙 Here's my 1% Rule log for this video: - Tony (my editor) and I learned how to create volumetric fog and dusty particle effects, which are used in the section cards - Learned how to create interesting background lighting behind props - More practice with my edelkrone jib to get some of the coffee b-roll shots What is the 1% Rule? Essentially, it's the idea that you should aim to get 1% better with each piece of work you do, instead of pressuring yourself to create "perfect" work. Over time, these 1% improvements add up as long as you're consistent. More info, along with my journal for all videos, here: thomasjfrank.com/my-1-rule-journal/

[@sebastianpptt]

How to take notes from digital books?

[@zummotv1013]

What's your job other then youtube video?

[@rathehedgehog]

P

[@livelifestrong6300]

Thomas, I just want to say that the quality of your videos gets exponentially better every time and it's mindblowing! It's beautiful to look at and you deserve all the credit you get and then some. Keep it up good sir!

[@Katylicious]

I don't know if you have read my comment requesting this video if you didn't - you have read my mind so thank you for these tips! One thing I do in addition is making notes in the beginning or end of book with page number and brief description of what I underlined which creates my proper index of sorts. Again thank you for awesome videos! Lots of love!

[@Siriusly10]

0:48 “Books that interest you” Ali: Smiles reading Twilight

[@syedsadaat2]

Who is ali?

[@rasenowo605]

@@syedsadaat2 LMAO

[@funastacia]

I love how you and Ali have each other in b-roll 😅😍

[@FearlessDreams]

or in other words, they have each other b-acks 😂

[@curiousmercurius3562]

Настя, привет! 💗

[@ReeceIovine1]

Note taking is something I've always struggled with. I read A LOT, but I always feel like I didn't retain as much as I could of...super helpful video, THANK YOU!

[@AgentThursday]

*could’ve

[@pedro.falcao]

I also read a lot, and felt the same as you. Since i've started note taking, i noticed that i'm much more engaged with the content of the book, and am able to understand more fully, which, in turn, made it easier to remember... On the other hand, it does take a lot more of time, and so it made me read less than i used to (even because of the mental resistence of going to do hard work). But it's worth it... i'm doing it for those books that i would really love to include in my repertoire.

[@Arun134Ytr45]

@@pedro.falcao I use quote block iOS app to save quotes from physical books. It is a neat app :D

[@Tom-de2vd]

Ali looked so happy in that clip😂

[@nivethasivakumar3740]

😆he did look so happy!

[@waltz9230]

Tbh he looked more cocky than “happy” ngl

[@arjuadhikari8528]

he is reading twilight . what could we expect ! haha

[@My.Lifes.Journey]

😂😂😂

[@dyahannurrr]

Aliiii....

[@shotono3286]

0:45 Ali being cute in this scene almost distracted me from the fact that he was reading TWILIGHT xD

[@nivethasivakumar3740]

😆

[@tonghsengsom]

I saw Thomas in one of Ali's Vlog .. I don't think it's coincidence 😂

[@lilyluvspink]

I was looking for someone to comment on this. Thank you.

[@thirteenwolfies]

My thoughts exactly!!

[@tharmaster2565]

1. Read * Ideally, you want your reading time to be spent with as much focus and attention as possible. Whether that means taking necessary breaks, switching spots, or working in the morning, find what is necessary to get the most out of your reading 2. Highlight * Its important to organize notes in a way to capture everything that’s important, without spending too much time annotating, and there’s a system that’s decent for this: * Place a Q for quotes that are really good from the book. Have a ? for moments of disagreement or confusion. Place an F for when other books/articles are mentioned and you want to do further reading. Use a star for the quotes you want to read when you go skim the chapter and capture the most important pieces. Use “ex” for examples that back up main points. Sometimes writing notes is good if you really need to get something out of your head. 3. Record * Using your annotations and margins to take notes on the chapter and filter the most important things. Roam research has an app useful for organizing and connecting various notes together 4. Synthesize * Connecting the things you have to your notes that are personal to you and relatable. By doing this step, you are increasing the chances of you learning the subject because it now has a more anecdotal spot in your mind. (Writing down your own thoughts in italics) “Adapt what is useful, reject what is useless, and add what is specifically your own” -Bruce Lee

[@wardhamuneeb4393]

Best note taking ❤️🔥

[@Illbebacc]

That's how it's done right there folks. 👏

[@saisnigdhakodali6605]

0:44 I see that cheeky appearance by Ali.😂

[@DemetriPanici]

I love how u said “cheeky” too 😂

[@dudadrehmer9964]

Doing some cheeky reading 😂

[@Wingedmagician]

Reading Twilight of all things lol I loved that

[@subhanbaig7800]

he looks really happy😂

[@ChasingObstacles]

I personally read all of my books digitally and then highlight the key take aways, then I print it and turn it to a small notebook which I can later scroll through briefly and remember all the lessons from the book. The way that works best for me :)

[@Alexmar345]

That is the way I do it too! 😏

[@J0kerPlays]

You should rather read physicall books.

[@Alexmar345]

T R I P why?

[@ChasingObstacles]

Alex Mar the best way for sure!

[@ChasingObstacles]

T R I P there is not difference to be honest I used to read physical books but it’s just a hassle to order books online and wait until they deliver or go to a book store and buy them when you read a book a week.

[@XIANC]

Summary: 4 steps process 1. Read - read in with good comprehension to make good notes 2. Highlight - underline key terms, write on the margins, use book flags, create unique symbols that means something 3. Record - write down what you highlighted 4. Synthesize- find a way to connect the information you learned to what you already know (write your own thoughts in italics)

[@najrenchelf2751]

XIAN C, I’m not saying your profile pic matches your comment... ...I’m not doing that - but thank you! 😂

[@user-el9uc3mj9o]

thank's

[@Siel-bm7gx]

Thanks for the breakdown.

[@minayakarimova]

Thanks

[@nguyennick3674]

star symbol: general ideas, ex: example and F: Further reading, Q: confused passage

[@brianseguel5308]

To see you write on the books made me a bit uncomfortable so, for people who are like me I'll tell you this: I used to highlight and take notes on margins but with a graphite pencil and softly, now I don't since I like to have my books pristinely preserved. I do use flags but I try to use them sparingly. My current solution is to have a small notebook with me and similarly have a code for what I consider relevant. So I write down the page (p) and paragraph (pr), then I write down if it's something to "Quote", "Question" or Key Concepts. I will absolutely adopt Thomas's code though. It takes more time and is less efficient than writing on the books, so if you are like me and want your books as clean as possible you could try something like this.

[@onionvlogs5222]

That’s what I was thinking when we wrote on the book lmao

[@marionforge2769]

Symbols Star - general highlights Ex - examples F - further reading/follow up Q - quotes ? - disagree/need to verify

[@rutatutut]

! - Agree/yes

[@rutatutut]

Circle word - unsure what it means...look up now/later to define

[@Vivaswaan.]

I had searched so much on how to take notes from books. Could not find anything of value. So, Thomas, thanks a lot for this video. You are great!

[@riccardoconsolandi3392]

Perfect timing Thomas! I started to read Atomic Habits and decided to take notes, so now you're giving me some advice, great!

[@mansou4945]

I love the new Thomas,posting regularly,being active on KZbin more like the old days, I feel like it ON🔥and I'm here for it 👌👏... keep motivating us 💚🧡

[@princetonnguyen9984]

Love to see “how to take notes on videos.” Either for informative youtube videos or like videos for homework.

[@rafaeltrevino7627]

Lol, I just posted a tweet about this. There are so many ideas everywhere, and I need to do a better job of documenting (and synthesizing) them. Inspiration doesn’t just come from books anymore.

[@danayperezperez2586]

I agree!

[@youssefhanna]

I was JUST thinking about how other people take notes on books and you release this video. Thank you Thomas for your insane value with these videos! Much love from Egypt 🙌

[@matthewgowe]

I’m glad I got to catch this on time

[@nathan4801]

The video I was waiting for soo long, thank you Thomas!

[@billgross3579]

Thanks!!! I really needed this! Getting notes from reading has long been a stumbling block for me. This helps a ton.

[@darthvaderchic]

Happy start to my summer semester!! I can always count on you Thomas!!! You're advice is the best!!! 📚📔 Good luck with studies everyone!!

[@nicolasvfucci]

I was really in need of this video! Thanks, Thomas!

[@ashlinaramdutt3787]

Love this! I wish I could get more reading done but I am a lawyer and I read all day. I really miss academic reading and learning new things. You are correct, after University I feel as if I don't read anything new except if its in relation to work. When I read something new, I use voice notes so that I can play it back to myself to remind myself of what was said. I find I grasp the concept easier.

[@nopelol916]

„I have multiple personalities“, said Thomas, being frank.

[@EnigmaticTao]

Thomas the frank engine

[@sanjanajagadeesh5501]

I see what you did there

[@annieharover6617]

I finally started the book "The Power of Habit" which I know you've suggested many times...I just didn't realize how amazing it truly was! I will be sure to check out "Hyper Focus" when I have time. I'm going to apply what I am learning in "The Power of Habit" to create some key stone habits in my life. I look forward to checking out the other book you are recommending!

[@Foxygrandpa2131]

I've been waiting for you to make this video for years! Thank you!!

[@nidarshankumar8253]

I really respect how you guys respect each other, and help the world be a better place.

[@najrenchelf2751]

Thomas: names a step „highlight“ Also Thomas: uses pen _sad highlighter noises_

[@hannahleake4325]

Why am I actually hearing the noises

[@tmh3092]

What’s a more efficient way? Taking notes take forever, and going through notes is almost like re reading the book

[@softwareimpersonal3488]

@@hannahleake4325 same. I'm scared.

[@prakhargupta7363]

I have just started watching your channel during quarantine. It for sure has made my quarantine a lot more efficient. Lots of love😁

[@naushadahmed6069]

Thanks Thomas for providing the link to your personal notes on these excellent books, its a great read (the summaries) and very helpful to understand if the particular book by an author is worth reading/investing the time on. Keep up with the Great work bro 👊🏻👏🏻💯

[@universo-inverso-42]

Tip: as a visual learner, highlighting textbooks with a black or blue pen isn't the best alternative for me because when I did that my brain wasn't that keen on to revise the material that I had previously highlighted. What I do now is using three different highlighter pens, each of them for a specific purpose: the green is for concepts and definitions, nuclear for the understanding of a text; the pink is for examples and important argumentation; and the purple is used to highlight quotes from other authors and citations. With this method, I find it easier and faster to find and discriminate information on a book.

[@mufaromawere]

Note to self: Do not ask to borrow books from Thomas Frank.

[@lSomeRandomGuyl]

He puts a star next to every paragraph lol

[@Shadesof]

Mufaro Mawere 😂😂😂👏

[@rajeevagrawal7609]

...or lend! 👀

[@vezeris]

I disagree. He already highlighted everything you would beed to know

[@aiayumi]

@@lSomeRandomGuyl Like me highlighting textbooks

[@shivankapriyashan3562]

I learn at least one new thing from each of your videos. Always a fan of your work. Love from Sri Lanka.

[@leroymcleroyify]

Loved this Thomas. Not hearing a Brilliant or SkillShare ad at the end was interestingly different haha

[@eduardocesar9430]

Even if he have courses on SkillShare xD

[@prabjotsingh6540]

Hi, thomas I really like your tips and your channel overall! Haven't missed a video in like 2.5 years!! Keep it up!!!

[@FearlessDreams]

Now that's a true fan! Thomas, send him at least a virtual high five.

[@scrufy447]

Yay! I have been waiting for this video. Time to revisit your old podcast episode as well.

[@serene2135]

Awesome content and tips. Im going to start studying from tmrw onwards. You are one of the KZbinrs who has inspired me to be hard working and organized.Really love the amount of dedication and research you put into each video

[@delynngary8588]

Tom, I love you and the team! I love your work!

[@khomu604]

When you and The Art Of Improvement post 2 videos that complement each other perfectly at the same time

[@rosemoh7466]

I usually do the first three steps , however I’ve just learned the synthesize step from you.. thank you and I like all your videos especially they help me out with English practice 😊 by the way, I caught your last notes and they really helpful.

[@ianturana9939]

thnx a lot Frank,now I can actually rethink my note taking process ✨✨, your highlighting tips are just incredible, you're the best🙏

[@malamsyah8462]

Exactly what I need. Thanks Tom!

[@justadudeintheworldman.120]

Similar to my process, read, highlight, then summarize in OneNote. I’m getting to the point now though where I look up a summary of the any book I would possibly want to read to see if I fully want to invest that time. Specially with self improvement, non fiction, a lot of other people notes/summary can give you about 90% of book value

[@v25485]

Omgg I literally was looking for videos about taking notes while reading!!

[@smartlymade]

dude thank you so much! i have to read an ethnography for my anthropology class i struggle with reading non-fiction. ive been reading and highlighting but i never thought about taking notes for further comprehension. thank you!

[@alwaysovercoming4546]

Thomas is the MAN! Love his channel! He motivated and inspired me to make my own channel! Keep up the amazing work and content!🔥

[@RohitKumar-qt1hr]

He is love ❤️

[@SJY11]

I swear, Thomas is reading my mind! This is exactly what i needed! Thank you! 😁

[@edwardlayman3291]

Very helpful tips! I run a channel on nonfiction books and I take extensive notes on what I read. The note feature in audible is cluch. Also, your point about revisiting the content several times throughout the note taking process really helps you retain the information.

[@henriquefalleirosmareze7188]

The kind of video I needed! Thanks, Tom!

[@marianaandrade5068]

Thanks! Just the topic I was waiting for! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

[@danlabrador]

Yes! I was specifically looking for this video.

[@greenmuffin32]

I literally needed this advice! Thanks!

[@charlesorly5536]

Great note-taking advice espicially using roam where ideas are linked. Thanks a lot Thomas!

[@abhaykela]

This is what I was looking for! Thank you for sharing tips.

[@CalicoCooperFan]

Thanks for sharing your approach and your system (note keys and all) . This was really helpful!

[@vsalbuq]

I'm happy you've shown Roam to me before it was closed. Great tool, I'm using a lot. I like simple things, Notion adds too much noise while I just wanted to quickly dump my brain in an organized manner. (I still use notion, but it seems I use it when things are more definitive, while Roam makes room for unfinished things.)

[@RottingDragon]

Are you really going to pay $15 a month for Roam once they start monetizing?

[@c_rem6101]

I'm write about to finish ultralearning and reorganize some of my notes, a brilliant recommendation by the way ,because of your podcast I picked it up. Thanks Thomas 👌🏾

[@DemetriPanici]

I love the college info geek podcast! He inspires mine!

[@JoelRunyon]

I see you with that 4:29 [[caffeine] subliminal priming for the coffee ad! Well done!

[@businessguide6219]

Reliable and humurous, the kind of resource I'm looking for!

[@luisterrust]

Reading during quarantine is reading without distraction currently. Love to the people who can relate ❤️🍀🌸

[@techxpr2]

So true

[@luisterrust]

Tech Experience 💪🏼🌟

[@Vivaswaan.]

I can relate

[@bonhamcarter4488]

@Kyrlics get in your room or the family library

[@bonhamcarter4488]

@Kyrlics well I'm a rich lady (upper class family), and my husband and me own 3 houses. We have 5 cars, and vacation every other month. He's a successful CEO, while I run a clothing business. This means I'm a busy women and I hardly have spare time to read. But, since we have 3 homes, I can always go to any one of them and read in peace. No disturbances at all. 100% quality time, just me and my books and meditation. So yes, you should find a quiet room in that chaotic home of yours to read.

[@benjaminsomers9790]

This is great for my GCSEs as I’m in year 10 and don’t have a teacher

[@lutendonetshikweta1177]

Hey just wanted to say goodluck.

[@StrawberryS-vk5my]

Hey same ! Which subjects are you doing

[@catlat3606]

Gl gl I finished mine last year back in June

[@deannahenry8925]

Same bro

[@rahat7132]

same

[@Gapetz]

This video production quality gives me lifeee😭 mad respect for our Hot Chub

[@Shalazhi]

I read a chapter at a time like you, and while reading I add page numbers in a word document as well as where on the page I found the note, for example (p. 54 mid/top/bottom) then, after having read the chapter, I return to the pages and write down what I found and my own thoughts below that in a different colour. I don't like to write in the margins, although I've been thinking of "getting over" that dislike, by reading a book dedicated to writing in the margins. xD Thanks for the video!

[@randyranson84]

I did this naturally and it evolved through the years, improving me and my knowledgeable understanding a 100 fold.

[@zachreederau2531]

Great as always!

[@eduardofragoso827]

Loving all the quarentine collabs

[@sixpointforge5573]

My brain explodes with every video you post, so much information in very little time, good job, also awesome vocabulary.

[@hmajor023]

Thank Thomas this video was right on time, very helpfully.

[@FEHanzo]

Great video, you gave me some of the best advice for learning from a book. Thank you for that.

[@ferrjar]

I always try to take notes on my reading material, whether it’s fiction or non-fiction... as much I love taking physical notes and write it down, however I don’t seem to get into the idea of writing on my books directly. One reason is sometimes people will borrow your books and the books will look unpleasant for whoever is reading it. The other is sometimes I will have a big note or thought and the margins won’t be enough for the thought you have. What I usually do is put notes in my note taking app immediately when I have the thought. This sometimes, however, makes it very difficult to trace back the notes to where you have it. After watching this video I have two solutions for my problem. 1) use the color coding with the stickers you mention and use the color coding to revert back to the note taking app I’m using. 2) stop giving my books to people and just recommend books that I like, maybe then I can get myself to write on my books 😅 Great video man!!!

[@daniellewardd]

Did you try citing the pages?

[@ferrjar]

You mean when I make the notes? No I didn’t. That’s a great idea though, I will try doing that!!!

[@alaiagnrd]

Thank you so much for this video Thomas. It will help me in my note-taking for university !

[@YuvrajSingh-js1lx]

Best video for a beginner. Found it very helpful 👍

[@muffythemonster]

most needed vid at these times!

[@Champepodcast]

Another great one from Thomas Frank..

[@aruzhantelmanova8904]

Thnk you Thomas , again productive video❤️❤️

[@AshleyKnibb]

Great system and helpful video. Been working on a system a little while but always ended up to complicated to use. This is simple and works well. Only difference being I use Notion to store my notes etc as a kind of record card system then I can use them for future writing or inspiration - cheers again mate

[@KarlBro]

I have also started reading to learn more and improve my KZbin Channel so I can create better content for New KZbin Creators shout out to all the other readers out there. Keep taking great notes, thanks for the awesome video Thomas

[@SebastianGarcia-go4tx]

Great video ! Definitely enjoy your channel

[@kishanparekh5675]

I love the public notes you had taken for the book hyperfocus. Thanks Thomas.

[@officialmawuli8414]

This was very useful... thank you so much 🙏🏼❤️

[@bayphuc6280]

I thank you so much, for helping me take notes from the book effectively.

[@ltthelattegirl]

I LITERALLY JUST KEPT SEARCHING THE LAST WEEK “what are better ways to take notes from books” and here Thomas comes up with a video. He’s a mind reader he is

[@imaginativecreativeyou8890]

Great video love the tips you share about note taking i love to take notes on nonfiction books im reading.

[@naaja8995]

In love with that coffee mug❤

[@anirudhdesai384]

Really love your content. Keep it up

[@Gigusx]

Thanks for the video! Since I've started buying more and more physical books recently, I've been looking into the best ways of taking notes from them. I always take too many, too few, and have in general trouble choosing what really is the best passage, point, quote, etc. to mark. For example, my Meditations is full of highlights and underlines, I imagine I need to get a second copy just to "fix" that, because looking back, not everything was as important as I initially thought.

[@raiyyanshaikh8164]

Thank you for providing this informative content

[@prostakomunikacja]

As I read 60-80 books a year I still find the time to make notes and summaries. And the paradox of reading fast is that you remember more. I have my own system: the summary I make I try to create without looking to the book. That allows me to focus on the material I have just interlized and it makes it even more memmorable. Thanks for sharing this!

[@interestingtome.perhapsoth3785]

I like the simple system for writing in books, might look to adopt this in the future. Taking notes at the end of each chapter is something that is a must. I just have to decide weather to use Roam or Obsidian for this...

[@BeingBhumika]

Really helpful tips! Will use it to take notes next time I'm reading a non-fiction.

[@justdari633]

I was just thinking last week of how I don't do a good job picking coffees! Just signed up for Trade Coffee! Thanks.

[@frederick4678]

Very interesting concept 🤔 Thank you for sharing. I'm going to try implementing it in my own life

[@moonbasealpha-nd6zh]

Great man back in class after 10 years need my game back on !

[@ChatsWithFlo]

Thank you for sharing tips about how to take notes from books. I love the idea of book flags. I'm going to get me some.

[@muhammedtawseefnoorjawad9231]

Thanks a lot

[@vanraterta620]

New to this channel, just starting but I'm learning a lot, I'll explore more

[@danvasile5902]

The best as always .

[@dennisdiede]

Mr. Frank never fails to add to my knowledge base. For a young guy he always give me a new perspective. And that is what learning is all about. SMILE

[@HuyenNguyen-iy1xu]

Thanks for useful tips on how to takes notes from books 🙏

[@graydonpanzica330]

This was really helpful. I'm always looking for ways to better my note-taking system and improve my learning, so this was a good find and a nice introduction to your channel. Do you happen to have a video on taking notes on fiction? I enjoy fiction and non-fiction equally, and try to gain just as much from my fiction.