The book club member who said my annotated copy was 'ruining the experience'

I brought my heavily annotated copy of The Road to our club meeting last Tuesday and this guy named Mark flipped out. He said I was spoiling the book for myself by writing in the margins and circling themes. I've been marking up books since high school and it's how I remember what I read. Has anyone else had a club member get weird about how you personally read a book?

3 comments

3 Comments

hart.mark2mo agoMost Upvoted

Hey did you try just telling him it helps you actually remember the book?

simonb922mo ago

Man, I hear you. It's rough when someone close to you doesn't get why you do things a certain way. I've been in similar spots where I just want to explain myself without sounding like I'm making excuses. Honestly, it's weird how something that helps you focus can look like a distraction to someone else. I hope he listens eventually because it sounds like you've got a good reason for it. Hang in there, it's frustrating but you're not alone in dealing with this lol.

stella_baker25d ago

The first time I saw someone's annotated book I thought it was weird too @hart.mark, but now I realize writing in the margins actually helps me catch way more details. Mark needs to chill and let people read however works for them.