I have a spine but no bones, pages but no writing on most of them when new. What am I?

The clever riddle points to an everyday item that many of us take for granted: the notebook. Its "spine" refers to the binding, whether it's a spiral, glued edge, or sewn seam, which holds all the individual sheets, or "pages," together. When you first acquire a new notebook, those pages are typically pristine and blank, eagerly awaiting your thoughts, doodles, or important information.

Notebooks have a rich history, evolving from ancient wax tablets and papyrus scrolls into the bound paper books we recognize today. Their development was closely tied to advancements in papermaking and printing, making them affordable and accessible tools for everyone from students and scholars to artists and engineers. For centuries, they have been essential for recording observations, drafting ideas, keeping diaries, and organizing daily tasks, serving as a portable memory aid.

Even in our increasingly digital world, the physical notebook retains a special place. Many people find the tactile experience of putting pen to paper enhances memory retention and fosters creativity. Whether used for journaling, sketching, or simply jotting down a grocery list, the humble notebook continues to be an invaluable and versatile object, providing a blank canvas for countless possibilities.