Do you write in the margins of your books?

Wonderful post here from Steve Leveen on why you should write in your books. I used to be firmly against marking up books but I switched camps quite a few years ago and now highlight, underline and write marginalia (Thanks for that word Steve!) in any book that really captures my attention.

I bought a Kindle and enjoy many aspects of it. I like being able to carry a selection of books with me and choose which one to read wherever I am. It also satisfies my impatience when I must have a new book that someone told me about right then and there. But while you can write in the books and highlight, it's much more cumbersome and much less personal.

I have tucked letters into books that accompanied them when they were given as gifts. I have old notes and bookmarks and probably a photo or two tucked into books as little surprises to find upon rereading. You can't do any of that with a Kindle. But you can search across books for things, which is pretty cool.

I make lots of notes in cookbooks. Of course I note changes I made or ideas for future changes. I asterisk the ones we like the most. I note down who I served it for if we've had company. I love thumbing through the cookbooks and seeing my notes. I hope someone else enjoys them later.