Why Start a Reading Journal?

Part 1: Why start a reading Journal?

Have you ever finished an amazing book only to forget half the details a month later? You remember loving the characters or feeling inspired by the story, but when a friend asks about it, your mind goes blank. That’s where a reading journal can really shine.

A reading journal is more than just a notebook. It’s a personal space to reflect on your favorite books, capture quotes that moved you, note recurring themes, or simply remember how a story made you feel. And the best part? It doesn’t need to be formal. It can be as casual or creative as you like—scribbles, sketches, bullet points, colour coding—whatever helps the story stick with you.

This kind of journaling can help you engage more deeply with what you read. By taking notes, summarising plot points, and writing down your thoughts, you’re naturally improving memory retention. Later on, when you revisit these notes, you’ll be better equipped to have thoughtful discussions with friends or even just with yourself.

So, why start a reading journal and how do you start?

This blog post is the first of a two-part series exploring the joy and value of keeping a reading journal. Today, we’re focusing on why it’s worth starting and how it can deepen your connection with the books you love.

In the next instalment, coming at the end of the week, we’ll walk through some inspiring examples and creative prompts to help you personalise your journal. Take some time to think about what you'd love to remember or reflect on from your favourite reads—and be sure to check back soon!