I recently bought some books (Socialism, Indiv Ec Order, ASU, etc), and it is indeed impossible to take everything in without highlighting and taking notes on the subject matter contained within, and the easiest way to do this is in the book.
However, I am loath to sully my brand new books with writing. I just want some peoples opinions on this and whether you do it, and the techniques you use if you do, or if I should not do it at all.
My opinion is that if you do it god will strike you down. Don’t write in the book, get a highlighter you know will not sink too far through the pages or take notes in a notebook or on paper… Writing in the book is just dirty
They’re your books, treat them how you will. I write in my books all the time.
I used to borrow books from other people or libraries so I used Post-Its to jot things down and stick 'em to the relevant page. You can remove them later.
I like it when there’s writing in books; it helps me pick out the important stuff.
Unless its dumb comments or random question marks…
I’ve never annotated a book in my life (even when school required it) - I’ve just not felt the need; however, I have to agree with the Post-Its if you feel obligated to write some kind of notes. It seems to be one of the neatest and most efficient ways to do it.
Also, if I had to study a specific part or chapter in a book I would photocopy the pages so I could highlight and add notes to my heart’s content. It was also easier to take those pages with me, rather than the entire book.
However, I believe most copyrights inside books do not allow for photocopying so the choice is yours. IP strikes again!