David Sedaris
I am officially obsessed with the New York Times new column, BY THE BOOK. It appears in the Sunday Book Review as well as a longer version that runs on the paper’s online site. By the Book interviews literary celebrities about their reading habits, what they are currently reading, what books remain favorites and my personal favorite, whether or not they take notes in their books.
Here is David Sedaris’ answer to the question, do you take notes when you read?
What are your reading habits? Paper or electronic? Do you take notes? Do you snack while you read?
I sometimes read books on my iPad. It’s great for traveling, but paper versions are easier to mark up, and I like the feeling of accomplishment I get when measuring the number of pages I’ve just finished — “Three-quarters of an inch!” I like listening to books as well, as that way you can iron at the same time. Notewise, whenever I read a passage that moves me, I transcribe it in my diary, hoping my fingers might learn what excellence feels like.
I find myself now eagerly anticipating who the next By the Book profile will be. Can’t wait until next Sunday to find out!
