How to Open a Book

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Last Updated: February 1, 2022

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This wikiHow article will teach you the steps to opening a physical paper book.

Steps

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   1
   Lay the book face-up in front of you for the best result. The bottom of the book should be parallel to your torso.
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   2
   Lift the cover when you open the book. Book covers are usually a different texture than the book pages. If you cannot find the book cover, use the very top layer of the book. Place your thumb under the cover, then apply pressure on the cover's top with your index finger.
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   3
   Gently lift the cover up and to the left. Everything under the cover should remain on the table top. The cover will not detach from the spine of the book, but instead lay at an angle next to the rest of the book. The book will now be open with the cover being face down towards the table to the left of the rest of the book.

   • Some non-English books may open to the right instead.
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• Question

  Does this apply to newspapers?

  

  HumanBeing

  Top Answerer

  You can open a newspaper following these steps; just remember newspapers have a front page, not a front cover. If you're unsure which is the front page of the newspaper you are trying to open, look for the biggest headline - this will be something attention-grabbing printed in the biggest letters used in the newspaper. The newspaper's name will also be on the front page.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

  Yes No

  Not Helpful 7 Helpful 27
• Question

  Does this work for movie cases?

  

  Ty Stillwell

  Community Answer

  No, just pry the case open by pulling the front and back away from each other.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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  Not Helpful 12 Helpful 22
• Question

  Does this work for audio books?

  

  Community Answer

  No, this does not work for audio books, as audio books are not physical objects.

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  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

  Yes No

  Not Helpful 15 Helpful 57

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Tips

• You could lay the book on your lap, or on a tabletop in front of you. This will make the process easier.
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Warnings

• Books are made of paper, so use them with caution so that you don't get a paper cut.
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