If you’ve been scrolling through BookTok lately (or even just bookish Instagram), you’ve probably come across beautifully highlighted pages, sticky notes in pastel shades, and scribbled margin notes that scream passion. Yep—annotating books is the new BookTok obsession, and it’s not just about making pages look pretty. It’s a whole new layer of connecting with stories, and honestly? It’s kind of addictive.
There’s something deeply personal about cracking open a book and deciding it’s yours in every way—not just to read but to react to. To argue with. cry over. and well to highlight the hell out of. That’s what this whole annotating trend is about. And the best part? There’s no one right way to do it.
Let’s talk about why annotating books is the new BookTok obsession—and why you might want to give it a shot too.
The Rise of Bookish Aesthetics
There was a time when dog-earing pages got you side-eyes from fellow readers. Now? If you’re not using tabs, highlighters, and pens in your books, are you even reading?
Annotating books is the new BookTok obsession:
largely because BookTok has turned the act of reading into a visual, emotional experience. And let’s be real—those color-coded sticky tabs make everything look ten times cuter on camera. But more than aesthetics, it’s about owning the reading experience. Your thoughts. Your reactions. Right there on the page.
From School Chore to BookTok Ritual: Why Annotating Books Is the New BookTok Obsession
You know, marking up Shakespeare or boring textbooks? Well, it’s not just for academics these days. It’s become way more common for everyone, and honestly, people seem to get pretty passionate and emotional about the notes they make now. Instead of analyzing literature for exams, you’re underlining quotes that punched you in the gut or jotting down how a scene reminded you of that one moment in your life.
Annotating books is the new BookTok obsession because it adds another layer of depth to casual reading. It transforms passive reading into an active, emotional conversation.
Emotional Catharsis in Ink—Why Annotating Books Is the New BookTok Obsession for Readers Who Feel Everything
Let’s face it—some books hit hard. And when you annotate, it feels like you’re letting out all those messy thoughts, feelings, and screams (internal or otherwise) onto the page. Annotating becomes a kind of emotional outlet. A safe space.
Think of it as journaling… but inside the book.
Why Annotating Books Is the New BookTok Obsession: It Feels Intimate (And Low-Key Iconic)
One of the biggest reasons annotating books is the new BookTok obsession? Because sharing your annotations online is like showing a piece of your soul. It’s personal. Vulnerable. But also so relatable.
When someone posts a video flipping through their annotated copy of a book, it’s not just about the aesthetics—it’s a shared experience. It’s like screaming over the same plot twist, only through scribbled hearts, exclamation marks, and “I KNEW IT!!” notes in the margins.
Tab Color-Coding is Practically a Personality Type
If you’ve seen those posts where readers have an entire system of tabbing—pink for romance, blue for sad scenes, yellow for quotes—you know the obsession is real.
Annotating can be chaotic or strategic. Some people have elaborate key systems. Others just grab whatever sticky notes they have and go wild. There’s no wrong way. But everyone agrees: annotating books is the new BookTok obsession because it turns reading into something intentional. Something expressive.
It Makes Rereading Even Better
You know that feeling when you reread a book and catch something new? Annotated books take that to the next level. So you’re reading it again, but bam! There are your old thoughts and feelings right there too. It really does feel like you’re zapping back in time to who you were and how you felt then.
Plus, if you’re the kind of person who lends out annotated books (you brave soul), it creates this mini conversation between readers. One person reacts on the page, and someone else adds their thoughts beside it. Book club energy, but make it written.
It’s Not Always Deep—And That’s Okay
Not every annotation has to be profound. Sometimes it’s just “ugh I hate him,” or “SCREAMINGGGG,” and that’s totally valid. The point is, you’re engaged. You’re in it.
That’s part of why annotating books is the new BookTok obsession—it makes the reading experience feel more alive. More interactive.
The Best Kinds of Books to Annotate
Here’s where it gets fun: some books are made to be annotated. Think:
- Books with emotional rollercoasters (because the commentary writes itself)
- Fantasy books with complex worldbuilding (you’ll thank yourself for the notes)
- Slow-burn romances (for screaming and sighing appropriately)
- Mystery/thrillers (gotta write down those theories somewhere!)
Some reader favorites include:
- The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
- Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
- The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
- Twilight (yes, annotating this ironically is a thing and it’s hilarious)
- A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas
And honestly? Annotating your comfort reads hits different. You already know the story, so now it’s just about reacting, ranting, and romanticizing.
How to Start Annotating (Without Overthinking It)
If you’re new to this, don’t worry. You don’t need a Pinterest-worthy setup to start. Here’s a chill guide:
- Get the basics: Highlighters, pens, sticky tabs, and maybe some cute washi tape if you’re feeling extra.
- Create a loose color system (or don’t—it’s optional!).
- Start slow. Just highlight a quote that hits or write a reaction in the margins.
- Don’t worry about being neat. Real emotions > perfect handwriting.
- Use tabs to mark favorite scenes. So easy to find them later.
Just remember—annotating is for you. Not the internet. Not the aesthetic. YOU.
Why Annotating Books Is the New BookTok Obsession
—In a Nutshell
It’s creative, cathartic and chaotic. And it’s yours.
Annotating books is the new BookTok obsession because it bridges the gap between reading and feeling. Between keeping everything in your head and letting it spill out onto the page. It turns books into conversations, and that’s kind of beautiful, no?
So next time you pick up a book, maybe bring a pen with you. Doodle a little heart next to your favorite quote. Write “UM EXCUSE ME??” in the margins. Cry a little. Laugh a lot. And maybe, just maybe, share it online.
Because the world deserves to see that chaos—and love—on the page.
P.S. If you’re as deep into bookish rabbit holes as I am, you might love these too:
Book Character Spotify Playlist: What They’d Listen To – because fictional people deserve vibes.
Fantasy Book Worlds I’d Love (or Hate) to Live In – a little escapism never hurt anybody.
Happy reading (and annotating)! 💌📚