Dear Heloise: Reading is one of our family’s and friends’ favorite things to do, but how many times have you read part of something then realized you had already read it? Here’s what we do:

Anything not marked has not been read. When I read something, I put a check mark on the front page and when my husband reads something he puts a circle on the front page.

If either one wants the paper back, we write “Dad” or “Ma” on the front page with the page number.

When I finish a book, I write “Ma” inside the cover. As it passes to three daughters, friends and family they put their mark or initials near mine.

It’s very easy to do, and we’ve been doing it for years. - Gladys Thompson, South Dennis, Mass.

You are absolutely right. My girlfriends and I have been sharing books for years. Sometimes five to 10 years later, when we swap books, it sure saves the “Have I read this before?” question. - Heloise

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