Would you like to write about the books you're reading without having to review them? Reading journal, also known as a reading journal or book diary, is a perfect place to collect your reading experiences without having to give star ratings, judge the plot, or analyse the language.
Instead, it's about finding out what the book did to you. What you felt, thought about, were inspired by, or saw in a new way.
A reading journal can help you better remember your reading experiences and make reading more personal. If you are new to the concept, you can also read our guide to en læsedagbog or our introduction to Reading journal for beginners.
How to write about your books
When you write in your reading journal, you don't need to think about reviews. Instead, you can focus on your own thoughts and experiences.
For example, you might ask yourself:
What was the first thing I felt after reading the book?
Was there something I could see myself in?
What do I remember most clearly from history?
Which quote impressed me, and why?
Did the book make me think about something in my own life?
Would I want to read something similar?
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Ideas for pages in your reading journal
If you want to vary your pages, you can use different types of spreads in your journal.
You can, for example, make:
A collection of quotes from your favourite books
A brief summary written in your own words
A mood collage with images and colours
A page with “one sentence about each book I read”
A page with comparisons between books you have read
If you're lacking more ideas for pages, you can also read our article with 9 spreads for your reading journal.
Make your pages more personal
Many make their reading journal more visual by combining text with small creative elements.
For example, you can use:
Coloured pens
Little drawings or symbols.
This makes the pages more lively and can help you remember your reading experiences even better.
Get started with your reading journal
You can use almost any notebook for a reading journal. Many prefer a Dot grid notebook, because the dots make it easy to create your own layouts and keep track of the text.
A good pen also makes a big difference when you write longer reflections in your journal. Many people opt for fineliners or gel pens, for example, as they provide a smooth and clear line.
If you want to organise your reading experiences even more, you can also create pages with:
A list of books you have read
A to-be-read list of books you want to read
Notes on characters or themes
sides with your favourite quotes.
If your TBR list is growing quickly, you can also find ideas in our article about how you handle a growing TBR.
A reading journal doesn't have to be perfect or neat. The most important thing is that it helps you remember the books that have made an impression on you.
