Taking Notes

Summary

The text discusses personal preferences and methods for taking notes while reading non-fiction, with a particular emphasis on the challenges of note-taking in unconventional reading locations.

Abstract

The author reflects on a recommendation for improving note-taking habits when reading non-fiction. While the author prefers to rely on memory for efficiency, they acknowledge the drawbacks when specific quotes need to be referenced. The reading environments, such as the bathroom, bath, or sauna, are not ideal for writing notes. In contrast, the author's husband takes notes in more conventional places like the bed or living room couch, where writing implements are readily available. The household rule prohibits writing in books, advocating for separate notebooks or bookmark notepads for note-taking. Despite these challenges, the author expresses openness to adopting new note-taking strategies.

Opinions

The author values memory over note-taking for its speed but recognizes the necessity of notes for precise references.
Unconventional reading locations like the bathroom and sauna are preferred by the author but are impractical for note-taking.
The author's husband's reading spots are more conducive to writing notes, with pens and notebooks easily accessible.
There is a strict rule against writing in books within the author's household, with a preference for using separate notebooks or bookmark notepads for annotations.
The author is open to experimenting with new note-taking methods despite their current practices and preferences.

Where do you read?

I read a recommendation for taking better notes while reading non-fiction. I prefer remembering what I read. It’s faster. However, I pay for that if I need to quote specific text.

I tend to read books in the bathroom, while taking a bath, or in the sauna. Unfortunately, none of these places are conducive to taking notes.

My husband reads in bed, on the living room couch, or in the sauna. The first two places also have notebooks and pens for jotting down his thoughts.

No one in my household is allowed to write in a book. Sacrilege! If you must make notes, do so in a separate notebook or on a bookmark notepad. Write the note on the top sheet of the pad, tear it off, and insert it into the book.

I’m willing to try a different way.