Why I Annotate (and How the SCRIBE System Keeps Me Inspired)
Do you remember the first time you noticed some notes or a highlight in a library book? For me, it was like discovering a secret dialogue left behind by another reader. As a kid, whenever I borrowed a book from the library and noticed someone had written inside it, I couldn’t resist flipping through the pages to see what they wrote. It felt like getting two stories in one. That little thrill never left me, and it’s one of the reasons why I love annotating while reading today. I think there’s something magical about making a book your own. To me, it also feels like having an ongoing dialogue with the story, the characters, or even the author.
If you’re anything like me, books aren’t just something you read once and put back on the shelf. They’re companions, teachers, and sometimes even mirrors. Annotating is how I make that relationship personal, and I can’t wait to share my favorite method with you. But let me start with a quick disclaimer: if you prefer to keep your books pristine and untouched, that’s totally okay! Everyone has their own way of connecting with books. I’m simply sharing what works for me in case it sparks ideas for you.
Why Annotating?
For me, annotating is like creating a personal time capsule. When I revisit an old favorite, I get to see my younger self tucked between the pages, and I love revisiting my thoughts, emotions, and random scribbles as well. It adds an extra layer of meaning to the reading experience. It also makes reading more active. Instead of just consuming the story, I’m engaging with it. And, as a visual learner, writing in the margins or underlining passages helps ideas stick with me long after I’ve finished the book.
For years, I used to underline lines that jumped out for me or write quick thoughts wherever I could find space. It worked, but it wasn’t exactly organized. But eventually, especially during my master’s, when I needed to keep track of themes and research, I realized I needed more structure. That’s when I developed what I now call the SCRIBE system. This system is a simple yet flexible way to organize my thoughts without losing the joy of reading, and it has completely transformed how I interact with books.
The SCRIBE System
The word SCRIBE felt like the perfect fit (and easy to remember). Here’s what it stands for:
S – Spotlight: The unique elements I’m focusing on. For example, while writing my dissertation, I searched for themes of time, fear, and control. Spotlight creates a sort of scavenger hunt for the themes you want to track, and often it’s also the reason you picked up the book in the first place.
C – Core Concepts: The bigger themes and ideas you want to keep track of. These are general concepts that help set the atmosphere and tone, and they’re important for you to track as you read.
R – Representations: This could mean anything! For me, because of my particular interest in the field of children’s literature, it often involves looking at portrayals of childhood and adult-child relationships. However, it really depends on what I’m reading, and sometimes I’d look for representations of gender or representations of nature.
I – Insights: These are the factual things you’ll want to remember, like research findings, historical details, or important names and dates.
B – Best Quotes: Those lines that feel like they’re speaking directly to you and deserve to be treasured.
E – Explore Further: Anything you’d want to look up later. This includes questions you have, ideas you don’t fully understand, or topics you’d like to learn more about later.
This system helps me organize my thoughts without overwhelming myself. And the best part? It’s flexible. You can make it as detailed or as simple as you want, and tailor it to your own reading goals.
Here’s how I put the SCRIBE system into action, step by step:
Set-Up
Before I start reading, I jot down the SCRIBE categories and what I’ll be focusing on for that book or article on a sticky note. Then, I use colored tabs (one color per category) and stick my little “key” inside the front cover. That way, I can always refer back.
Reading and Marking
As I read, I highlight important lines (I use a grey marker because it keeps everything neat, and that just satisfies me 😅), and I write notes in the margins. If I need more space, I’ll add a sticky note. Quick tip: peel sticky notes from the side, not the bottom, so they stay flat!
I also circle unfamiliar words or idioms to look up later. For me, annotating isn’t just about understanding the book better, it’s also a way to keep improving my English.
Post-Chapter Reflection
Once I finish a chapter, I place my tabs wherever I made notes, underlined something, or wrote a thought. It helps me process the chapter without breaking my flow while reading.
Post-Reading Wrap-Up
When I finish my reading, I organize my notes and tabs, then write a quick review in Notion, where I keep track of everything. I include key takeaways, quotes I loved, and personal reflections.
Why I Love SCRIBE
For me, SCRIBE strikes the perfect balance between practical and personal. It keeps me engaged, helps me remember what I read, and lets me revisit books later with fresh eyes. And since it’s adaptable, it works for any type of book. Whether you’re into literary fiction, self-help, or academic texts, you can tweak SCRIBE to fit your needs.
If you’re more of a visual learner (like me!), I also made a video walking through the SCRIBE system step by step. Sometimes it’s easier to see how it works in action, so feel free to check it out if you’d like to follow along.
Do you annotate your books? If so, I’d love to hear about your process! Or do you prefer to keep your books clean and unmarked? And if you’re just starting out, give the SCRIBE system a try. I’d love to know how it works for you, or if you come up with your own spin on it.
Happy reading, and happy annotating! 🤓🖖🏻📖
