Thursday, September 4, 2008

How to Mark a Book

The author contends that there are two types of ownership when it comes to a book. One can have the property right to a book; but full ownership only comes when a book becomes part of the reader, and Alder contends that this is achieved by writing in it. (P.21) Though i have never marked all over a book that i have read I do agree with this point. After marking in a book myself i do find it helpful, especially when referring back to something.
Alder's method is also helpful in comprehending what you are reading. "... reading, if active is thinking... the marked book is usually the thought-through book"(P.22) His method forces you to be active in learning, it causes you to question the author and your own ideas.
Overall i find "How to Mark a Book" an exceptionally  helpful essay. 


Reid, Stephen. Purpose and Process: A reader for Writers Fifth Edition
New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2004.

How to Mark a Book PP. 20-25

1 comment:

Christopher Goolsby said...

I quite agree when you say that his method of teaching forces you to be active and to not just read but absorb what you are reading. I like your response because it was short but got right to the point and I knew what you were trying to put across. I agree with what you said having wrote much of the same myself. I also found the eassay helpful but I still don't think I could write in my books, though you say it is helpful. But, hey, whatever works to get the job done.