I read a lot, almost entirely on the kindle. I like the kindle. Some people swear by physical books – the smell, the feel, the weight, the ability to carry them around and look important. I get it, but I don’t get it.
Aside from the convenience, both in being able to carry all books easily, but also in purchasing, my favorite thing about reading on the kindle is highlighting. I tend to be moved by particular passages in books – the punchline, the careful phrasing used for the literary climax of an important point, or even a throwaway filler line that, for whatever reason, feels profound. Without a mechanism to note them as important or notable, I’ll lose them – and benefit for only the few minutes they stay at the front of my mind.
Highlighting provides that mechanism. Not only does the physical act of marking the passage to be highlighted give the line or thought a little extra sticking power in my brain, but it’s easy and convenient to scan the highlights of a book when you’re looking to quickly be reminded of the high points or particularly moving ideas.
Try highlighting. Alternatively, if you already do, go scan back through some past highlights, and relive only the best parts of a recent book you enjoyed.
Bonus: I recently discovered Your Highlights, which lists all your highlights, regardless of book. Handy.
Peter Butler 