I’m getting back into the rhythm of reading more consistently. I generally read for about 30-40 minutes in bed right before sleeping on my e-reader, regardless of fiction/non-fiction.

This made me think, for people who prefer physical books, do you underline, highlight, take notes in the margins, etc. when reading theory?
Back when I did have a few physical books I never wrote anything in them, I guess to keep them in “good” condition. Even in school books I only answered exercises in pencil, lol.

So I’m wondering: what approach do you have for reading theory?

  1. Is it more like reading and absorbing the information more passively, where you read in bed, at a park, while commuting, etc.?
  2. Or do you treat it more like studying where you’re sitting at a desk or at a library, pen in hand with notes and such?

I’d love to hear your thoughts/approaches/advice regarding this.

  • honeyontoast
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    2 months ago

    No and I think I need to step up my game on it. When I first started reading theory I was doing it on my computer, and if something jumped out at me I’d paste it into a big doc I have of quotes, and then write a little something to accompany it.

    But reading from a computer screen felt limiting, I couldn’t do it for long, so I’ve since switched to physical books. I don’t record quotes or thoughts because I’m usually reading away from my pc, like the living room sofa, and I don’t like making notes on my phone. I ought to get a physical notebook and keep that on me!

    • Cowbee [he/they]
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      2 months ago

      eReaders have been massive for me. Much better at reading for extended periods.

      • the rizzler
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        2 months ago

        why do you find them easier to use? is it the consistent font settings or what?

        • Cowbee [he/they]
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          2 months ago

          Helps me get access to more theory, the screen is similar to paper so less eye fatigue, and I don’t get intimidated by the size of bigger books.

        • TheBigL
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          2 months ago

          My favorite thing is the dictionary. I can instantly look something up. Second is the form factor. I can read laying on my side in bed and nearly any other position. Third is being able to download books on the go.