In Reading journal is your personal logbook of what you read. It is a place where you can gather thoughts, quotes, titles and reflections from your reading experiences. A reading journal is also often called a Reading journal, and many use it to get more out of their reading.
It doesn't just have to be about reviewing books. A reading journal can also be about how a book made you feel, what thoughts it triggered in you, or which quotes you want to remember.
You decide whether your reading journal should be simple and practical or creative and visual. The most important thing is that it helps you get more out of your reading time.
What is a reading journal?
A reading journal is a notebook where you document your reading experiences. It can function as a reading log, a book diary or a creative journaling project where you reflect on the books you read.
Many use their reading journal to:
keep track of which books they have read
gems and passages from books
write thoughts on characters, plot or themes
make lists of books they would like to read
track their reading goals throughout the year.
Some prefer a simple structure with short notes, while others make creative spreads with colours, stickers and illustrations.
What do you use a reading journal for?
A reading journal can be used in many different ways. For some, it acts as a practical overview of read books, while others use it for reflection and creative journaling.
For example, you can use your reading journal to:
keep track of which books you have read
collect favourite quotes and thoughts along the way
write about what a book has stirred in you
create lists of books you want to read or listen to
remember characters, themes and plots.
What can a reading journal contain?
A reading journal can be as flexible as you need it to be. For example, you can include:
Reading lists
book reviews or short reflections
quote sites
read trackers
learning objectives and annual overviews.
If you are lacking inspiration for pages, you can also read our article with 9 spreads for your reading journal.
Why keep a reading journal?
A reading journal makes your reading experiences more vivid. When you write about the books, you often discover new nuances in the story and gain a deeper understanding of what you are reading.
It also helps you remember what you have read, which books made an impression, and which quotes you would like to return to.
For many people, a reading journal also becomes a creative outlet where they can combine reading with journaling, drawing, or decoration.
Which notebook do you use for a reading journal?
An ordinary reading journal can be made in almost any type of notebook. Many people choose a standard notebook or a Dot grid notebook, because the dots make it easy to create your own layouts.
Andre prefers a ready-made one reading log, where the pages are already structured with fields for title, author, rating and notes.
You can find inspiration in our selection of Notebooks and journals.
Get off to a good start
You don't need much to start a reading journal.
You typically just need to use:
a notebook
a pen you really like writing with
a book you are currently reading.
If you want to make your journal more personal, you can also use small decorations such as:
coloured pens or highlighters.
Many start out really simply and develop their reading journal over time.
Reading journal
The terms reading journal, læsejournal and læsedagbog are often used for the same thing. The difference lies mostly in how structured the book is.
A reading diary often has fixed fields and templates, whereas a reading journal is typically created in an ordinary notebook where you decide the layout and content yourself.
Both can work really well. The most important thing is that your journal fits the way you read and reflect.
