this post was submitted on 14 Jan 2026
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I’ve started highlighting/annotating as I read - it takes longer but I’ve found it to be an enjoyable way to interact and actively focus
I'm on the opposite end. I've only been able to start reading more after I stopped taking notes or doing anything extra. If I don't understand something, I'll back up a bit and re-read. But annotating or anything made me anxious to where reading wasn't something I could get myself to do because I was preoccupied with whatever I was getting out of it, making notes, etc like I was back in college.
Now even for nonfiction, I just go for it and if I only understand and retain 30% of it, that's 30% more than before.
Love the way brains work differently! I struggle with not just glossing over things unless I actively mark up in some way; totally get what you’re saying though. I’m fortunate enough to not have to have annotated too much in school so I’m not totally sick of it yet lol.
Annotating has made such a huge difference in helping me read deeply and thoughtfully and has given me a whole new appreciation for books. Sometimes I fear that it looks a bit ridiculous or pretentious that most books I read have dozens of little sticky notes poking out the side, but good books really do have that much going on and really do deserve that much focus and attention. The curtains are so much more than just blue.
I got sticky flags that have cats on them so hopefully instead of pretentious it makes me just look goofy