“You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them.” -Ray Bradbury
My Bookmark Obsession
I have a weird obsession with bookmarks. I know I am strange. When I finish a book, I leave the bookmark in it. That way, if I have any doubts if I already read a book, there is my proof. And believe it or not, they bring back memories. I opened a book the other day and found a Pinky and the Brain bookmark. I loved Pinky and the Brain! That was a better find than the old Ameritech bill from 1994 that I found in Stephen King’s Insomnia.
I hate using scrap paper for bookmarks. It may not bother some people, but it does me. It is a pet peeve. I paid all that money for a book; I could fork over a few dollars for a bookmark too. The problem now is, I cannot find any bookmarks anywhere. Where I live there is one small bookstore that seems to cater to people who love romance. I hate romance books! And the closest Half Price Books is 45 minutes away.
If you are interested in learning about the history of the bookmark, I have added an old article I wrote for another website to the bottom of this post. Check it out if you want to learn a little more about the bookmark.
My Awesome Bookmark Find
Since things are weird since the Coronavirus breakout, we have not traveled up to our favorite bookstore. So, I have been out of good bookmarks for a while. I have dug through drawers and even made my own. Then I got the bright idea to order some online. What a crazy idea, right. Hahaha!
eBay was my first thought, so I searched, and people want a fortune for a simple bookmark. Then I searched Amazon. After some more searching, I found a company you could buy them in bulk. But who wants that many of the same bookmark? The next place was Etsy. If you are looking for some bookmarks, this is the place to go.
I found the perfect bookmarks. At least I think they are. And they are extremely affordable.
Here is the link if you are interested. They have everything from Disney, Harry Potter, Doctor Who, Looney Tunes, Wizard of Oz, Marvel Universe, to Star Wars.
NO LONGER AVAILABLE ON ETSY
Other Interesting Bookmarks Listed on Etsy
FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM BOOKMARK
Read your Magiczoology textbooks and use the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Demiguise Notes Bookmark to mark your place!
STAR WARS SCENE BOOKMARK WITH TASSEL – LASER ENGRAVED WOOD – BATTLE OF HOTH HYPERDRIVE LUKE DARTH VADER
These laser engraved Star Wars bookmarks are stunning. These would make great stocking stuffers.
DOCTOR WHO METAL BOOKMARKS, SUBLIMATED ALUMINUM BOOKMARKS
As you probably know, I am a huge Doctor Who fan. And I love these aluminum bookmarks. I might have to order one of these soon.
THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS BOOKMARKS - HALLOWEEN TOWN - BOOKMARK SET - PERSONALIZED GIFT
I cannot believe that The Nightmare Before Christmas is almost 30 years old. That is insane! These wooden bookmarks would be perfect for Halloween favors or Christmas stocking stuffers.
Geeky Bookmarks I Found on Amazon
J.R.R. TOLKIEN QUOTE - NOT ALL WHO WANDER ARE LOST - ENGRAVED WOODEN BOOKMARK WITH TASSEL - SEARCH B07JG8K387 FOR PERSONALIZED VERSION
This J.R.R. Tolkien bookmark is made from very thin wood. I have one these wooden bookmarks. I was very impressed with the quality.
ALICE IN WONDERLAND BOOKMARKS CARDS SERIES 1 (12-PACK) - VINTAGE LITERARY QUOTES BOOKWORM READING GIFTS - BOOKISH THEME PARTY SUPPLIES FOR MEN WOMEN KIDS GIRLS BOYS STOCKING STUFFERS
I love Alice in Wonderland. I would have purchased these if I did not come across the set on Etsy.
STAR WARS PARTY FAVORS SUPER SET -- 6 PREMIUM STAR WARS BOOKMARKS FEATURING THE FORCE AWAKENS, ROGUE ONE, AND MORE (STAR WARS PARTY SUPPLIES)
If you are a Star Wars fan, these officially licensed bookmarks would be a good choice.
GOONIES CHUNK FILMCELLS BOOKMARK
Relive an iconic moment from the film every time you use this collectible form-meets-function Goonies Chunk FilmCells Bookmark.
History of the Bookmark
Old Article I Wrote for Another Website
Ever since books began to be published the need for bookmarks was present. In the beginning, books were only published in limited amounts and were very valuable. It was important to be able to save the page in the book that one was reading, but at the same time keep the book in pristine condition. One did not want to leave the book open and laying facedown due to the fact that it would damage the spine. “Dog-earing” the pages wasn’t even an option, and I don’t believe is even a viable option today. Using a material that was too thick or something that would stain or damage the pages wasn’t an option either. Books needed to be protected and this is why bookmarks are so important.
One of the earliest known referenced to a bookmark was back in 1584. Queen Elizabeth’s printer, Christopher Barker, gave her a fringed silk bookmark. Christopher Barker was very important in the business of books and knew the importance of the bookmark. In 1577, he was able to acquire the patent that gave him the sole right to print the Bible and the Book of Common Prayer.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, narrow silk bookmarks were bound into the book. These attached bookmarks came out of the top of the book at the spine and could be inserted into the page. It would extend past the bottom of the page so it was easy to open up the book to the correct page without leafing through trying to find it.
The types of bookmarks we know today started showing up around the mid-1800s. They were first made from silk and other types of embroidered fabrics. It wasn’t until the late 1800s that paper began to be used.
Today’s bookmarks are made from all types of material from paper, plastic, metals, leather to fabrics. Whatever type of material you prefer to use, you know the importance of the bookmark. They can be purchased will photos, sayings, cartoon characters, TV and movie references. It is fun to choose a design that coincides with the book itself. I prefer to use a new bookmark for each book that I read. I have had the pleasure of reading many books during my life.
It is fun to go back and look at the bookmarks I have used and remember the time I read the book. I came across an old bookmark the other day of Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock and that made me laugh.
