Journaling + Reading = A Match Made in Bookish Heaven
Ever finished a book and immediately forgotten half the details? Or had a plot twist hit so hard you needed to rant about it somewhere? That’s where journaling comes in.
A reading journal isn’t just for keeping track of books—it’s a way to capture your thoughts, feelings, and those little details that make a story unforgettable. Whether you’re a meticulous note-taker or just want a space to jot down your favourite quotes, journaling can make reading more immersive, personal, and memorable.
So, let’s dive into how you can use journaling to level up your reading experience.
Why Start a Reading Journal?
If you’re wondering whether journaling is worth the effort, here’s why so many book lovers swear by it.
1. It Helps You Remember What You Read
Ever had someone ask for book recommendations, and your mind goes completely blank? A journal helps you keep track of what you’ve read, what you loved (or didn’t), and why. No more struggling to recall that amazing book from three months ago.
2. It Deepens Your Connection to Stories
Journaling makes you pause and reflect on what you’re reading. Instead of rushing through books, you start noticing themes, character growth, and hidden details—making each story stick with you longer.
3. It Gives You a Creative Outlet
Notebooks, stickers, washi tape—if you love stationery, a reading journal is the perfect excuse to go wild. But even if you prefer a minimalist approach, journaling lets you express yourself in a way that’s uniquely yours.
4. It Makes Reading More Fun
Tracking books, rating them, ranting about annoying characters—it all adds another layer of enjoyment to reading. Plus, flipping through past entries gives you a nostalgic trip down book-memory lane.
Ways to Use Journaling to Enhance Your Reading
There’s no single way to keep a reading journal—it’s all about what works for you. But if you’re looking for ideas, here are some ways to make the most of it.
1. Keep a Simple Reading Log
If you like things straightforward and low-maintenance, start with a basic log. You can include:
- Title and author
- Date started and finished
- Star rating
- Quick thoughts
This keeps track of your books without requiring a ton of effort—perfect if you just want a no-fuss system.
2. Write Mini Reviews
Go beyond just logging books and add short reviews. They don’t have to be formal—just a few sentences about what you liked, what annoyed you, and whether you’d recommend it.
Example:
- Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Thoughts: Dragons? Amazing. Romance? Spicy. Emotional damage? Absolutely. Would sell my soul for book two.
3. Capture Favourite Quotes
Ever read a line so good you had to stop and reread it? Write it down. A journal is a great place to keep all those powerful, beautiful, or just plain hilarious book quotes.
Bonus idea: Use different colours to highlight quotes that stand out or dedicate a page to your all-time favourites.
4. Track Your TBR and Book Goals
TBR (To Be Read) piles can be chaotic, but a journal can help organise them.
- Books you want to read
- Monthly or yearly reading goals
- Challenge lists (for example, "Read a book set in a different country")
You can even track how much you’ve read with progress bars or checklists—because there’s something deeply satisfying about ticking things off.
5. Explore Themes and Personal Reflections
Want to deepen your understanding of books? Try journaling about:
- The biggest takeaway from the story
- Themes that stood out (love, grief, identity, power)
- Characters you loved (or hated) and why
Books can shape how we see the world, and journaling helps process those ideas in a more meaningful way.
6. Create Character or World Maps
If you’re into fantasy or sci-fi, this one’s for you. Sketch out:
- Maps of the book’s world
- Family trees of complicated lineages
- Character notes (who betrayed who, who’s secretly in love, etc.)
This makes big, complex stories easier to follow and more interactive.
7. Use Journaling for Book Clubs
If you’re in a book club (or just discuss books with friends), a journal can help you:
- Jot down discussion points
- Write out questions you have about the book
- Keep track of others' opinions and recommendations
It’s a great way to remember what stood out to you before the group chat goes off with wild theories.
Digital vs. Physical Journals: Which One’s for You?
Not sure whether to go old-school with pen and paper or keep it digital? Here’s a quick comparison.
Physical Journals (Notebooks, Bullet Journals, Planners)
- Great for creative expression (stickers, doodles, handwriting)
- No distractions from notifications or social media
- The tactile experience makes it feel more personal
- Harder to search for specific notes later
Digital Journals (Apps, Google Docs, Notion, Goodreads)
- Easier to search and organise books
- Can include links, images, and sync across devices
- Ideal for quick updates (especially if you read on Kindle)
- Less of a hands-on, creative experience
Best of both worlds? Use both. A digital tracker for quick logging and a physical journal for more in-depth thoughts.
Making It a Habit (Without It Feeling Like Homework)
The trick to journaling is to make it part of your reading routine without turning it into a chore. Here’s how.
- Keep it simple – Don’t feel pressured to write an essay after every book. Even a few bullet points work.
- Make it fun – Use stickers, fancy pens, or even just a cool notebook that makes you want to use it.
- Set a habit trigger – Tie it to an existing habit (for example, journal for five minutes after finishing a book).
- Be flexible – Some books inspire pages of thoughts, others just a line or two. Both are fine.
Final Thoughts: Your Reading, Your Rules
At the end of the day, journaling should enhance your reading—not feel like homework. Whether you’re tracking books, reflecting on themes, or just collecting great quotes, it’s all about making your reading experience richer, more memorable, and more fun.
So, grab a notebook or open an app and start capturing your bookish thoughts. Who knows? Future-you might thank you for it.