What would you do if you saw someone writing on a book?

[psspcj]

This actually happened. I gave the dirty look to the person who was writing on her own book. But when she didn't understand, I asked her if she needed pencil for writing so that she can rub it off later. But she did not accept pencil and carried on her writing.

[Kristin Ransome]

Honestly, I wouldn't care. People read and understand books in different ways, and if that's their way, who am I to say otherwise??

[_Delly_01]

It bothers me, but I wouldn't stop them if it was their own book. I can't stand reading books that have been highlighted or doodled on in any way. If someone was to do it to my book, I'd tell them to buy me a new copy of that book and let them have the one they've ruined. It sounds harsh, but it's how I feel.

[Florence Nalianya]

oh please I hate it when one writes on books for I like them kept clean for the next reader.

[RoxieReads]

It depends on what that person is writing. If they are vandalizing the book, then that is unacceptable. However, if they are annotating or writing their thoughts on what they are reading, then that is completely okay with me.

[jkmalik]

I have a degree in history, European studies, and theology. We in the social sciences LOVE to write in books. Well, we love to annotate, at least in college. However, I can't help but carry that over into my life now, that I'm done with school. I stopped doing it with fiction books, though. I never really did annotate with fiction, in fact. The first time I annotated was in high school, and it was in fiction books, for English. Then, I tried again with fiction in college (always annotating non-fiction along the way), and, then, long after I graduated grad school, with Jane Eyre, a book I abhorred. Sometimes annotating actually helps you get through a book you hate if you are one of those people who just has to get through a book. You write down things to amuse yourself. I ended up quitting Jane Eyre, she was just...no. However, I did read this prose version of The Iliad by John Dolan, that a pal recommended to me, and I probably hated that more than Jane Eyre, but since a friend recommended it to me, I felt obligated to finish it. So, I just kept writing down sarcastic comments to entertain myself.

However, in all seriousness folks, I don't think beautiful pieces of literature should be marked up. Non-fiction, yes. By all means.

Still, I have a complex. A pretty book is a pretty book. An interesting book with good points is an interesting book with good points. Sometimes excellent points.

Sometimes the pen just wanders...

[Aditi Sapate]

I would cringe deep down, but I wouldn't say anything to them. Also if they were writing with a pencil, I wouldn't even cringe.

[Maria Esposito]

Nothing. If the book is their property, there's nothing wrong with that I believe. I only hate people who write on books that they borrowed from the library. I do write on my own books a lot, albeit only in pencil and I don't let anyone else do so. I love going back to the book and reading my thoughts on it later in time. It shows that I related to what was written in it at that point in time and how it intertwined with my life.

[tannus]

I do not like to scribble on books but I do not mind if someone does on their own books.
As long as no one writes on someone else's book I am fine.

[HarryPotterLibrary22]

Honestly, I wouldn't care. People read and understand books in different ways, and if that's their way, who am I to say otherwise??

I agree! I wouldn't care either as long as it was their own book. Everyone reads differently. Also, they might be an editor making notes for work, an author gathering inspiration or a reader who likes to jot their own thoughts. Who are we to judge?

[sevencrows]

I personally find that annotated books and somewhat dog-eared look more loved, and insightful annotations in used books are some of my favorite things to find.

[Daniel Muky]

Their book or mine??
Mine, I would probably kick them..
Theirs, I don't mind

[DragonLight877]

Oh god I usually also give them dirty looks. Actually I usually gasp out loud. Even when I see people bending the cover of a paperback around the back of the book while reading I cringe. It hurts my soul!

[Jocelyn Eastman]

I’d mind my own business. You don’t know that person's story.

[Vivienne2000]

Ohhhhhhh Myyyyyyyy Fuuuuudggggeeeee. I really would freak out on you. Like how can you write on a such a sacred writing...... That's the complete turn off for me.