It's a good idea to keep a book journal if you read a lot.A book journal is similar to a diary in that it chronicles your life through the books you read.Every book has an entry detailing your thoughts and reflections.This process can make you a better writer.Recording your thoughts as you go will help boost your memory if you misplace it.When you have enough time, you will be able to flip through your journal and reflect on what you've read.
Step 1: There are benefits to a book journal.
The usefulness of a journal depends on how much you read.You probably go through more books in a year than you can remember if you're reading most days of the week.A book journal can help you remember more about a book you read a few months ago.Writing down thoughts does a lot to retain memory.It may not be helpful to keep a reading journal if you only read a few books a year.These journals are only useful for avid readers.
Step 2: Pick a medium.
You can either write in a physical journal or you can take your writing online.Some people prefer the personal touch of a book, while others like the convenience and accessibility of the web publication.You should consider both routes before making a decision, even if you already have a preference for one over the other.It's a good idea to combine physical and online note keeping.You won't always be around a computer when you're reading, and your final reflections can be input into a blog once you finish reading a book.
Step 3: A good book is a good buy.
You shouldn't rely on a cheap book if you choose the physical option.These are cheap but don't hold up to wear very well.If you're buying a book, make sure it's leatherbound and has a high-quality spine.You want something that will make you feel good about writing for the next few months.It's not uncommon for writers to develop an emotional attachment to their journals, so make sure you buy a journal that is high-quality enough to deserve it.
Step 4: Set up a website.
A journal is a free online journal.If you go online with your book journal, you won't have to worry about running out of space.It will be easier to organize and retrieve your entries.There is the possibility of a readership.There are lots of free websites.There are a few of the best-known.Although you can keep a book journal private if you want, giving other people a chance to go along on the journey can lead to feedback and discussion, both regarding the stuff you're reading and the content of your writing itself.
Step 5: You can create a Goodreads account.
If you're looking for a place to record your reading history, you should look at Goodreads.Goodreads is a site designed for people to keep track of their reading habits and post their reflections on literature.It has an info-packed database, as well as a vibrant community that is as passionate about reading as you are.
Step 6: The book's information should be listed.
The obvious info should be included in every journal entry.The author's name and title are included.This should be emphasized on the page or screen.It will be easier to keep track of your reading when you look at your entries further down the road.
Step 7: You might forget facts if you write them in.
The memory can change quickly.Even if you enjoy the book you are reading, there's no guarantee you'll remember most of it.The problem gets bigger the more you read.It's a good idea to keep an eye out for things that interest you, since you're not expected to log in every piece of information a book has to offer.The bits of information you mark down can be used to remember other things.
Step 8: Motivational quotes should be included in your entry.
There are certain lines that jump out at you in most books.You won't be able to get all of the quotes you want, but there may be a few that are worth recording.If you think you've found a line or two that perfectly expresses what the rest of the book is about, quote-hunting is worth it.If you quote from a book, you should include the page number.
Step 9: Comment on the writing techniques in the book.
Some book journals only talk about what a book is about, but there's more to it than that.Think about things like writing perspective.The author has used imagery and poetic devices.If you want to write in your journal, you should write your feelings on whether certain techniques worked or not.Informal critical reviews can be found in a journal entry.You'll be able to tell good from bad writing if you put technical aspects under the microscope.
Step 10: Take a moment to note your current time and place.
A book journal isn't just a list of what you're reading.It also indirectly comments on the course of your life.Your life experiences dictate what you read about, and in turn, certain books will be associated with parts of your life.Write down the time and place you were when you read it.Writing down the ties between what you're reading and what happened is a great way to remember.The book and the circumstances of your life will be enriched by this.
Step 11: Take the book and look at what's happening in your life.
For the sake of understanding the experience of reading a book, it may be a good idea to write in a few notes about what is happening in your life at the time.Having an idea of what was going on in your life.A lot of the small details from that stage of your life will come back to you.You can make sense of the book in question with the mindset you were in at the time.This can help explain what you wrote in each entry.If the book journal is completely private and not at risk of being read by anyone else, more personal details should be included.
Step 12: Do you think the book has changed you?
Books help us grow as people and are a source of fun and relaxation.Most books won't have a lasting impact, but a few will.If you feel like a book has changed the way you see the world, you should make a note of it at the bottom of your entry.It is possible to put a note like this in boldface.You will be able to spot the ones that were particularly noteworthy to you when you look at past entries.
Step 13: A goal for periodical reading is made.
Books are enjoyable, but reading is more motivating than watching TV or playing video games.Some people find it motivating to set goals.If you don't read as much as you'd like, you can write something down that says "I will read three books this month."The goal should be realistic and account for the fact that some books take longer to read than others.All accounts can use the annual reading goal feature on Goodreads.If you sign up with an account, you can set a book goal at the beginning of the year and see how you do by the end of it.
Step 14: As you read, write your book entry.
The book journal keepers prefer to wait until the end of the book to make their entry.The experience of reading is enriched by being active in writing down notes.It may motivate you to pay more attention to detail if you have a note journal at your side.If you have been out of school for a while and find you've lost your touch as a critical reader, this is a very important part detail.
Step 15: As soon as you finish reading, finish your entry.
A longer-form journal entry can be hard to get into.Some journal keepers put off their entries until days or weeks after they've read the book.This is against the purpose of keeping a book journal.You want your reflections to be fresh.Your memory of the book is what you're writing about.
Step 16: It's a good idea to keep your book somewhere safe.
A book journal is a long-term commitment.Although you're encouraged to bring it with you when you go on trips, accidentally losing your book journal could feel catastrophic depending on how much time and work you have invested in it.It's a good idea to keep it in the same place when you're between books.Recording a second copy of your entries is insurance against losing them permanently.
Step 17: Take care of your journal.
If you're keeping track of your reading with a physical journal, you should take extra care to protect it from wear and tear.If enough abuse is given to a high-quality leather book, it will begin to hear.If you're going to take your book journal with you, make sure to put it in a special compartment in your backpack.If you're keeping your book journal up to date, it's a good idea to keep a close eye on your password.