Why Do I Tab Pages in My Books?

The number one question I receive on my bookstagram is “Why do you tab your pages?” To be honest I never really gave it much thought; if I liked something I read, I’d place a little tab on the page. But there are a few reasons I do it, so I figure I’d share it with you! Please note I’m NOT a professional reviewer at all! This is all just something I love to do!

I like quotes:

Have you ever read a quote that’s so beautiful (or sometimes funny) that speaks to your soul? If so, I like to make a note of that. Sometimes I’ll include it in a book review or sometimes I just like to “bank” it in my bookish memory.

Information that could be relevant for reviewing:

This is the biggest reason I began tabbing my books. Sometimes I’ll read 2-3 books at a time, and recently they’ve been ARCs, so I want to make sure I’m relaying the correct information when it comes time to post my reviews. It helps me refer back to important themes or passages. I also keep a notebook nearby to jot down any key points I want to remember for reviewing.

To color code or not to color code?

Ah, another question I get a lot. No, I don’t color code. I know lots of people who do, though! I’ve seen people use different colored page tabs to identify quotes they liked, which character said a certain quote, or they designate just one color for informational purposes. It’s really up to you!

Highlighting, notating, underlining?

I know marking in books can be so taboo! I’ll admit I was terrified to mark my pages, but you know what? This is your book. Do whatever you want with it. Worse comes to worse, you can replace it with a new copy (given that it’s not a limited edition or whatever lol). Like a passage or quote? Highlight or underline it! Want to express your thoughts? Go ahead and notate those margins! Afraid of something too permanent? You can find pens with erasable ink on Amazon. Highlighter tape that’s removable exists. I don’t mark my pages often since I prefer just using page flags, but there’s something about marking books that feels liberating!

I know for some of you this is all obvious information, but I hope it was still somewhat helpful. Do I always go back to these tabs? No. Sometimes I never refer back to those tabs ever again when I’m writing a review. And sometimes I’m constantly flipping through the book during review time. I think it just depends on the genre and subject material!

Tell me, do you tab or mark your books? Why? 🙂

xx,

Amy

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