In a world where reading has become increasingly screen-based, writing in the margins of a physical book has taken on a sense of nostalgia and significance. For numerous readers, annotating goes beyond study or analysis, and serves as a personal manifestation of connection.
While academics have long been linked to the practice of annotating books, an increasing number of readers are adopting it as a means of self-expression. Highlighting, underlining, and writing notes in the margins can turn reading into a conversation rather than a one-way experience.Â
This is referred to as “active engagement,” a process that enhances understanding and retention by necessitating that readers engage with material more profoundly. However, aside from cognitive benefits, annotation has developed into an emotional practice. Readers frequently underscore passages that strike a chord with them, or jot down responses to instances mirroring their own experiences. As time goes by, those notes become a record of growth and emotion.
This characteristic of annotation has prompted some to liken it to a “love language.” Similar to offering presents or enjoying quality time together, it demonstrates care and focus, and in this instance, is directed at a narrative or writer. Annotating may also enhance interpersonal relationships. Friends and partners frequently trade annotated books, adding insights, jokes, or comments for the next reader to find.Â
This tendency has been intensified by social media. Videos showcasing “annotated books,” complete with color-coded tabs and personal thoughts, garner millions of views on TikTok and Instagram. These posts have turned a reading habit that was once private into a means of creative sharing and community building within online reading groups.
Concurrently, the trend emphasizes a change in the perspective of younger readers toward physical media. Instead of viewing books as sacred objects, annotation redefines them as interactive tools designed for use. With the emergence of “BookTok,” heavily marked-up novels have become aspirational rather than taboo, indicating a cultural shift that values personal interpretation more than pristine preservation.
The revival of annotation also calls into question the notion that books ought to remain untouched. Rather than being damaged, a marked-up book reflects engagement and care. It demonstrates a kind of consideration from an attentive reader. Ultimately, while annotating books may not align with the conventional definition of a love language, it represents the same underlying idea: attention as a form of affection. It involves noticing, responding, and leaving a part of yourself behind in the process.