Do you love keeping track of your reading experiences, but are unsure whether to use a physical reading journal or an app like Goodreads or Bookmory? Both methods have their pros and cons. The choice is mostly about your habits and how you best like to reflect on the books you read.
In this guide we look at the differences between a physical reading journal, læsejournal eller læsedagbog and a digital solution. The goal is to help you find the method that best suits your way of reading.
If you are new to the concept, you can also read our guide to en læsedagbog or our introduction to Reading journal for beginners.
Benefits of a physical reading journal
In Reading journal is a physical notebook where you can write thoughts about the books you read, save quotes and keep track of your reading habits.
Many choose an ordinary notebook or a Dot grid notebook, because the dots make it easy to create your own layouts.
Advantages of a physical reading journal could for example be:
more personal because you design your own pages
less screen time and more peace for deep focus
creative freedom to use colours, drawings and layouts
better reflection because handwriting often allows for more consideration.
Many also make their pages more visual with small creative elements like stickers or washi tape.
Disadvantages of a physical reading journal
Although many people love the feeling of a physical journal, there are also some challenges.
it can take longer to write notes by hand
it can be harder to search in old notes
You need to have the medical record to hand in order to update it.
Benefits of a reading app
Apps like Goodreads and Bookmory make it easy to keep track of books digitally.
Goodreads acts as a social network for readers. Here you can log books, see what your friends are reading and find recommendations.
Bookmory functions more like a digital reading journal, where you can save notes, quotes and log how long you read.
Benefits of a reading app can include:
fast registration of books
easy search through previously read titles
automatic statistics on your reading
possibility of recommendations based on your interests.
Disadvantages of a reading app
Digital solutions are practical, but they also have some limitations.
less personal experience
All profiles have almost the same structure
requires screen and internet connection
offers less creative freedom than a physical journal.
What are you going to choose?
The choice between a physical reading journal and an app depends mostly on your reading style.
You can consider a Reading journal, if you:
love writing by hand
would love to reflect more on your books
enjoys creative layouts and spreads.
You can consider a reading app, if you:
want to track books quickly
I'd like to get statistics on your reading
want to follow what others are reading.
The most popular solution: use both
Many readers actually choose to combine an app and a physical reading journal.
An app can be used to quickly log books, update reading status and keep track of your TBR list. Your journal can then be used for reflections, quotes and thoughts about the books.
If you are working with a TBR list, you can also find inspiration in our article about how you handle a growing TBR.
You can also find ideas for pages in our guide with 9 spreads for your reading journal.
Find the method that suits you
There is no single correct way to keep a reading journal. Some prefer a completely simple notebook, while others combine apps, trackers and creative spreads.
The most important thing is that you find a method that makes it more fun to read and easier to remember the books that have made an impression on you.
If you want to start your own reading journal, you can find inspiration in our selection of Notebooks and journals.
