Reading is one of life’s most enjoyable and enriching activities, but if you’re like me, you may have found that sometimes it’s hard to remember all the books you’ve read. That’s where keeping a reading journal comes in. A reading journal isn’t just a place to jot down titles and authors; it’s a powerful tool that helps you connect more deeply with the books you read, track your thoughts, and remember the lessons learned.
I’ll share why I keep a reading journal, how it helps me remember every book I read, and how you can start with one today.
What Is a Reading Journal?
A reading journal is where you record your thoughts about the books you read. It’s more than just a list of titles; it’s a record of what you learned, liked, and thought about the story or ideas. The journal can be as straightforward or as detailed as you want, and it can include:
- Book titles and authors
- Short summaries of the plot
- Key themes or lessons
- Favourite quotes or passages
- Personal reflections and connections
In short, your reading journal helps turn reading into an active, thoughtful process instead of a passive activity.
Why Should You Keep a Reading Journal?
Many people read books and move on to the next without considering what they just finished. However, the benefits of keeping a reading journal are substantial:
- Improved Retention: Writing about the book helps reinforce the material and makes it easier to remember.
- Better Understanding: By reflecting on the book, you better understand its themes and messages.
- Tracking Progress: You’ll be able to see how much you’ve read and what kind of books you tend to enjoy most.
- Personal Growth: A reading journal allows you to track your intellectual and emotional growth through your chosen books.
How a Reading Journal Helps You Remember Every Book
One of the main reasons I started keeping a reading journal was that I could not remember all the books I had read, especially after a few months or years. The problem wasn’t the books themselves, but that I hadn’t tried to engage deeply with them. Here’s how a reading journal can help you remember every book:
1. Summarizing the Plot and Themes
Each time you summarise the book’s plot, you give yourself a chance to process the story’s events. This makes remembering the key events, characters, and lessons from the book easier. If you take a moment to jot down the main themes, you can recall the plot and what the author was trying to communicate.
For example, after reading Thinking, Fast and Slow, you might write about how the book explores the two systems of thought: fast, instinctive thinking, and slow, deliberate thinking. Writing this down in your journal helps solidify your understanding of these concepts.
2. Recording Key Quotes and Passages
Many people remember their favourite quotes long after they’ve finished a book. By writing down these memorable passages, you can revisit them whenever you want. Not only does this make the book more memorable, but it also gives you a chance to reflect on why those quotes stood out to you.
For example, when reading The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck, you might record a passage about choosing what to care about in life, a lesson that could apply to your life.
3. Writing Personal Reflections
A reading journal isn’t just about summarizing the plot; it’s about connecting to your life. When you reflect on how the book made you feel or how it relates to your experiences, it creates a deeper connection to the material. This makes it easier to recall the key takeaways, and you’ll likely carry those lessons.
If you’re reading How to Be a Grown-Up, you could write about how the book’s advice on handling adult responsibilities connects to your growth journey.
4. Reviewing and Rewriting Summaries
As time passes, you might forget the finer details of a book. When you look back at your journal entries, it’s like revisiting the book repeatedly. Rewriting your summary or reviewing your reflections can help reinforce your memory, making it easier to recall the key points when needed.
How to Start Your Reading Journal
Starting a reading journal is simple and doesn’t require much more than a notebook and pen, though you can also use digital tools. Here’s how to begin:
Step 1: Choose Your Medium
You can use a physical journal or a digital tool like a notes app or a word processor. There are no strict rules, so pick whichever method feels most comfortable for you. Some people love the tactile experience of writing by hand, while others prefer the convenience of digital tools.
Step 2: Create a System
Decide what you want to track in your journal. A simple format could look like this:
- Book title and author
- Genre
- Summary: A few sentences about the book’s plot
- Key themes: What was the book about? What messages did it convey?
- Quotes: Any memorable or powerful quotes
- Personal reflection: How did this book make you feel? What did you learn?
If you’re interested in reading non-fiction books like The Power of Habit or Strive: 8 Steps to Find Your Awesome, you should focus on the key lessons and actionable advice from each chapter.
Step 3: Start Writing
Each time you finish a book, write an entry in your journal. This doesn’t have to be long or formal—just a few sentences to capture the book’s essence and your response to it.
Step 4: Review Your Journal
Periodically, go back and read through your journal. This will help refresh your memory about the books you’ve read and remind you of the valuable lessons you’ve learned.
Tips for Making Your Reading Journal Effective
Here are a few expert tips to make your reading journal even more effective:
- Use Different Colors: Highlight essential quotes or lessons using coloured pens or highlighters. This makes it easier to find key points when reviewing your journal later.
- Make It Personal: Include your emotions and personal reactions to the book. This helps create a deeper connection to the material.
- Include Book Recommendations: If you’re reading a book you think others would enjoy, write a short recommendation in your journal for future reference.
- Set Reading Goals: Track your reading goals, like how many books you want to read in a month, and monitor your progress.
Books to Start With
If you’re looking for great books to get started with, here are some recommendations that you can also document in your journal:
- Habits of the Household: Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rhythms
- Positivity
- Mindset: The New Psychology of Success
- The 4-Hour Workweek
- The Path to Success and Happiness
Conclusion
A reading journal is an invaluable tool for anyone who loves to read and wants to remember every book. It helps you engage more deeply with the material, retain key lessons, and track your personal growth. You can ensure that the books you read stay with you long after the last page is turned by simply recording your thoughts, quotes, and reflections.
Start your reading journal today, and see how it can transform your reading experience.
