How to Start a Book Journal: A Guide for Book Lovers Who Want to Track, Reflect, and Remember

Keeping a book journal might seem like just one more thing to add to the to-do list, but for anyone who loves to read, it’s a genuinely rewarding habit. Imagine flipping through pages of your own thoughts on books you’ve read, remembering details you may have forgotten, and seeing how your tastes evolve over time. A book journal becomes a personal record of not just what you read, but how each book impacted you. Whether you’re someone who devours novels weekly or a slower reader who picks up a book every few months, there’s something special about writing down your thoughts.

Here’s how you can get started with your own book journal and make it something you look forward to adding to every time you turn the last page of a book.

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Choose a Format That Fits You

First things first, decide what kind of journal format appeals to you. Some people love the tangible experience of handwriting in a beautiful notebook, while others prefer the flexibility of a digital approach, like using an app or a simple Word document. Each has its pros and cons:

Notebook or Journal: For the tactile folks who love a good pen and paper, this approach is perfect. Plus, there’s something satisfying about the permanence of pen on paper.
Digital Journal: Using an app like Evernote, Notion, or even Google Docs gives you endless space and easy searching. If you love photos, you can snap a picture of the book cover to add to your entry.
Dedicated Book Journal Apps: Apps like Goodreads, StoryGraph, or Bookly not only allow you to track what you’ve read but also let you rate and review books and connect with other readers. However, you may not get the same level of personal reflection as you would in a more private journal.

Set Up Some Simple Categories

When you first start, keep things simple. You don’t need to fill out pages of details to make a meaningful entry. Here are a few categories that are easy to stick with and help capture the essence of each book:

- Title and Author: This one’s obvious, but it’s nice to write it down as part of the ritual.
- Date Started and Finished: It’s fun to look back and see how long it took you to read each book.
- Quick Summary: In your own words, jot down a few lines about the book’s main plot or theme. This helps for future reference when you’ve forgotten what the book was about.
- Key Characters or Themes: Make a note of any characters or themes that really stood out to you.
- Favourite Quotes or Passages: If there’s a line that gave you chills or made you think, write it down. This is what gives a journal that personal touch.
- Personal Rating: A quick star rating, or even a 1-10 score, can be helpful if you like looking back on your favourites (or least favourites).

Reflect on How the Book Made You Feel

This is where a book journal gets really personal and satisfying. Think about how the book impacted you. Did it make you laugh, cry, or question something about life? Perhaps it inspired you to learn more about a topic or relate differently to someone in your life. Write down these reflections—it’s these small, introspective notes that often hold the most meaning when you read back later.

Here are a few reflection questions to help you get started:
- Did the book change your perspective or make you think differently?
- Which character did you relate to the most, and why?
- Would you read it again, or was it a one-time experience?
- How did this book compare to others you’ve read in the same genre?

Experiment with Fun Additions

Once you’re in the rhythm of writing down the basics, try adding some extras that make your journal even more enjoyable to keep. You could:
- Add Photos: Snap a photo of the book cover or even an image that reminds you of the setting or characters.
- Create a Book Wishlist: Note down books recommended by friends, authors you love, or ones you’ve seen online that intrigue you.
- Add “Future Me” Thoughts: Consider writing down a few things you’d like to remember to come back and reflect on later. For instance, “Would this book still impact me in the same way if I read it in a year?”

Give Yourself Flexibility

Remember, a book journal is a personal project, so make it your own. If you skip a book or only write a few lines here and there, that’s fine! Some books leave a big impact, while others might just be a fun escape. The goal is to enhance your reading experience and create something you can look back on, not add pressure to your life.

Enjoy Looking Back

The most rewarding part of a book journal is looking back through it after a few months or years. It’s like seeing a snapshot of your own growth as a reader and even as a person. You’ll get to remember not only what books you read but also how they made you feel, what they inspired in you, and maybe even how your tastes have changed over time.

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Keeping a book journal is an ongoing journey, and there’s no right or wrong way to do it. Whether you dive deep into reflections or keep it light and simple, each entry adds to your own personal story as a reader. So, grab a pen (or open that app) and give it a go—you might be surprised at how much it enriches your love for books!