Metanoia is a term derived from Greek, where “meta” means “beyond” or “after,” and “noia” refers to “mind” or “thought.” Metanoia refers to a transformative change in one’s way of thinking, often described as a profound shift or conversion of the mind. It goes beyond a simple change of opinion and implies a fundamental change in perspective, beliefs, or values. Metanoia is associated with personal growth, self-reflection, and a deep reconsideration of one’s attitudes or behaviors. The term is frequently used in psychological, spiritual, or philosophical contexts to denote a significant and positive transformation in an individual’s mindset or consciousness.

Coptic stitch binding is a traditional bookbinding technique with roots tracing back to ancient Egypt. Renowned for its durability and flexibility, Coptic binding involves sewing together individual sections of a book through a series of interconnected stitches, creating an exposed spine that allows the book to lay flat when open. This method is characterized by its distinctive chain-like pattern visible on the book’s spine, a testament to its historical and cultural significance. Coptic stitch binding not only provides structural strength but also allows for a visually appealing and functional design, making it a favored choice for artists, crafters, and book enthusiasts seeking a combination of practicality and aesthetic charm in their handmade books.

I made this book with a similar technique as a coptic stitch book but I made the binding holes in the letters of METANOIA. This way of binding took much longer than a typical coptic stitch binding because I had to make sure that every single hole would be in the right spot in order to, when its done, spell out the letters I needed.