How to write in a book

There are two files attached to this blog posting, and together they outline and demonstrate how to write in a book.

The first file -- a thumbnail of which is displayed below -- is a one-page handout literally illustrating the technique I employ to annotate printed documents, such as books or journal articles.

Handout

From the handout:

For the most part, books are containers for data & information, and as such they are not sacred items to be worshiped, but instead things to be actively used. By actively reading (and writing in) books, a person can not only get more out of their reading, but a person can add value to the material as well as enable themselves to review the material quickly... Here is a list of possible techniques to use in an active reading process. Each assumes you have a pencil or pen, and you "draw" symbols to annote the text:... The symbols listed above are only guidelines. Create your own symbols, but use them sparingly. The goal is to bring out the most salient points, identify declarative sentences, add value, and make judgements, but not diagram each & every item.

The second file is a journal article, "Sexism in the Academy" by Troy Vettese in N+1, Issue 34 (https://nplusonemag.com/issue-34/essays/sexism-in-the-academy/). The file has been "marked-up" with my personal annotations. Give yourself 120 seconds, which is much less time than it would take for you to even print the file. Look over the document, and then ask yourself three questions:

1. What problem might the author be addressing?
2. What are some possible solutions to the problem?
3. What does the reader (me, Eric) think the most important point is?

I'll bet you'll be able to answer the questions in less than two minutes.

"Reading is FUNdemental."