I am absolutely appalled by the idea of dog-earing, writing in, or “uglifying” a book, even an ARC, in any way. Especially if I’m reading something with the intention of passing it on, I am careful to be as gentle with it as possible, so that the next person to read it will receive a nice item from me, rather than a dog-eared, wrinkly mess.

When I’m reading a hardcover, the first thing I do is remove the dustjacket and set it aside, so that it won’t become torn or creased while I’m reading. I live with the books I keep, but living with them for me means loving them, and I’d no more cause them to lose their lustre than I would the humans with whom I share my home. I’d no sooner fold down a page on a book than I would tack my husband to the living room sofa just so I’ll know where I left him.

It will surprise not a soul that I have a large collection of bookmarks (so many that I’ve even written a published article about them), and I usually buy more whenever I’m book shopping. I often make them in counted cross stitch and give them as gifts, too.

I am absolutely appalled by the idea of dog-earing, writing in, or “uglifying” a book, even an ARC, in any way. Especially if I’m reading something with the intention of passing it on, I am careful to be as gentle with it as possible, so that the next person to read it will receive a nice item from me, rather than a dog-eared, wrinkly mess.

When I’m reading a hardcover, the first thing I do is remove the dustjacket and set it aside, so that it won’t become torn or creased while I’m reading. I live with the books I keep, but living with them for me means loving them, and I’d no more cause them to lose their lustre than I would the humans with whom I share my home. I’d no sooner fold down a page on a book than I would tack my husband to the living room sofa just so I’ll know where I left him.

It will surprise not a soul that I have a large collection of bookmarks (so many that I’ve even written a published article about them), and I usually buy more whenever I’m book shopping. I often make them in counted cross stitch and give them as gifts, too.

What about using the receipt? I’ve been doing that since highschool… keep track of how fast I’ve finished a book and when I bought it… also… how much money I’m spending =)

What about using the receipt? I’ve been doing that since highschool… keep track of how fast I’ve finished a book and when I bought it… also… how much money I’m spending =)

I too am horrified by dogearing the page of a book instead of using some sort of bookmark. Whenever I buy a book in a bookstore, I usually pick up some of the free promotional bookmarks available at the checkout counter. If I borrow a book from a library, I do the same thing. Falling short of any physical marker, rather than defacing the book by turning down the corner of a page, I give my memory a little practice by remembering the page number until I can insert something, even a scrap of paper.

I loved “The Comfort of Strangers.” McEwan’s powers of description are at their finest in this short novel. I truly could not put it down. It led me down every winding path along with its characters. It is obvious that the characters will face some sort of violence because it is constantly stalking them. It’s not knowing when or how it will occur that kept me reading. Creepy, creepy and irresistable.

It’s not his best, but I didn’t care while reading it. It bothered me a little that he never mentions the word “Venice” throughout the novel even though it is quite definitely that beautiful and intriguing city. I read this novel just after I finished reading John Berendt’s “The City of Falling Angels”, what a juxtaposition.

I too am horrified by dogearing the page of a book instead of using some sort of bookmark. Whenever I buy a book in a bookstore, I usually pick up some of the free promotional bookmarks available at the checkout counter. If I borrow a book from a library, I do the same thing. Falling short of any physical marker, rather than defacing the book by turning down the corner of a page, I give my memory a little practice by remembering the page number until I can insert something, even a scrap of paper.

I loved “The Comfort of Strangers.” McEwan’s powers of description are at their finest in this short novel. I truly could not put it down. It led me down every winding path along with its characters. It is obvious that the characters will face some sort of violence because it is constantly stalking them. It’s not knowing when or how it will occur that kept me reading. Creepy, creepy and irresistable.

It’s not his best, but I didn’t care while reading it. It bothered me a little that he never mentions the word “Venice” throughout the novel even though it is quite definitely that beautiful and intriguing city. I read this novel just after I finished reading John Berendt’s “The City of Falling Angels”, what a juxtaposition.

oh for shame, for shame! dog-earing as a bookmark! it pains me! my 16 year-old book loving daughter will do that too and I tell her that I thought I raised her so much better and that we should probably go back and do it all over again…she doesn’t seem to think so but for a moment she is appeasingly contrite….

there’s these wonderful new bookmarks you can find at most bookstores that are so very adorable – costumed sock monkey bookmarks! i love these! i get a pack of about 25 and end up leaving one wherever i sit and pick up another and leave it by the bed and so on and so on therefore i’ve always got a bookmark wherever i land.

but, woefully, if you are a dog-earder (i’m on a roll today making up the words!) you are probably a dog-earder for life …. embrace it! =]

oh for shame, for shame! dog-earing as a bookmark! it pains me! my 16 year-old book loving daughter will do that too and I tell her that I thought I raised her so much better and that we should probably go back and do it all over again…she doesn’t seem to think so but for a moment she is appeasingly contrite….

there’s these wonderful new bookmarks you can find at most bookstores that are so very adorable – costumed sock monkey bookmarks! i love these! i get a pack of about 25 and end up leaving one wherever i sit and pick up another and leave it by the bed and so on and so on therefore i’ve always got a bookmark wherever i land.

but, woefully, if you are a dog-earder (i’m on a roll today making up the words!) you are probably a dog-earder for life …. embrace it! =]

I do not often dog-ear pages in the books I own. But, I do admit to writing in books. I underline passages that seem pivotal, inspirational, and/or extraordinary. I often reread books, especially the ones that utterly changed my perspective on life and reading, and I look for those underlined passages or written comments. Have my opinions changed as I’ve grown older? Is the passage still significant?

I want the books I own to symbolize the relationships that I have with them. I know my statement is weird, but it is true. I want to see a battered spine, a bent cover and coffee stains. When I reread I want to be able to connect with the thoughts of my former self. In essence, those well-used and well-loved books are more truthful than any journal/diary I have ever kept.

So, if you feel the need to dog-ear, comment, or throw the book across the room…do it. Trust me, the book will live to tell the tale again.

I do not often dog-ear pages in the books I own. But, I do admit to writing in books. I underline passages that seem pivotal, inspirational, and/or extraordinary. I often reread books, especially the ones that utterly changed my perspective on life and reading, and I look for those underlined passages or written comments. Have my opinions changed as I’ve grown older? Is the passage still significant?

I want the books I own to symbolize the relationships that I have with them. I know my statement is weird, but it is true. I want to see a battered spine, a bent cover and coffee stains. When I reread I want to be able to connect with the thoughts of my former self. In essence, those well-used and well-loved books are more truthful than any journal/diary I have ever kept.

So, if you feel the need to dog-ear, comment, or throw the book across the room…do it. Trust me, the book will live to tell the tale again.

I dog ear. I admit it. Not hardcovers though. Any paperback is fair game. I’ve no idea why I make the distinction.

As for bookmarks, I only use rectangular paper ones – the kind you can pick up for free at the bookshops or occasionally buy if they’re pretty . I hate bookmarks that aren’t flat, or have dangly bits like string or beads – all that junk always seems to get in the way. My favorite thing , though, is to use odd scraps. Postcards, a slip of paper I’ve written a quote on, plane tickets, receipts, etc. The trick is to remember to take them out before giving the book away – though its always a thrill to find what other people have left behind.

I dog ear. I admit it. Not hardcovers though. Any paperback is fair game. I’ve no idea why I make the distinction.

As for bookmarks, I only use rectangular paper ones – the kind you can pick up for free at the bookshops or occasionally buy if they’re pretty . I hate bookmarks that aren’t flat, or have dangly bits like string or beads – all that junk always seems to get in the way. My favorite thing , though, is to use odd scraps. Postcards, a slip of paper I’ve written a quote on, plane tickets, receipts, etc. The trick is to remember to take them out before giving the book away – though its always a thrill to find what other people have left behind.

Costumed Sock Monkey Bookmarks! Please tell more!

Costumed Sock Monkey Bookmarks! Please tell more!

GREAT episode you guys! Ann, I had The Comfort of Strangers on my Kindle before you were even finished describing it – great sell.

GREAT episode you guys! Ann, I had The Comfort of Strangers on my Kindle before you were even finished describing it – great sell.

Bend it, break it, toss it, write in it, scratch it! There is nothing so special as a book you have lived with. Cried with. Laughed with. Been enraged with! If the books doesn’t make me want to make it my own then the authored has failed me.

Bend it, break it, toss it, write in it, scratch it! There is nothing so special as a book you have lived with. Cried with. Laughed with. Been enraged with! If the books doesn’t make me want to make it my own then the authored has failed me.

I used to dogear all the time out of laziness. Now, since most of my books are from the library, that is not an option. I also tend to use a receipt (of when the book is due back) or steal a bookmark from my daughter, who also usually has 2-3 books going at a time. Since bookmarks usually involve tassles or ribbons, my cat loves to take off with these and leave me some wet, chewed, reminder of where I left off. I don’t care for the metal bookmarks, I feel like they expand the book too much so it won’t lie flat. So the receipt or plain paper bookmark tends to work best for me.

I used to dogear all the time out of laziness. Now, since most of my books are from the library, that is not an option. I also tend to use a receipt (of when the book is due back) or steal a bookmark from my daughter, who also usually has 2-3 books going at a time. Since bookmarks usually involve tassles or ribbons, my cat loves to take off with these and leave me some wet, chewed, reminder of where I left off. I don’t care for the metal bookmarks, I feel like they expand the book too much so it won’t lie flat. So the receipt or plain paper bookmark tends to work best for me.

Thanks, Graceann. I have been tempted to tack my husband to the sofa, by the way Would love to see your article on bookmarks. Is it online anywhere?

Thanks, Graceann. I have been tempted to tack my husband to the sofa, by the way Would love to see your article on bookmarks. Is it online anywhere?

Ooh, I don’t want to know how much money I’m spending on books!
Truthfully, it usually is the receipt that I use, if I use a bookmark and if the bookseller tucks it inside the book. It’s a nice souvenir of the visit.

Ooh, I don’t want to know how much money I’m spending on books!
Truthfully, it usually is the receipt that I use, if I use a bookmark and if the bookseller tucks it inside the book. It’s a nice souvenir of the visit.

Patricia,
I’m in awe that you can remember the page number. My memory fails me all too often to rely on that to mark my place — but I admire you for the ability!

Creepy is the perfect word to describe The Comfort of Strangers!

Patricia,
I’m in awe that you can remember the page number. My memory fails me all too often to rely on that to mark my place — but I admire you for the ability!

Creepy is the perfect word to describe The Comfort of Strangers!

Yes, I’m a “dog-earder” but I also want to know about the sock monkey bookmarks!

Yes, I’m a “dog-earder” but I also want to know about the sock monkey bookmarks!

LOL, I’ve done them all. Thanks for the support!

LOL, I’ve done them all. Thanks for the support!

Oh, reminds me of http://www.thingsinbooks.com/ — a website devoted to interesting things found in books! Just don’t use money!!

Yay!

Tearstains on the page are the best!!

Oh, reminds me of http://www.thingsinbooks.com/ — a website devoted to interesting things found in books! Just don’t use money!!

Yay!

Tearstains on the page are the best!!

Tamara, that cat would be in serious trouble if it stole a bookmark from one of my books

Tamara, that cat would be in serious trouble if it stole a bookmark from one of my books

It is indeed. I’ve been published several times in the literary journal WordWorth, and it is in the archives there:
http://www.wordworth.com/2009.htm The article is entitled Literary Treasures and it was featured in November 2009.
Thanks for asking!

It is indeed. I’ve been published several times in the literary journal WordWorth, and it is in the archives there:
http://www.wordworth.com/2009.htm The article is entitled Literary Treasures and it was featured in November 2009.
Thanks for asking!

Here’s another site I enjoy – same idea.

http://www.forgottenbookmarks.com/

The letters are amazing. I think it’s a shame no one writes letters anymore. I suppose we still have email…. but I get the feeling most people don’t try as hard to make an email entertaining. Who would have thought that buying a stamp would raise the literary stakes?

Here’s another site I enjoy – same idea.

http://www.forgottenbookmarks.com/

The letters are amazing. I think it’s a shame no one writes letters anymore. I suppose we still have email…. but I get the feeling most people don’t try as hard to make an email entertaining. Who would have thought that buying a stamp would raise the literary stakes?

My parents were both readers and dog-earing a book was absolutely unforgivable. I’m still too afraid to even try it.

I’ll use anything for a bookmark, but lately I’ve been making beaded book thongs and I love using them. In my opinion you can’t have too much book bling.

My parents were both readers and dog-earing a book was absolutely unforgivable. I’m still too afraid to even try it.

I’ll use anything for a bookmark, but lately I’ve been making beaded book thongs and I love using them. In my opinion you can’t have too much book bling.

Great episode, Ann & Michael — I will confess that I also dog-ear books (especially ARCs, which I also am famous for spilling my lunch & dinner all over as well) but I do feel guilty. I think I would be happy to stop if only there was such a thing as a bookmark that met the following criteria:
a.) will remind you exactly which page (left-hand or right-) you left off on
b.) is no thicker than the page of the book you’re using it on.
That’s why I like to dog-ear… receipts or scraps of paper or freebie bookmarks do not fit my book-marking requirements.

Michael, you have completelty convinced me to put The Clothes They Stood Up In at the top of my reading pile.
Ann, same goes for The Comfort of Strangers. I also *love* On Chesil Beach and I’ve read most of McEwan’s newer novels, but haven’t really gone back to read the older ones. So thanks for the recommendation.

On the topic of short but dark… have either of you read Disquiet by Julia Leigh? It’s only 128 pages and it’s frighteningly well-written. I hesitate to *recommend* it… it’s one of those books that is too disturbing to actually say that you “enjoyed” reading. But I can say that I spent a very uncomfortable hour and half unable to stop reading it.

My favorite short book is probably Where Angels Fear to Tread by E.M. Forster.

Great episode, Ann & Michael — I will confess that I also dog-ear books (especially ARCs, which I also am famous for spilling my lunch & dinner all over as well) but I do feel guilty. I think I would be happy to stop if only there was such a thing as a bookmark that met the following criteria:
a.) will remind you exactly which page (left-hand or right-) you left off on
b.) is no thicker than the page of the book you’re using it on.
That’s why I like to dog-ear… receipts or scraps of paper or freebie bookmarks do not fit my book-marking requirements.

Michael, you have completelty convinced me to put The Clothes They Stood Up In at the top of my reading pile.
Ann, same goes for The Comfort of Strangers. I also *love* On Chesil Beach and I’ve read most of McEwan’s newer novels, but haven’t really gone back to read the older ones. So thanks for the recommendation.

On the topic of short but dark… have either of you read Disquiet by Julia Leigh? It’s only 128 pages and it’s frighteningly well-written. I hesitate to *recommend* it… it’s one of those books that is too disturbing to actually say that you “enjoyed” reading. But I can say that I spent a very uncomfortable hour and half unable to stop reading it.

My favorite short book is probably Where Angels Fear to Tread by E.M. Forster.

I have to say I’m also in the camp of being unable to dog ear books. I’m so bad that my family stopped borrowing paperbacks because I got annoyed when they creased my books to the point of cracking the spine on the outside.

If, however, it’s a paperback copy of a book that I’ve read a few times and know that I will read again, I will write notes or underline passages in the book.

Somebody should invent a digital bookmark that allows you to scan in your passages and export the passage to an electronic book journal. Or maybe somebody will invent the notebook. . .

I have to say I’m also in the camp of being unable to dog ear books. I’m so bad that my family stopped borrowing paperbacks because I got annoyed when they creased my books to the point of cracking the spine on the outside.

If, however, it’s a paperback copy of a book that I’ve read a few times and know that I will read again, I will write notes or underline passages in the book.

Somebody should invent a digital bookmark that allows you to scan in your passages and export the passage to an electronic book journal. Or maybe somebody will invent the notebook. . .

I used to dog-ear pages when I was young. My books were in horrifying condition as a teenager. I’ve outgrown it, and now, I typically use a receipt to mark pages. I can never keep track of my bookmarks. I had a brass bookmark that I used for ages and lost it.

My husband, on the other hand, would dog-ear pages if I didn’t bite him (Yes literally) Every time I see him doing it.

I used to dog-ear pages when I was young. My books were in horrifying condition as a teenager. I’ve outgrown it, and now, I typically use a receipt to mark pages. I can never keep track of my bookmarks. I had a brass bookmark that I used for ages and lost it.

My husband, on the other hand, would dog-ear pages if I didn’t bite him (Yes literally) Every time I see him doing it.

I will admit to dogearring books on occasion (usually when I have nothing else on me and would like to mark the page where I stopped).

When I am using a bookmark, I usually find the receipt for my library books that I have signed out or I use some other discarded piece of paper that I am not using. For example, while in line for an exhibit at the 2010 Olympic games, I was handed a card to key in some numbers in the off chance I could win a trip. Well, I forgot to do so, but still had the card that they handed me and used as a book mark as I read the book, reminding of the second trip that I made to the Olympic city that I made about a month ago. I also do purchase bookmarks from book stores, but usually they have some sort of sentiment attached to them.

I will admit to dogearring books on occasion (usually when I have nothing else on me and would like to mark the page where I stopped).

When I am using a bookmark, I usually find the receipt for my library books that I have signed out or I use some other discarded piece of paper that I am not using. For example, while in line for an exhibit at the 2010 Olympic games, I was handed a card to key in some numbers in the off chance I could win a trip. Well, I forgot to do so, but still had the card that they handed me and used as a book mark as I read the book, reminding of the second trip that I made to the Olympic city that I made about a month ago. I also do purchase bookmarks from book stores, but usually they have some sort of sentiment attached to them.

Our book club has a wonderful tradition. Whenever a member travels, she brings back a bookmark from the place she has visited. Over the years, we now each have a fabulous collection of bookmarks literally from around the world. On a related note, since I now possess so many bookmarks, selecting just the right bookmark for a new book is a process ~ and often time consuming process~ all on its own. Finally, my favorite bookmarks are the small drawings and love notes my daughter wrote me when she was four and five. I saved these and had them laminated. I would recommend this to young mothers and fathers.

Our book club has a wonderful tradition. Whenever a member travels, she brings back a bookmark from the place she has visited. Over the years, we now each have a fabulous collection of bookmarks literally from around the world. On a related note, since I now possess so many bookmarks, selecting just the right bookmark for a new book is a process ~ and often time consuming process~ all on its own. Finally, my favorite bookmarks are the small drawings and love notes my daughter wrote me when she was four and five. I saved these and had them laminated. I would recommend this to young mothers and fathers.

Judy, those are some wonderful ideas! Thanks for sharing.

Judy, those are some wonderful ideas! Thanks for sharing.

Judy,

I’ve done the same thing with some of my son’s handwritten notes. I have even taken some of my favorite photos, downsized them, and laminated them to use as bookmarks.

Judy,

I’ve done the same thing with some of my son’s handwritten notes. I have even taken some of my favorite photos, downsized them, and laminated them to use as bookmarks.