Many people become curious about reading journals but stop at the same question: what do you actually write in a reading journal?
In a reading journal, also called a Reading journal, is a place where you can gather your thoughts about the books you read. They don't have to be long reviews or analyses. Often, it's the small reflections, quotes, or feelings surrounding a book that make the journal valuable.
If you're completely new to the concept, you can start with our guide to en læsedagbog or read the article about Reading journal for beginners.
First impressions of the book
One of the easiest things to write in your reading journal is your first impression.
For example, you can write:
why you chose the book
What do you expect from the story
how the book made you feel at the start.
These small notes make it fun to look back on later. When you flick back through your journal, you can often see how your expectations changed as you went along.
Quotes that make an impression
Many people use their reading journal to collect quotes from books.
This could be:
A sentence that hits something personal
A quote that summarises the book's theme
a passage that is particularly beautifully written.
Some also choose to decorate the quote pages with small creative elements like stickers or small headlines written with coloured pens.
Tanker en route during the reading
You don't need to wait until the book is finished to write in your reading journal.
Write small notes while you read:
What do you think about the characters
What do you think will happen
historically surprises you.
This makes the reading experience more active and helps you remember details from the book later.
Feelings after the book
When you've finished a book, can you write a few lines about how it affected you.
You can ask yourself:
What do I remember most clearly from history?
Did the book change the way I think?
Would I recommend it to others?
It doesn't need to be long. Sometimes two or three sentences are enough to capture your experience.
This book is a collection of short stories that explore the themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships.
One fun exercise for a reading journal is to describe a book in just one sentence.
This could be:
a mood
and a theme
A personal reflection.
This type of page doesn't take up much space in your journal, but it provides a quick overview of your reading experiences.
Compare books you have read
If you read a lot of books within the same genre, it can also be interesting to compare them.
For example, you can write:
which book had the most interesting characters
Which story surprised you the most
Which book would you like to re-read.
These types of notes can also help you understand what kind of books you enjoy most.
Use your reading journal in your own way
There isn't one correct way to write in a reading journal. Some people make short notes, others fill the pages with quotes, drawings, or creative spreads.
If you're lacking inspiration for more pages, you can read our guide with 9 spreads for your reading journal.
Many also choose a Dot grid notebook to their reading journal, because the dots make it easy to create your own layouts.
You can make your pages more personal with small details such as washi tape, stickers or coloured pens.
If you are working with a reading list, you can also find inspiration in our article about how you handle a growing TBR.
The most important thing isn't how pretty your reading journal is. The most important thing is that it helps you remember the books that have made an impression on you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to write a lot in a reading journal?
No. Many only write a few lines about each book. A reading journal doesn't need to be long reviews.
Can one use a normal notebook?
Yes. Many people choose a regular notebook or a Dot grid notebook for their reading journal.
Do you have to write after each book?
You decide for yourself. Some write after each book, while others write small notes while reading. Some choose only to write about their favourite books.
