Bookish Musings is a feature in which I share my bookish related thoughts with all of you! May it be discussions, recommendations, or just silly bookish insecurities, this feature is all about sharing your opinions on the topic with me! Having said that, please don't shy away from commenting, as I will be very pleased to read what you have to say! |
I don't know about you, but I looove bookmarks. Bookmarks are an integral part in my reading life as I am a bit of a scatterbrain, thus resulting in me invariably forgetting which was the last page I read if I don't have a bookmark with me. You'd think I would be a pro at remembering where I left off, but nooo! Here's how it usually goes:
Me: I think I'll put this book down and go do something else for a bit.
*looks around for a bookmark but doesn't see any*
Me: Okay, Kat, remember that you left off at page 108. It's page 108. PAGE 108. Repeat it so you don't forget. PAGE 108, PAGE 108, PAGE 108.
Comes back to the book later...
*picks up book*
Me: OHMYGOD WHERE DID I LAST STOP AT
*looks around for a bookmark but doesn't see any*
Me: Okay, Kat, remember that you left off at page 108. It's page 108. PAGE 108. Repeat it so you don't forget. PAGE 108, PAGE 108, PAGE 108.
Comes back to the book later...
*picks up book*
Me: OHMYGOD WHERE DID I LAST STOP AT
Yes. And that's how it always goes whenever I don't have a bookmark with me. It happens over and over again and every freaking time, I learn nothing.
You might be asking, "Kat, why don't you just use something else if you don't have a real bookmark? Say, maybe an envelope or a pen?"
Well, you see...I am a bit squeamish when it comes to putting things between the pages of my books. What if the envelope that I am using as a bookmark will leave a dirty mark on my book? Or the pen will leave an ink splotch! No, I need a bookmark!
You might be asking, "Kat, why don't you just use something else if you don't have a real bookmark? Say, maybe an envelope or a pen?"
Well, you see...I am a bit squeamish when it comes to putting things between the pages of my books. What if the envelope that I am using as a bookmark will leave a dirty mark on my book? Or the pen will leave an ink splotch! No, I need a bookmark!
This may sound confusing, but I'm not really that fussy with the handling of my books. It's just that I like to lessen the damage that could be done to my books as much as possible. :) If the harm's done, it's done, but it does hurt to see my books get damaged -even if it's a little scratch or something!
So getting back to the point: bookmarks.
So getting back to the point: bookmarks.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think that us as readers give bookmarks the credit and attention that I think they deserve. Bookmarks are wonderful! They help us remember where we left off, and they also make a great collection! And hey, bookmarks are book related!
Don't get me wrong, I respect everyone's actions and decisions. There are some readers who don't really care much about bookmarks, and that's perfectly okay! It's your book, you can do whatever you want with it. But what I'm hoping for is that I'd like to see bookmarks as a more frequently talked about topic in the book community, because that would be plain awesome.
Don't get me wrong, I respect everyone's actions and decisions. There are some readers who don't really care much about bookmarks, and that's perfectly okay! It's your book, you can do whatever you want with it. But what I'm hoping for is that I'd like to see bookmarks as a more frequently talked about topic in the book community, because that would be plain awesome.
Pairing Bookmarks With Books
I choose which bookmark to use for a book as painstakingly as a girl chooses which dress to wear for a special occasion. I believe in choosing the right bookmark for the right book. There are still times when I won't be bothered -especially when I am in a hurry, but on most days I would sit before my bookmark collection and go through my favourites. It gives me a sort of pleasure that I can't comprehend, as if I am doing something productive...even if I'm just sitting there shifting through bookmarks.
For fantasy books, I tend to choose bookmarks that have a whimsical design, whereas for contemporary books, I choose a more realistic, sturdy bookmark. I go for a more clean-cut design if I have an adventure book in my hand, and a bookmark that has a romantic feel for romance novels. Of course, I don't always follow the rules -even though it's my own!- as I do occasionally change things around for a bit.
Where I get my bookmarks
So all this talk about bookmarks, and I haven't told you where I got them. Here's a little secret: most of my bookmarks are not even real bookmarks! 95% of my bookmark collection consists of hang tags from new clothes! And let me assure you, hang tags make one hell of a good bookmark. They're sturdy, easy to find, and best of all, you won't get heartbroken if you lose it...well, at least not the good ones. And here's one more thing to know about hang tags: they're free!
I also have a lot of fun personalizing a few of the hang tags that I have -sorta like branding myself on them. It doesn't always turn out as good as I imagined, but hey! It's fun!
Here's one of my personalized bookmarks:
I also have a lot of fun personalizing a few of the hang tags that I have -sorta like branding myself on them. It doesn't always turn out as good as I imagined, but hey! It's fun!
Here's one of my personalized bookmarks:
I added a few beads! It's not much but I'm more of a minimalist.
And here are a few bookmarks in my collection that I'm most proud of:
Simple, yet appealing.
I use this one for adventure novels!
I fell in love with its vintage feel <3
This hang tag bookmark is special to me -I use it for last instalments in series!
And last but certainly not least...
I have to thank my friend for this one! She bought it as a gift on her holiday to Japan, and I've loved it since! This bookmark is one of the few real bookmarks that I own in my collection and it goes without saying that I'll treasure it always.
These are a few bookmarks/hang tags that I use much more frequently! Needless to say, I'll always be on the lookout for more funky hang tags and bookmarks to add to my collection. Not only do they help relieve my (poor) memory, but they look good on my bookshelf and desk too!
So what about you? Do you have a bookmark collection? Are you thinking of starting one? Let me know what you think in the comments!
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