Remember when writing in books was practically a crime? Now, it’s blowing up on BookTok as readers enthusiastically scribble predictions, color-code emotions, and even pass annotated copies to friends like love letters. Some swear it deepens their connection to the story, while others wonder if it’s just glorified homework. The great book-marking debate rages on—purists vs. passionate margin-doodlers.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about defacing paperbacks—it’s a shift in how we engage with stories. Annotating is becoming a social, almost artistic act, turning solitary reading into something shareable. Whether you’re horrified or hooked, it’s a reminder that books aren’t sacred objects; they’re living things we make our own. (Also, publishers are loving the extra sales.)