I’ve kept a book journal for the past few years and I really recommend it to all readers out there! During high school I was having a hard time keeping track of what I had already read, the plotlines blending into one large and complicated story in my head. Writing in a book journal not only helped me keep track of what I had read, it also allowed me to reflect on those stories and see how my reading choices changed over time.
Every book journal is different, and they should be because we’re all different, but here is what I find works for me. I jot down the book title, author and a quick bio of the storyline. I also give the book a rating from 1 to 5 based on how much I enjoyed it and whether I would want to read it again. Even though I’ve enjoyed many books, that doesn’t necessarily mean I want to re-read them all, especially when there are so many other great choices out there! Although I rate these books myself, I don’t publicly post a rating on my book reviews because they are so subjective and I want each reader to decide on a rating for himself or herself.
Do any of you keep a book journal? I would love to hear what works for you!
Dream by Day 
I used to scribble my thoughts about a book on papers. But not anymore now since I’ve started my blog, it’s equivalent to a book journal where I penned my thoughts down as book reviews.
LikeLike
That’s a good point! I also find myself referring to my blog more and more to write out my thoughts.
LikeLike
I used to keep one in elementary and high school when I was in school book clubs. Now I keep one to jot down notes for reviews I’m planning to write. This post gave me nostalgia so I’m thinking about buying a nice journal and writing an entry for every book I finish, regardless of whether I plan to write an official review or not.
LikeLike
I think that’s great! I don’t write reviews for every book I read either, but I like having a little reflection on each for myself.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I so want to do this now!
LikeLike
I hope you do! I’ve loved keeping a book journal.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m actually convinced 😍❤️
LikeLike
That’s so nice to hear! I hope you enjoy it too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great idea, like a sketch book for artists, go for it!😀
LikeLike
Thank you!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My book journal is my blog. Great exercise.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Before I had Internet access, and when my word processor was still functioning, I kept a list of all the books I read. And perhaps not surprisingly, I read more books while I was working at the public library than any other time in my life. It’s ironic–since I’ve had Internet access I read as much as I ever have. But I’ve read almost no books, cover-to-cover, since I’ve had Internet access. I like the Internet–but I’d really rather be returned to the 1980’s, or earlier. This Digital Age just isn’t worth it–Digital-Age technology does so much more harm than good.
LikeLike
That’s true, as much as I love reading, sometimes I find myself distracted by all the technology and social media around..
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have kept lists and wrote about books I’ve read…but my **book journal ** right now is Good reads.
LikeLike
That’s another great way to do it! I use Goodreads too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Did you set a yearly book goal? I’m falling behind on my reading this year.
LikeLike
I haven’t actually. I think it’s a cool goal to help people read more though!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had been thinking of doing this, but like some of the above replys I find I just jot down my thoughts for a blog post. I do love journals though. Something about actively writing always makes me feel better. Maybe I will keep one anyway.
LikeLike
I think a blog is just another version of a book journal- no matter the platform, I agree that writing is a good way to debrief!
LikeLike
This is a good question. I have journaled all my life, but I never thought about keeping a book journal until this past spring after someone brought it up. So I started making notes about passages I like and any thoughts or observations I have while reading. Most I do not use for posts, but I enjoy going back to see my thoughts and reactions.
LikeLike
I don’t use a lot of mine for posts either, I mainly enjoy looking back at my past thoughts like you do!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A few years ago I realised I was re-reading a book by Robert Crais that I thought was new…at that point, I started a spreadsheet list of all books I had read which I endeavoured to back-date…makes life so much easier if you read a lot like we do! 😀
LikeLike
Yea exactly! I found that I was re-reading books too!
LikeLike
Some books are worth it…but not that many. 😀
LikeLike
Exactly! I at least want to know if I’m re-reading a book or not..
LikeLike