I’ve recently discovered the joy and creative expression of a Reading Journal and I have to say … I think I’m a changed reader. I’m already onto my 5th book for 2024! Who even am I?!
A reading journal is either a blank, lined or dot grid journal that you use to log a variety of bookish things. For example, you could log:
– your reading goals for the year
– track the genre of books you read each month
– log your favourite anticipated releases
– collected stats on your star ratings
Basically, reading journals are a great way to motivate you into reading more, reflect back on your month & year of reading and patting yourself on the back as you move through the months by ticking different pages or reading challenges off.
Now, I’m all new to this and it’s something that I felt motivated to do as I wanted a creative ‘down-time’ hobby that I could also turn into a workshop next year.
I promise you, I’m no artist and I guarantee you don’t have to be either.
I’ve started with some very basic felt tip pens from Ekersley’s, a dot journal and alphabet stencil from Big W.
I think the main take away from reading journals is that you feel fulfilled by your own creative abilities and take the time to look back on small (or big) successes throughout the year.
I will be using my reading journal to also write personal journal entries. I’ll dedicate pages to write about experiences I’ve had throughout the year or if a book I’ve read reminds me of a memory or experience I’ve had. I think the double whammy of reading reflection and personal reflection will be a nice token for future Mel 💝
+ a beautiful friend of mine encouraged me to be dynamic with my reading journal and really make it my own!
Here are a few YouTube videos that helped kick off my reading journal journey (say that 3 times fast 😉)
Mel Reviews Her Books 