How to Start a Reading Journal

Introduction

A reading journal is a book log utilized by students, teachers or avid readers. It is used to document the books a person has read. Some start a reading journal for educational purposes (analysis of a particular passage), inspiration (jotting down favorite quotes), or simply as a way to recommend books to friends and family.

Decide What Type of Reading Journal to Start

Things You'll Need

• Writing journal
• Computer with Word or Excel programs
• Internet access

Steps

1 Step One

Create a reading journal in a spreadsheet format. Use a software program such as Excel (or a similar one). Generate fields for headings you want to include in your reading journal such as name of book, author, notes and chapter numbers.

2 Step Two

Buy a notebook to start a handwritten reading journal. Select a book with lined pages to keep your writing organized and wide margins for expanded note-taking.

3 Step Three

Start a reading journal to use online. Create a PDF or Word document for your reading journal where you can type in text and post it on a website or email it to others.

Start a Reading Journal for an Educator

Steps

1 Step One

Establish a format for the reading journal that will help students analyze a particular book.

2 Step Two

Formulate sections that will enhance a student's reading experience. Consider making categories for title/author of book, genre, audience, annotation, review, questions and comparison.

3 Step Three

Learn more about the type of content in a reading journal at the International Network of Writing-Across-the-Curriculum website (see Resources below).

Start a Booklover's Reading Journal

Steps

1 Step One

Select a notebook that is comfortable for you to write in. Make sure the size of the book has room for many notations and easy note-taking.

2 Step Two

Consider buying a loose-leaf style journal where you can add photocopies, section dividers and easily discard or insert pages.

3 Step Three

Record each book you read in the journal. Dedicate a page or less for each chapter.

4 Step Four

Take notes as you read. Make notations about scenes, dialog, questions and other inspirational feelings that occur. The notes for your reading journal can run the gamut from how a passage touches your heart to critical comments about the writing.

Overall Tips & Warnings

• Purchase a journal that reflects your personal style and the books you love to read. For instance, if you're a fan of travel books, select a journal with images of famous places on it.
• Start a reading journal to coincide with a book club. This will help you communicate your thoughts and feelings to the group after you read the book.