A routine for taking structured notes while reading a physical book. As you read, you'll highlight important passages, create a custom table of contents on the front cover, distill key lessons on the back cover, and plan how to apply the learnings. After finishing, you'll transfer your notes to a digital system.
It's the best way to turn any book into a Second Brain of insights you can grab off the shelf anytime.
In this video, book-reading influencer Alex & Books walks us through his notetaking method for physical books (hardcover or paperback) that allowed him to build a following of over 700,000 book-reading fans.
- 00:00 Is physical notetaking worth it?
- 00:34 Full notetaking method explained (back & front covers)
- 02:42 Should you avoid notetaking during active reading?
- 03:28 How to use digital notes with physical ones
- 05:29 Most of us pick the wrong notes app
- Pick your notes app (4-part series)
- How to remember everything you read
- Get the Second Brain Quickstart Guide
- Buy the Building a Second Brain book
Building a Second Brain is the proven method to organize your digital life and unlock your creative potential. It's on a mission to help you increase productivity and lead a more fulfilling life with ease and less stress.
Take the quiz to find out how much more organized, effective, calm, and creative you could be with a Second Brain.
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- Video Editor: Nikolay Ofitserov
- Producer: Billy Oppenheimer
- Animator: Keshav
- Thumbnail Designer: Dillon Toma
- Executive Producer: Marc Koenig
- Host: Tiago Forte
- Guest: Alex Wieckowski (Alex & Books)
Capture Notes While Reading
Distill Lessons
Plan Application