Books

Has anyone figured out a system of active highlighting or note taking while reading books?

I find myself on either end of the spectrum - either I'm only reading or I'm taking way too many notes that aren't even helpful.

I'm trying to get better at identifying insights that I think are good and noting down q's I have

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For nonfic, I build an index that maps the book as I read, v briefly summarising sections and noting questions. Each book has a thesis, so the index helps me to see and revisit the arguments, and then generate my own thoughts/insights.

For fiction, I highlight quotes that strike me and note any thoughts in response.

How long does your index end up being for a typical book?

Are the summaries more like quick bullet points?

Yep my summaries are quick bullet points, so for an index I'll aim for a few bullet points per chapter or section with my own headings to guide it — that approach helps me to remember the book's structure and to put my own spin on it, which helps both with memory and insight