To print out a map to follow while reading a book?

[JuanSheetIsPlenty]

Does anyone else do this? Or just me?

I like to see where I am when I’m reading a book. If it’s just a normal book I can look up the map on my phone. But I’m reading on my phone now and its a real faff having to flick between kindle and google images so I’m going to have to print out a map to refer to while reading.

Please tell me I’m not the only one!

I prefer epic fantasy fiction so maps of imaginary places, I couldn’t read a book series without one to refer to though, wouldn’t feel right. One of my favourites 🥰

totally missing the point Jilly Cooper has fabulous maps at the front of her books.

@jJuanSheet
I spend an inordinate amount of time alternating my ereader and iPad, using Google Maps as I read. I'm always tracing out routes, assessing accuracy of travelling distances, what places do I know near the location, etc.

Back in the day, I used to actually get out of bed to check out the atlas. Also, I actually bought a cheap historical atlas for when I used to read things like the Falco books.

At the moment, I am trying to put Harlan Coben's latest book into a proper geographical perspective - I think I am looking up something wrongly, and it's driving me mad.

Don't get me started on family trees. When I read thing like "I, Claudius" I nearly went mad trying to work out the relationships. And I have a reasonable background in Roman history.

I am a stickler for (what I perceive to be) accuracy and consistency, and can spend ages fretting over things that don't seem "right." It carries over to movies & TV, but not as much as I can accept the constraints under which they are made.

@Tezza1 I like the ability on the kindle to ‘report’ incorrect content or plot errors. I know they probably do nothing with it but it make me feel better knowing I’ve flagged it up!! Sad I know 😂

@Thepigeonsarecoming Ooh, thanks for that bit of information.

I've only fairly recently started using Kindles and will have to investigate that feature. Sounds rather satisfying.

I've used Kobos for years, and whilst I really like their format and a lot of the features they offer, I got sick of problems with them and the poor customer service offered by Kobo. I know a lot of people have problems with Amazon, and the way they treat their workers, but they do provide good customer service.

The thing I really do miss on Kindle is proper page numbers. I've only found it on a few books.I thought I must be doing something wrong but did a google search and found that not every book available will be able to display page numbers on a Kindle. Percentage of book read just doesn't cut it. I do, however, like that it will take you directly to Wikipedia to do a search.

I don’t print one out but I do read with an iPad beside me (paper book or kindle) so I can look up places or buildings or people. I read a fair amount of non fiction / historical fiction. I’m currently reading Bring Up the Bodies and finding out where all the great houses and estates were around England at that time, seeing what the grand houses and palaces look like etc. And looking up various personages on Wikipedia - trying to avoid spoiler! I’m also reading Monsoon, a geopolitical study of the East Asian region, I need a map for that.

I did this with the “Rivers of London” series and Janet Evanovitch novels as the authors are very specific about some of the roads and streets.

I've just read Mudlarking by Laura Maiklem which is non-fiction but all the same, I had to get an atlas out and study the river Thames so I could under where she was. Then I had to Google lots of the things she was talking about. Fascinating book

If you are into zompoc Sarah Lyons-Fleming does an amazing job at bringing real life places into her books. One series starts off in New York and ends up in Alaska and you can follow the journey all the way.

I had an old copy of lord of the rings in three hardback volumes, which each had an enormous fold-out map in the back. You could fold the map out and keep reading the book while the map was spread out on the table. I think it was the map that really kept me going through all Frodo's interminable splashing about in bogs and dealing with Gollum.

I've googled LIDAR, what site should I be using, does anyone have a link.
Thanks!

You are so my people! I often make a list of characters too, it’s just too much of a pfaff on a kindle to try and go back.

I always read Dan Brown books with the internet handy so I can see the real life art and locations he is describing. I can enjoy the book so much more when I do this.

I do this!
Look at maps/family trees etc. Sometimes I draw a little family tree guide in the front if I’m initially finding the characters confusing.

I like to be able to r for to the map when reading - I think it is the only downside of reading on a Kindle as the maps aren't as easy to flip to as in a real book.

I'm reading a book set in an alternate Victorian London at the moment and I have had great fun looking at some of the buildings on Google Earth and Streetview. Then I get side tracked and "walk" off down all the little lanes and small streets.

I love Googlemaps. Especially Streetview. I adore being able to look up where a book is located.

YES! I was thinking recently that books with reference pages (maps, family trees, list of characters etc) should have a special button when you're on an e-reader, which gives you instant access to those pages without having to flip backwards and forwards. Like, a little symbol that you tap, and then those pages appear as an overlay.

I like your idea @JuanSheetIsPlenty - I need a map though of characters. As I read my Kindle I find it a bit too hard to flick 10 pages back haha & then as an author adds more & more interesting bits to the story I'm trying to remember how they all link in together.
Ive just started reading The Clockmakers Daughter by Kate Morton - & remembering how many of her books are like this for me

I do this and a family tree.

Absolutely!

Family trees and maps are a real bonus. I have been know to try make my own too.

Read a book a while back that had a pronunciation guide in it (set in Iceland) which was great - normally I'd have to hope I could find the pronunciation of words or names online. (Same book had map.)

I also look up art and play music mentioned in books.

Works for both fiction and nonfiction. Won't lie it can take me a while to get through a book; may be slow but I really enjoy it

In times of darkness I found a thread of amazing people. I love you all.

Yes maps! I also need to look up the history of costumes if reading anything historical, so I know what people look like!

When watching the Tour de France I have to have an atlas handy so I can track the route.

I love this thread ! My people 😍