Why Do People Annotate Fiction Books? (& how?)

Since I joined Instagram this year, I've seen more and more people annotating books, and boy, am I curious.
Now let me be specific here because I'm not only talking about annotating non-fiction books. I'm talking about annotating fiction books!
Which got me thinking, is there more to annotating books than I realised?
Well, today we find out because I'm going to explore the world of book annotations with the help of some friends, and then I'm going to give it a go and take you with me along for the ride!
// ANNOTATING TOOLS
* Sticky Index Tabs: creatoriq.cc/44Ol7LD
* Book Annotation Kit: creatoriq.cc/3yzVr9r
* Highlighter & Pen Stationery Set: creatoriq.cc/4bBbNgu
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Hey, I’m Gina 👋 If you like video commentary on books, you're in the right place!
I post videos on the world of books and reading. Including deep dives into reading psychology, and fun facts you probably didn't know.
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[@GinaLuciaReads]

Have you ever tried annotating fictions books? What do you think?

[@yellowlili221]

I just started anotating, for fiction books I use annotating as a way of communicate my thoughts with the book or with myself, like my reaction to certain things. For nonfiction book I use it to remember things or marking something important. I rarely annotate in the past, mostly just for academic purposes or in nonfiction books, but recently i enjoy annotate in fiction books too 😊

[@GinaLuciaReads]

That's fantastic! I was suprised at how much I enjoyed it honestly.

[@joshina4497]

I just started reading Babel (and The Secret History too) and annotating them, and it made me realize that I enjoy books with many references a lot more when I annotate them. Normally I would just read over things I don't understand, find some parts of beautiful use of language and think "I hope I'll remember this" and when I came to a shocking plot twist I'd would yearn for someone to discuss it with. I only used to write some notes for vocabulary in the past (when reading English books, as I'm not a native speaker and sometimes encounter words I don't know that are used more often in fiction than in real life). Now, for Babel, I took time to research references I didn't understand, quotes and the people they are from and even places, books or names, and not only did I learn so much just in the first chapter, I also found myself enjoying the story more, it feels more personal having this background knowledge and I also predict that I might remember what happened in the book better (I was a fast reader in the past and read a lot, but could never remember what the books I read were about). Not being confused by references makes for a better reading experience. When I feel the need to discuss a passage with someone, I now just write my feelings down, which is a lot more fun than having to keep the excitement or frustration in. Since I'm really interested in different languages, I also used tabs for languages that are being used in the book, and I even break down the words, write down the literal meaning and sometimes (if there are) the characters. Other tabs I use are for character background information (I have a terrible memory and tend to forget who is who, what they look like, important information about them, etc.), references of silver (as it plays an important role in the book, i think?), things I find relatable, frustrating situations (to rant about later), quotable stuff, red flags, beautiful use of language, and things that inspire me. Sometimes I'm not in the mood to annotate, so I'll just skip annotating a chapter and maybe come back to it later to reread and annotate it. Actually, now that I think about it, I read chapters without annotating first most of the time (mostly because I often read in public, where annotating seems more complicated with having to carry tabs around, not having a table to write in the book and it's harder to research) and then really take my time going back to annotate later at home. This way, I can read without having to stop first, but I almost enjoy the second step of annotating more. To me it is a way to get to know the book better, appreciate all the research and preparation the author did, learn a lot about things that interest me, remember details better and lastly express the emotions I feel while reading better. (Oh well, this comment got way longer than I expected. I really need to sleep now so I will not proofread and correct any English mistakes I might've made here, sorry if there are any)

[@GinaLuciaReads]

Wow. Thank you so much for your long and insightful comment! Yes I agree, in the times I've annotated since this video I've absolutely appreciated and understood references more in particular books. Which, as you say, deepens the reading experience. In particular, I annotated Nona the Ninth when it came out and just by highlighting references I was prompted to look up and understand their meaning. I felt more connected to the author that way. I wish I had annotated Babel honestly but there wasn't a paperback edition I could find and my copy was a special edition hardback. So I might need to re-read it just so I can annotate. Again, thank you so much for your thoughts, I really appreciate it.

[@nicholehobson4990]

First if all, Wow! I'm thoroughly impressed with you. Secondly for English not being your first language you've mastered it beautifully. Thirdly you've expressed what I feel and experience while reading a book, wanting to talk about my thoughts about the text. Lastly, you've inspired me to resume learning another language. Not to mention journal my thoughts by annotating.

[@devonbennett7216]

So I don’t understand annotation outside of studying literature academically. The way hobby annotators do it is different to how an academic will do it.

[@GinaLuciaReads]

Yes exactly. This video was not about academic annotators but the hobby ones. They absolutely have different motivations for doing it.

[@arturgajewskiphotog]

I still don't understand annotating. I think for me, it would just getting in the way of enjoying the book. It's like pausing a movie constantly to write notes and I have never seen anyone doing it, so I don't understanding the point of annotating. It is just me, I know. I just never felt like I had the need to go back to some page during reading a book. It does look nice and people have taken another thing into reading, it's just not for me :) Besides, I read on Kindle only so there is no place to put stickers to :D

[@GinaLuciaReads]

It's not just you. Some people love it and others just don't. That's okay. There are certain books I've done it with and enjoyed it. But for most books, I don't bother.

[@nikemaria61]

So true! I feel it’s also so pretentious, when people feel the need to write and underline ALL of the pages, like it’s not that deep.

[@RAMZEDITZS]

Righttt??? Like I feel like it’s just longing ur experience of reading the book and then eventually getting tired of it…if that makes sense

[@doriangreg1601]

@@nikemaria61 I annotate books to break down the wall of text by highlighting or underlining things that catch my attention! It doesn’t have to be deep I just found that I retain the information better when writing down my exact feeling at that exact time. I don’t annotate all books tho, mostly just classics and other books that reference a ton of stuff I don’t know and have to back read a lot

[@nikemaria61]

@@doriangreg1601 I totally get it but when I see someone annotating a Colleen Hoover book I can’t help but laugh

[@popchyk-oui]

I love this video format!! You are like an investigative journalist of the book community 😂💗💗 I love annotating because it helps me focus on the text as a neurodivergent person. The aesthetics of it is just a bonus in the end!

[@GinaLuciaReads]

Oh gosh that's such a compliment thank you! And thank you for saying that, I hadn't thought of that at all but I've been thinking of doing more annotating videos so I'll have to include that.

[@dukewhisky]

This was really interesting to see such a culture within book reading! Looks really fun to give it a go.

[@GinaLuciaReads]

Thanks so much!

[@katierucki276]

I want to be an author so I tab and write about things that I think are written well or how I would improve on the writing. I also use tabs to show theme, development, strong plot points etc for future reference and skill improvements.

[@sallydunn4096]

Wow what a journey. I've never tried this and I dunno if I will but it was fun seeing you give it a go!

[@GinaLuciaReads]

It was honestly a lot of fun. I think everyone should give it a go just once

[@atotallyhumanbeing]

This video is so so good!! It was incredibly interesting to watch and I love your style of editing :DD I'm someone who really enjoys writing in and heavily annotating books - not all ofc, but I love to do it when re-reading all-time-favorites. So, it's very interesting to see so many different views here!!

[@GinaLuciaReads]

Oh my gosh what an incredibly sweet and encouraging thing to say! Thank you! I've been getting into it more and more recently. It's really enjoyable.

[@ShelbyAleaseSmith]

This is really helpful! Thank you for making this video❤

[@GinaLuciaReads]

Oh gosh you're so welcome! Thank YOU for thanking me 🥰

[@brideoflk9790]

I started annotating before it was a trend, i started 10 years ago during my english literature class. I didn't like the idea then, i only did it on books i read in class because mentally, those were "text books" and that made it okay somehow. However, after that class i continue to read on my own, and realized i can't retain any information. So 2 years ago, that's when I took a deep breath and made my first mark on books :D it really did help me read a lot better! and I haven't stopped since. The only books I dont really annotate are fantasy, they are easy to read, and I dont have to read them in an analytical way, so I don't annotate them as much

[@GinaLuciaReads]

Oh that's so interesting. What are some of your favourite books that you've annotated? I've done a couple of fantasy ones now but only because they felt right. Probably because they were dark academia so had passages to underline and look back on.

[@watchmanonthewall77744]

I understand annotating a fiction book to help writers to better understand the craft, to take apart, comment and learn from other writers works much like a masters study for artists. BUT I annotate a lot of non fiction books for research...so it is a bit off putting to think about doing the same for fiction books that i read for enjoyment and not "work ". I guess i could see people adding thoughts and tagging fav or memorable parts and dialogue.

[@singlemominthecity]

Just found your channel and love all your content!

[@GinaLuciaReads]

Oh thank you so much!

[@oc2538]

I used to annotate but when I lent a book (Veronika Decides to Die) out to a friend they mocked what I had written so I got embarrassed and never did it again. I'd like to start again purely because I have a paranoid fear I won't be around to share my favourite books with my kids. So I'd love to annotate them in case, this is probably morbid but I think I'd like it if my mother had done this.

[@GinaLuciaReads]

What?! The lesson here is don't lend books to that friend. Also, I love that idea. If I'd seen some of my mum's book annotations, I would have loved it!

[@Juisapey]

That's one of my favorite books!! I'm not into annotating my books, just because it's not for me but if I would find this book in a thriftshop with annontations inside I would of buy it AT THE MOMENT. It's such a deep book and i'd love to read the annotations of someone else and see how they understand the book through their perception!! Don't stop because of your "friend"! Do it for you and for the people who love buying used books! 😁🤗

[@shookyyt9404]

There's a thing I like annotating books I read to study. But I hate annotating books I read to feel Idk if this makes sense

[@GinaLuciaReads]

It absolutely does, and I kind of feel that too. Although some books feel like they were made to be annotated because they're a bit more complex. Like The Secret History or Babel.

[@Whynormald]

10:22 you loving this book brought me joy that’s a good feeling. I hope im able to experience.

[@GinaLuciaReads]

Awwww that's such a sweet thing to say. It's a great book! I might have to re-read it soon.

[@irhonda31]

I enjoyed your analysis of annotating. I have been wanting to do some annotating, but don’t know if I could actually write in a book - I did buy some clear Post-Its for that purpose.

[@GinaLuciaReads]

Thank you so much! I'd absolutely start with the post-it notes. I also gave it a go with a second hand book so I didn't feel so bad 😅

[@Amyduckie]

I really like annotating because I have a terrible memory, and it lets me delve not only into themes, but also different types of representation. And I typically annotate rereads. Saves me potentially writing in a book I end up hating. I feel like it’s helped make me a more critical reader.

[@GinaLuciaReads]

Yep I'd agree with that. Could be a great way to get used to the process of figuring out what you liked and didn't like in a book too

[@Shalyn-ln9tu]

I don't understand annotating fiction specifically. I don't like to ruin my books with blemishes. In a way, that's why im glad my E-reader has the capability to highlight and even take notes. To me, it's very distracting, but i can see how it appeals to those who never got into reading until adulthood. But as someone who grew up poor, taking care of your things is a must because you don't know when you get your next book or anything for that matter. It just seems that people just need to join book clubs and have discussions because this is very much that kind of behavior.

[@rhyannon8843]

I’ve only ever done this at A level literature, in pencil. Recently I did it in pencil for my reading group, so I could refer back to notes at the meeting. I honestly don’t know how I feel about this. I find it interesting and I can understand doing it to understand the text better. Sometimes I have to read aloud to make sure I’ve understood the words. Or sometimes I find I have to reread a sentence because it didn’t go in the first time. But this might be a good way to get around that. The Secret History has been on my list for ages too. I have a reading journal that suggests a reading challenge.. annotate a favourite book of yours and give it to a friend to read. Then they annotate in another colour and give it back to you. Repeat the other way and then meet up afterwards to discuss.

[@GinaLuciaReads]

Oh I love the sound of that challenge! I think that would be really fun to do.

[@KasSommers]

Very rarely do I annotate. Usually it's proof-reading corrections, or something obscure I want to bring to the attention of a future reader of the book.

[@GinaLuciaReads]

I always think it would be kind of special to pick up a second-hand book filled with little notes

[@deldevours]

This is an interesting video. It was interesting to hear the views of a non annotater and to see your first foray into annotating fiction. I, personally, have a simpler system of annotation. I don't worry about distinctions between themes, writing etc. I just highlight any passages that stand out to me or words I need to look up, and write questions, comments, and definitions in the margins. I tab any highlights on the side, and tab the top of pages I've written on. I also love reading books which previous readers have annotated and will often write my own comments agreeing or disagreeing or questioning, as though we are having a discussion, even though I've never met this person and never will. It's interesting to read others' perspectives, and to see what they found significant or moving which I didn't, and vice versa.

[@GinaLuciaReads]

You know what, I would love to read a book someone else has annotated. Do you have friends who annotate and you do exchanges? Or do you just find annotated books?

[@deldevours]

@@GinaLuciaReads No, my friends don't annotate. However, sometimes books in OP shops and second hand book stores are annotated, and some libraries leave pencilled annotations in. I don't annotate library books, but any previous comments are still interesting to read.

[@RuRu-ym8we]

I really liked the idea of annotating, and i wanted to try it out. But i wasn't sure that i'll be capabe to annonate it like that, i wasn't sure in my thoughts. So first i started off with just tabbing. No system, just moments and quotes. The Secret History was the first book i ever tabbed. (Amazing read and ill be re-reading it this year so i cant way to annonate it full!) Fast forward 2 years - I had to read a Clockwork Orange for uni - i had tasks assigned, questions i had to answer: What made an impression on me? What were my thoughts on it? Would i reccomed it? What would i do if i was the social worker? How could i help? What would i do for the boy? and many more (I majored in education and child deviancy). So i simply started to write inside the book - i answered every question on every scene that stood out to me. Welp, lemme tell you, i aced that class! After that i felt free to express my thoughts on the book itself - i look at it as something that i have to analyze. It makes it fun and its so easy to comperhand ideas and meanings. And it helps when i talk about the book to friends and collegues. For example, i annotated the shit out of Babel - i had a lot to say, a lot to learn. But i don't always write in the books - there are books that i simply enjoy and tab funny or amazing moments (mostly funny). And there are books that i glue in additional pages with interpretations, ideas, thoughts, foreshadowing and so on. And then I lend them to my sister that is always having a blast reading random ass reactions on scenes and foreshadowing notes. So it depends on the book - if its thematically heavy, i break it apart (The Secret History, Babel, These Violent Delights the novel, Dorian Gray and so on). If its a feel good series or a fantasy i just enjoy the ride. It really depends on the thematic. So yeah... This is my relationship with book annotating.

[@GinaLuciaReads]

Wow thank you so much for sharing your annotating journey. I'm similar honestly. Some books work a lot better than others. Dark academia is one of those. Or books that make a lot of references like Gideon the Ninth

[@matthoffman6962]

Have you had any of the ink come off the book pages when removing the post its?

[@GinaLuciaReads]

Nope none at all. It could happen if left on too long I suppose but so far so good for me

[@Katiecat_15]

Do you know any pens that don't smudge on the translucent sticky notes?

[@GinaLuciaReads]

Hmmmm. I used a permanent marker with a thin tip and that seemed to work well. But you have to wait for it to dry

[@annabanabanana]

I feel a lot of people “annotate” just because it’s become trendy and makes the books look cute with all the colors. Like people are annotating books that are popcorn thrillers. I don’t get it. It takes so much time and money to use all the stickers. I get classics or really long books you’re actually trying to study or just remember but literally if you’re annotating Riley sager books come on. There’s nothing in there that deep 😂. You’re just decorating (I mean annotating) your book for KZbin.

[@sra1654]

I don’t buy books (just too expensive), I use the library

[@endezeichengrimm]

Never. We were taught never to write on a book.

[@Justme_247]

I can understand nonfiction but not fiction.

[@CheskySorcha]

Still a little horrified at the thought of defacing a book in any way - but it seems to be a lot more involved than I initially realised. Interesting essay on the topic - but I am unswayed.

[@GinaLuciaReads]

Haha I'm not surprised. It's definitely not for everyone that's for sure

[@toyin2376]

Nope.....still not for me. Too messy and distracting

[@minniechibi2115]

Me too. I initially felt very pressured into doing this cause like everyone else is hoping in the trend and start annotating like crazy, but then I realized it’s just so annoying and I’m basically forced to deeply analyze every single words to the point reading feel more like a chore than a hobby. Plus I’m planning to donate some of the books I don’t like away so there’s no point of ruining it.

[@phroz3n]

How does spending so much time annotating and sticking a thousands tabs in a book not take someone out of reading it, especially fiction on the first read? At some point, whatever was "important" enough damage the book via annotating is lost among the sea of stickies, never to be revisited or bring future value. Even in the video, a majority of some of those pages are highlighted/underlined/whatever. How do you narrow down what was truly important if entire pages are highlighted? Seems like such an ultimately meaningless, pretentious, show-off type of activity. It's got the same vibe as someone recording a concert with their cell phone. You don't take notes during a movie, why here? "I'll come back to this later and it'll be awesome." No, you won't and no, it won't. I hope people don't try to sell or give away these book, I would certainly be pissed if I bought a used book and it had someone else's handiwork scribbled all over the pages. I don't want my first impression of a book being muddied by some random reader's thoughts. Maybe my monkey brain is too underdeveloped to understand such an important concept. Why ruin my immersion in the world I'm reading to damage my books with little-to-no future value? I'm reading for enjoyment, not because I have a book report due.

[@SteamyPMcGee]

Two main things come to mind for me. First books we are given as children are toys. Books are interactive, we look at the pictures, sound out the words, make up stories for the pictures when we don't have reading comprehension, and even build forts for them for our Action Mans and Barbies. The notion of a book as a reverential medium of delivery as opposed to a toy is one that we acquire as adults and is societal conditioning, harkening back to when monks and priests were the only ones who could tell us what to do because the wisdom and laws were written, and that information was gatekept. We are privileged now to be able to access that information for ourselves and why shouldnt it be fun, like a toy? The notion if "defacing" is quite nonsense really. Is it defacing a canvas to be painted, or a colouring book to be colored in? Back when books were inaccessible i would understand the hesitation, and the desire for preservation and purity. But if you want a clean copy, you can get a clean copy. But this brings me on to my second thought. Not enough people critically engage with media. We can watch a film, movie, listen to a song and think "that was enjoyable" or "thats not for me" but it is only a minority of consumers who actually think about the WHY and the HOW, the context as well as the content. In annotating books, that is an amazing conversation that the reader is engaging in with the author/publisher that transcends time. It shows a level of engagement and interaction beyond reception and comprehension. Which is why I love to get used, annotated books and see the exta voice/interpretation, and include my own, before donating them on again. Through this I have learned from someone who died before I was even born, and one day someone might disagree or agree with something I wrote about, and see it in a different light.