Introduction
What is a reading journal? According to Masterclass “A reading journal, also called a book journal, is the perfect way for students and book lovers to keep a record of the insights, observations, and lessons they've learned from reading.”
To the average book lover, a reading journal is a place where you can write all your thoughts and observations on a book. Usually reading journals includes things like favorite quotes, book ratings, and summaries of the plot. Reading journals are a valuable tool for deepening understanding of a book, tracking readings, and reflecting on personal experiences. They also allow for reflection on one's reading journey and changing of opinions.
Benefits of Keeping a Reading Journal
Personal Reflection and Growth
Keeping a reading journal allows you to reflect on the themes and characters of a book. For example, you may notice how your opinions on a certain character evolve throughout the course of the story. With a reading journal, you can notice these changes and write them down. It also allows you to reflect on opinions about the characters in a book.
Tracking Reading Goals and Progress
Many people include their reading challenges or goals in their journal; this is a great way to track your reading progress! It is also common to include a page for the number of books you want to read in a given year. Having this page serves as a physical reminder of your reading goals, leading to you being motivated.
Creating a Personal Reading History
Creating a reading journal allows you to keep an account of your thoughts and feelings. This means that you can go back in time and see how you felt about certain books. This allows you to reflect on your opinions and see how they have changed.
I've had this experience where I was reflecting on the play Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller. I realized that my appreciation for the themes and characters had deepened since I first read it in high school. I changed and wrote a different review that you can view here!
Privacy and Control
Many people rate and review their books on websites like StoryGraph and Goodreads. However, not everyone wants to share their review publicly, so keeping a reading journal allows you to control who you want to share your reviews and thoughts with. Having a reading journal allows you to have a judgment free zone of your thoughts.
I usually write my reviews in my reading journal first, then decide what to share and publish. I find it helpful to have a private space where I can fully express my opinions without worrying about judgment or criticism.
Tips for Effective Journaling
Be Honest and Personal
You can decide who can see your reading journal, meaning if you don't want anyone to read it, you can keep it private. One tip I recommend is to write whatever you feel, with no judgment. When it comes to popular books, people may be hesitant to admit they did not enjoy them. However, with a private reading journal, you can express all your thoughts freely without worrying about what others may think.
Use Prompts and Questions
When you are first starting out in a reading journal, it can be helpful to use prompts and questions to guide your reflections. Here are some prompts for your reading journal:
What drew you to this book?
Who is your favorite character and why?
What message or lesson did you take away from the book?
Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not?
If you want to see more reading journal prompts, check out this blog post!
Conclusion
A reading journal provides personal growth, tracking reading goals, and creates a personal reading history. It allows for deeper understanding of themes and characters, reveals opinions, serves as a reminder of goals, and offers a private space for honest reflections without judgment.
If you haven't started a reading journal yet, now is the perfect time to begin. Journaling can greatly enhance your reading experience, helping you to capture your thoughts, track your progress, and reflect on your journey as a reader. Use prompts and questions to guide your reflections, and don't be afraid to be honest and personal in your entries. By making journaling a part of your reading routine, you can deepen your connection with the books you read and create a valuable record of your literary adventures.
Happy Reading!
I agree! I regret not having done that through the years! Now I’m too lazy to start 🙃