pat loughery

I read books with a highlighter and pencil handy, and mark them up like crazy. But I’ve found that I don’t really highlight the flow of the book, the outline, so much as the “quotable notables” that I like to come back to later. This makes it hard for me to write summaries or reviews, but I can definitely find the things that were impactful to me on any previous read.

OTM_Seattle 068
Originally uploaded by aaronklinefelter.


I met this couple at Generous Orthodoxy in Seattle, and they had an interesting system. If they’re both interested in a book, they each buy a copy. Two copies. They have to, though, because HE leaves a book pristine and untouched; SHE leaves the book looking well-used.

She had a beautiful quote that I’ll treasure forever: “When I highlight something in my books, I’m saying Amen! to what it’s saying to me!”

BINGO! I’m saying Amen! to what I read. And THAT, friends, is why I highlight books.

[Did anybody at GO catch this couple’s name or church name? I really loved talking with them, but I spaced off introductions]