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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 28. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Minnie-Haha on May 25, 2005, at 21:43:53
I didn't used to because I was told it was wrong. But one of my favorite professor's changed my mind. I underline passages I like, make little notes. After my grandma died and I got some of her books, it was so cool to see her little notes in the margins. (And they're literally little -- tiny -- not a lot of definition. It took me a long time to learn how to read her handwriting.)
Posted by alexandra_k on May 25, 2005, at 23:41:04
In reply to Do you -- Gasp! -- write in your books?, posted by Minnie-Haha on May 25, 2005, at 21:43:53
Yeah.
I like to have a look round the second hand book shops. I found a copy of a book that I really liked and it had been previously owned by a proff I really liked and he had made notes all through it. I really appreciated his having done that :-)I do write in books...
I try to do it in pencil.
2b or b pencil, though.
Nice and dark and is erased without a trace...I have been known to turn the corner of the page on library books though...
Posted by daisym on May 26, 2005, at 0:50:10
In reply to Re: Do you -- Gasp! -- write in your books? » Minnie-Haha, posted by alexandra_k on May 25, 2005, at 23:41:04
Gasp!!! NEVER.
Learned early and well in Catholic schools -- NEVER, EVER write in your books!! (Ok, you put your name in them. And you should write a note on the title page if you give a book as a gift...)
I struggled in college with highlighting text books even.
shudder, shake, shake.
Posted by badhaircut on May 26, 2005, at 7:20:50
In reply to Do you -- Gasp! -- write in your books?, posted by Minnie-Haha on May 25, 2005, at 21:43:53
Yes! But as Alexandra says, in pencil so future owners can erase them. (Or I can if I go to re-sell them.)
I put proofreader's marks throughout. I admit this is nuts. For whose benefit are these marks?!
I put cross-references. These *are* helpful. And I add entries to the index in the back.
I highlight the page-edges along one side of some reference books in various colors for different chapters so I can flip to them easily.
And I label the spines with stickers that have the year of first publication. This makes it much easier to shelve a bunch from the same author/subject.
Posted by Minnie-Haha on May 26, 2005, at 9:21:29
In reply to Re: Do you -- Gasp! -- write in your books? » Minnie-Haha, posted by alexandra_k on May 25, 2005, at 23:41:04
> Yeah.
> I like to have a look round the second hand book shops. I found a copy of a book that I really liked and it had been previously owned by a proff I really liked and he had made notes all through it. I really appreciated his having done that :-)Yes, I like to read what other people have found remarkable, too. Especially if they haven't done it too much, so finding their remarks is like a little treasure, whether I think I understand what they were saying or not.
> I do write in books...
> I try to do it in pencil.
> 2b or b pencil, though.
> Nice and dark and is erased without a trace...I try to use pencil too, but if one's not available, I have been known to grab a pen (if it is MY book, of course). Though you have to be careful with pens that bleed through... I always kick myself for that.
> I have been known to turn the corner of the page on library books though...
Yes. My husband thinks I'm commiting a crime when I do that. I mean I don't go crazy or anything, but if I don't have a scrap of paper handy, well...
Posted by Minnie-Haha on May 26, 2005, at 9:24:39
In reply to Re: Do you -- Gasp! -- write in your books?, posted by daisym on May 26, 2005, at 0:50:10
> Gasp!!! NEVER.
>
> Learned early and well in Catholic schools -- NEVER, EVER write in your books!! (Ok, you put your name in them. And you should write a note on the title page if you give a book as a gift...)
>
> I struggled in college with highlighting text books even.
>
> shudder, shake, shake.Yes. That's exactly how I used to be. But that professor I liked really changed my mind. I felt so liberated, because in the past I would think something, and I knew I couldn't write it in the book... and there would go my thought. (I guess I could have started up some external note system, but that seemed like a PROJECT.)
Posted by Minnie-Haha on May 26, 2005, at 9:31:15
In reply to pencil only – mostly, posted by badhaircut on May 26, 2005, at 7:20:50
> I put proofreader's marks throughout. I admit this is nuts. For whose benefit are these marks?!
I do this too (sometimes -- especially if I've started to notice that the book could have used better editing).
> I put cross-references. These *are* helpful. And I add entries to the index in the back.
Yes and yes!
> I highlight the page-edges along one side of some reference books in various colors for different chapters so I can flip to them easily.
Yep.
> And I label the spines with stickers that have the year of first publication. This makes it much easier to shelve a bunch from the same author/subject.
My shelving system if pretty loose, though if I ever got a much larger collection, I'll need to come up with a better one. I've actually thought of starting a database (probably computerized) of the books I do own.
Posted by badhaircut on May 26, 2005, at 9:41:54
In reply to Re: pencil only – mostly, posted by Minnie-Haha on May 26, 2005, at 9:31:15
Minnie, I'm glad to know I'm not alone.
> I've actually thought of starting a database (probably computerized) of the books I do own.
I have one on Excel. It's saved me from accidentally buying duplicates.
I've also kept one for most of my borrowed books since the late 1980s. THAT is interesting: books I've completely forgotten about reading, then I see their entries and "...Oh, yeah...!"
Posted by NikkiT2 on May 26, 2005, at 17:40:46
In reply to pencil only – mostly, posted by badhaircut on May 26, 2005, at 7:20:50
Oh no.. no no no...
But i do use post it notes and post it flags in books with notes on, and to mark passages *lol*
but.. one thing that drives my husband bonkers.. but something I *ave* to do.. is breaking the spines. Opening a brand new book for the first time, and breaking the spine always gives me a thrill.. Maybe thats why I don't like second hand books much..
nikki xx
(ps.. my break from PB doesn't cover PB Books *L*)
Posted by NikkiT2 on May 26, 2005, at 17:43:49
In reply to personal catalogs » Minnie-Haha, posted by badhaircut on May 26, 2005, at 9:41:54
90% of my life is in the computer age.. If it can be done on a computer, its done that way..
Except for my book list. I've only been keeping one for 2 years.. from the front is my "to be read" list (so when I am in a book shop, I don't panic over what to buy!), and from the back are the books I have read, and sometimes a little comment..
heavens knows why I do it tis way!
Nikki xx
Posted by TamaraJ on May 26, 2005, at 18:33:09
In reply to *looks shocked* (and do you break the spine?!), posted by NikkiT2 on May 26, 2005, at 17:40:46
> But i do use post it notes and post it flags in books with notes on, and to mark passages *lol*
>
-- I do the same thing :-) Post it notes galore to mark the bits I want to go back to.> but.. one thing that drives my husband bonkers.. but something I *ave* to do.. is breaking the spines. Opening a brand new book for the first time, and breaking the spine always gives me a thrill.. Maybe thats why I don't like second hand books much..
>
-- LOL, I am a "spine breaker" as well! Pretty much the first thing I do when I start a new book. It's a must - a christening of sorts. A friend of mine always refused to loan me books because I break the spine. I don't know how she ever managed to read a book with it only opened a crack. There is not much that is more comforting than curling and cracking open a good . . . book :-)
> (ps.. my break from PB doesn't cover PB Books *L*)-- I'm glad to hear that, Nikki. Although I don't participate much on this board, I always enjoy reading your posts about your book experiences and your literary likes and dislikes.
Posted by alexandra_k on May 26, 2005, at 18:55:36
In reply to *looks shocked* (and do you break the spine?!), posted by NikkiT2 on May 26, 2005, at 17:40:46
Oh no no no!
I'll write in them,
But I'm careful not to break the spine...
Posted by Minnie-Haha on May 26, 2005, at 19:35:47
In reply to *looks shocked* (and do you break the spine?!), posted by NikkiT2 on May 26, 2005, at 17:40:46
> (ps.. my break from PB doesn't cover PB Books *L*)
(Drumming fingertips together) Exxxcellent...
Posted by Minnie-Haha on May 26, 2005, at 19:40:01
In reply to *looks shocked* (and do you break the spine?!), posted by NikkiT2 on May 26, 2005, at 17:40:46
Not usually, but sometimes. I frequently, however, bend back the front and back covers, and the first 10-20 pages, on a paperback -- about 1/8th to 1/4 inch from spine -- if it keeps wrestling with me. (I like the larger format paper backs.)
Posted by partlycloudy on May 26, 2005, at 20:25:21
In reply to *looks shocked* (and do you break the spine?!), posted by NikkiT2 on May 26, 2005, at 17:40:46
You have to break the spine if you're going to be able to read and eat, make a cup of tea, or brush your teeth at the same time. When I read a book I take it with me everywhere until it's completely read. Never liked reading in the tub, though. Too risky.
pc
Posted by Racer on May 26, 2005, at 21:15:05
In reply to *looks shocked* (and do you break the spine?!), posted by NikkiT2 on May 26, 2005, at 17:40:46
> but.. one thing that drives my husband bonkers.. but something I *ave* to do.. is breaking the spines. Opening a brand new book for the first time, and breaking the spine always gives me a thrill..
>
> nikki xx
>
That's it, Nikki. My toothbrush you can borrow, but NOT my books!I do break the spine on hardbacks, so that they don't get that weird bendy uneven thing going on, but paperbacks? Nope. Just a natural thing, the way I read, but I don't break'em.
Even though, like PC, I tend to read almost everywhere -- when eating, etc. (And, since I don't have soaks in the bath, that's not an issue. I just read away in the shower...)
(Wait! No I don't! I guess I'm confused...)
Posted by TofuEmmy on May 27, 2005, at 8:03:54
In reply to Re: personal catalogs, posted by NikkiT2 on May 26, 2005, at 17:43:49
> Except for my book list. I've only been keeping one for 2 years.. from the front is my "to be read" list (so when I am in a book shop, I don't panic over what to buy!), and from the back are the books I have read, and sometimes a little comment..
>When the two sections meet, perhaps it's time to put in on a PalmPilot? :-)
emmy
Posted by badhaircut on May 27, 2005, at 9:44:12
In reply to *looks shocked* (and do you break the spine?!), posted by NikkiT2 on May 26, 2005, at 17:40:46
I *never* break the spine. I don't even crease it. The first thing I do when I get a paperback is tape the spine with 3M acid-free book tape (after applying my little "year" sticker, of course). I've even put book tape on the spine of library books. I don't know why the local public library doesn't. I could probably go to jail for that, LOL!
I've also kept track in a little notebook every movie I've seen since 1987 (about 1,000) – cinema, TV, videotape. Paging through it is like looking back at a meandering trail of footprints across a beach. The notebook's now out of pages, so I'm not sure what to do. Stop watching? ;o)
Posted by Minnie-Haha on May 27, 2005, at 13:11:22
In reply to Re: *looks shocked* (and do you break the spine?!), posted by partlycloudy on May 26, 2005, at 20:25:21
> You have to break the spine if you're going to be able to read and eat, make a cup of tea, or brush your teeth at the same time. When I read a book I take it with me everywhere until it's completely read. Never liked reading in the tub, though. Too risky.
I read in the tub, the risky factor is kinda exciting! (Though I wouldn't read my best editions there.) Actually, I dropped a book in the bath once, but I was so relieved. It was "Who Moved My Cheese?" which a professor asked us to read for extra credit. I hated reading it (sorry to anybody who likes it) and was glad to have an excuse to quit.
Posted by NikkiT2 on May 27, 2005, at 14:30:39
In reply to Re: *looks shocked* (and do you break the spine?!) » partlycloudy, posted by Minnie-Haha on May 27, 2005, at 13:11:22
Is something I do daily! *grins*
I have to read in the bath.. I adore it.. its a huge pleasure of mine.
not dropped a book yet.. and I even built myself a little shelf that fits over the bath for me to rest books on if they're heavy ones (cos of my poorely arm).. That came about with the last Harry Potter as I simply couldn't old it up! *l*
I've booked the monday and tuesday off work after the next Harry Potter comes out.. I have y copy reserved, and my local book store opens at midnight so I will be there to get it then.. I shall thend edicate all my time to reading it till it has been finished!! *L*
Nikki xx
Posted by Daisym on May 27, 2005, at 19:21:46
In reply to no spine-breakin', no dog-earin', posted by badhaircut on May 27, 2005, at 9:44:12
Exactly! AND, I take the cover off hard back books to keep "nice" while I read them. I tell my kids, "use a bookmark, for heaven's sake!"
About the movies -- I'm gonna start asking YOU before I watch stuff. I'm shocked at how many movies have stuff that triggers me now. I never noticed before how prevalent rape, csa, hitting women and children and other awful stuff is. I'm reduced to westerns and disney movies. (Which is fine, The Undefeated is my favorite movie)
I need the list of what to avoid.
Which is why I love books.
Oh, except someone gave me "Me and Emma." Not a book to read if you've been abused. Still had to finish it though. Wanted to make sure they were safe. Self-torture in action. *sigh*
Posted by littleone on May 27, 2005, at 21:15:56
In reply to Do you -- Gasp! -- write in your books?, posted by Minnie-Haha on May 25, 2005, at 21:43:53
No writing, no spine breaking. My books still look like new once I've read them. This sounds crazy, but I don't want to hurt them.
Posted by badhaircut on May 27, 2005, at 21:52:19
In reply to Re: Do you -- Gasp! -- write in your books? » Minnie-Haha, posted by littleone on May 27, 2005, at 21:15:56
> AND, I take the cover off hard back books to keep "nice" while I read them.
I do that too! I have several empty covers lying around. (What did I do with the books?!)
A long time ago I got a huge roll of clear plastic just like the libraries use. I've wrapped most of my hard back jackets with it. But it makes them slippery and I won't glue the jacket on like they do at libraries.
> My books still look like new once I've read them.
A roommate I had one summer sincerely called me a liar because I said I'd read a book on my shelf. "No you didn't. That book has never been opened." He's now a lawyer.
Posted by badhaircut on May 27, 2005, at 21:59:26
In reply to Re: no spine-breakin', no dog-earin' » badhaircut, posted by Daisym on May 27, 2005, at 19:21:46
> I'm gonna start asking YOU before I watch stuff.
One problem is, I don't remember a lot of them, LOL!
Someone should put a movie rating place on-line for that sort of info. The kind of stuff that's not included in most movie ratings.
One reason I like DVDs is that I can fast forward through parts that make me edgy. If I use the 2x speed, I can still see the subtitles, so I know if they say anything important to the plot.
Posted by Minnie-Haha on May 27, 2005, at 23:12:35
In reply to Re: no spine-breakin', no dog-earin' » badhaircut, posted by Daisym on May 27, 2005, at 19:21:46
> Exactly! AND, I take the cover off hard back books to keep "nice" while I read them. I tell my kids, "use a bookmark, for heaven's sake!"
Speaking of bookmarks, I collect bookmarks. When I travel I like to go to local bookstores and get their bookmarks, plus ones at libraries and I purchase some, too, or get them for gifts sometimes.
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