start a reading journal

I’m using a very loose format: I start each entry with the date, and the name of the book I am writing about. I write entries when I start books, end books, and whenever strikes my fancy in between. Then I make a note in the upper corner of the page with the author’s last name and an abbreviated version of the title. I’m not being too formal about this – I find that too much formality stifles creativity with journaling.

I do try to note several things about each book: where the book is from (whether it was a gift, on loan from a friend (who?), or something I purchased) and why I am reading it (it was recommended to me, I read a good review of it, or maybe the cover was just pretty).

I think I’ll do this tonight, or sometime soon. I already keep track of the books I read on All Consuming, but I would like to have a personal place to keep track of my thoughts and impressions and feelings surrounding the books I read. Also I would like to record the events that bring particular books into my life – books and reading are so intertwined with my whole life that it seems like it would be good therapy, and an enjoyable thing to do.

Had the journal ready for quite a while and have read a number of books since getting the journal. Decided to put some entries in today. It is a great idea to help you remember your feelings about a particular book.

...now just got to finish my current book.

I think that I can count this goal completed, as I have written up the first four or so books that I have read this year. I’m writing basic information about the book (title, author, date finished and where it came from), a plot summary and then my thoughts on the book. On average, about a page and a half per book. I’m enjoying having a record of my reading!

I suppose the first thing to get would be a journal. I have several, in fact, which I’d like to dress up first – vellum paper, maybe some Japanese paper, but that still only covers the outside. I still need to to figure out what format I’m working on here.

Title
Author
Date Begun/Finished
Bought/Borrowed/Found
Notes:

One page, I think, per book. Though that is rather limiting in its fashion – I’ve heard that index cards could be better for such things, but they aren’t… ah, pretty.

...was a lovely journal which will become my reading journal. I will note the title and author with the date finished, and then add details like names of the main characters and a brief summary. If I come across any interesting quotes or ideas then I’ll make a note of them too. Looking forward to starting it!

I’ve had a look but can’t find anything suitable so I’ll keep an eye out for a nice journal.