Guide To Reading Journals: Tips For Using Book Trackers & More

Calling all bookworms!

Get ready to transform your reading life with our new Reading Log Notebooks! We're absolutely thrilled to be launching our brand-new reading journals on August 4th, and it's everything book lovers have been dreaming of.

Whether you devour multiple books every month or are looking to build a more consistent reading habit, a personalized reading journal from Plum Paper is the ultimate page-turner you've been searching for! (See what we did there?)

Use it to track your reading progress, record your reflections, jot down plot summaries, store book recommendations, and more. In this guide, we'll dive into how to create a reading tracker system that's as unique as your book selection.

Ready? Let's go!

This much is true: we know you love books. But keeping track of everything you've read, want to read, and learned along the way can feel like a schlep.

Do you ever finish a 300-page book and can barely remember the characters or plot twists from chapter three? That's where a book journal steps in, transforming your reading journey from scattered chaos into an oasis of calm.

Here are just three reasons why book lovers need one:

1. Capture thoughts: How many times have you finished a book only to struggle remembering the details weeks or months later? A reading journal helps you take note of your immediate reactions, favorite quotes, and "Oh my gosh!" moments that make each book memorable.
2. Set and achieve reading goals: Whether you want to explore new genres, discover different authors, or simply finish that stack of books on your bookshelf, tracking your progress keeps you motivated, inspired, and accountable.
3. Build your perfect TBR list: No more frantic searching through old WhatsApp messages trying to remember that book recommendation from a friend. Your reading journal becomes the perfect, personalized library where you can document your "To Be Read (TBR)" reading list in one space.

Why is a reading journal helpful?

• Helps you remember what you've read.
• Encourages deeper thinking and reflection.
• Improves comprehension and critical thinking.
• Keeps track of your reading journey and goals.
• Supports personal growth and development.
• Boosts writing skills and vocabulary.
• Sparks creativity and inspires new ideas.

Pretty cool, right? If this doesn't excite the book nerd in you, then we don't know what will! And here's the best part: we're about to dive into how to make the most of your reading log journal.

From magical book series like Harry Potter or The Lord of the Rings to powerful one-off titles like The Book Thief or My Sister's Keeper, your reading journal should showcase the books you love to read, and why you love reading them.

Here's our approach and recommendations for making the most of your reading journal:

Track books you've read

Every reader is different, and your book review journal should reflect this. Some readers cruise through three books a week, while others prefer a more relaxed pace. Whether you're in a book club with buddies or savoring one story at a time, your journal can accommodate your pace with dedicated sections tailored to your reading style.

• Create daily reading trackers to record:
• Book titles and authors
• Start and finish dates
• Page counts and reading times
• Star ratings (or personal scoring systems)
• Format preferences (e.g., physical paper books, eBooks, audiobooks)
• Brief summaries of characters, storylines, and themes
• Genres

Set monthly reading targets

Goal setting becomes genuinely exciting when it's "personalized for you, by you". Rather than just creating book lists, focus on what you actually want to achieve and why. For instance:

• Variety goals: Challenge yourself to read new authors from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. If you're used to reading fiction about dragons and damsels in distress, try some popular non-fiction titles like Atomic Habits or Into the Wild for a change of scenery.
• Genre exploration: Branch out of your comfort zone by dedicating each month to a new genre. Think along the lines of "Mystery March", "Spooky September", or "Non-fiction November".
• Learning objectives: Reading books doesn't just mean drifting away to far-off lands, it can also be used for personal development and growth. Create one page in your reading journal that focuses on personal skills you'd like to develop, and add self-help books to your monthly rotation.

Log favorite quotes and ideas

The best books don't just entertain, they change how we think, feel, and see the world. Jotting down these mighty moments ensures they stay with us long after the story ends. And what better place to keep them than in your reading journal?

• Quotes section: Dedicate a space in your journal to inspirational quotes, beautiful passages, or thought-provoking ideas; words that speak directly to your bibliophile soul. This journal feature is super helpful, allowing you to recall these memories when inspiration runs low.
• Guided prompts: Include questions or prompts that help you process what you've read. How did this book/quote make you feel? Will you take the author's advice on board? Which character/s reminded you of someone? The value lies in the details.
• Link ideas: Connect books to each other, noting similar themes, ideas, or viewpoints. If one book sparks a sense of déjà vu, it's worth writing it down!

Build your perfect TBR list

As mentioned, your "To Be Read" (TBR) pile is like a bucket list of future (never-ending!) book-bingeing adventures. But without proper organization, it's hard to keep track of all the books you want to read.

Here's how you can customize your Plum Paper planner for this:

• Create wish lists: Organize your TBR by mood, season, or genre. Want a quick weekend read? Have a spot for books under 300 pages. Want to learn new tricks? Create a section for self-development and growth.
• Plot reading journey: It's a good thing to jot down when you would like to tackle your TBR list. Build this into your monthly reading targets from above, and you'll be ticking off your to-do list in no time!
• Track recommendations: Note who recommended each book and why. Better yet, jot down who you would recommend certain books to and why.

Now that you know how to use your reading journal, let's discuss how to set it up for success.

Setting up your reading journal is easy with Plum Paper's fantastic range of planners at your fingertips. You can customize every detail to match your reading style, making the whole tracking experience so much fun. Here are a few customization ideas:

Pick the perfect planner

Choosing the perfect planner doesn't have to be complicated. With our buying guide, you can find the perfect setup in minutes.

• Choose your layout: Pick a journal that suits your style and needs. Whether you like structured daily pages or the freedom of [undated planners], there's a planner out there that works for you.
• Have a plan: What do you want to achieve with your book journal? If tracking goals is your thing, then consider a goal planner. Just want to scribble down thoughts? Notebooks have your back.

• Be creative

• The best thing about book journals? There's no formula or set structure to follow; the sky's the limit! Design your journal exactly how you want to.
• Accessorize: Planner accessories like colorful sticky notes, dashboards, washi tape, clips, and bookmarks are excellent ways to jazz up your journal.
• Have a theme: Give your journal a theme that sparks joy and makes you want to open it (and fill more pages!). Use decorative stickers, scrapbooking supplies, or hand-drawn doodles to bring it to life. Whether you're a cat lover, a fantasy fan, or someone who prefers neutral tones, pick a vibe that reflects your personality.
• Use stickers: Celebrate reading milestones with stickers, stamps, or personal rewards that keep motivation levels at an all-time high.

Be consistent, not perfect

The point of a reading journal isn't about being perfect - it's about consistency. Even small entries can make a BIG difference over time.

• Make it a habit: Set aside a few minutes after each reading session to jot down thoughts, quotes, or feelings. The more you do it, the more natural it becomes.
• Review often: Flip back through your entries every now and then to reflect on your reading journey.
• Be kind to yourself: Forgot a day (or seven)? Don't sweat it, it happens. Pick up where you left off and carry on.

With these tips, you'll be a reading journal pro in no time!

How often should I update my reading journal?

There are no rules as to when to update reading journals, but the best time is after finishing a book**. This makes it easier to remember characters, storylines, and quotes.

Are reading journals worth it?

Absolutely! Reading journals help us track progress, leave book reviews, and add books to our reading list all in one place.

How do I start book journaling?

The best way to start book journaling is to simply log the title, author, and your initial thoughts about what you've read. There's no right or wrong answer. Just write down what stood out for you and why.

Where can I find customized journals and planners?

Right here at Plum Paper, that's where! Explore our phenomenal range of fully customizable planners, notebooks, and journals online.

So there it is, the whole scoop on reading journals and how to use them.

In our humble opinion, every book lover should own one, use one, and treasure one.

With personalized journal features and dedicated sections for your TBR list, you can create the reading journal of your dreams. This gives you something to look back on for years to come. Better yet, keep it in a safe place and pass it down through generations as a cherished family heirloom.

Grab your perfect reading journal from Plum Paper this August!