I love books, I love to read, and I want to do a better job of keeping a reading journal. After looking at some different ideas, I decided to make an editable PDF (find it here) to fill out for each book I read. I made a cute cover (find a slightly different option here) to put on the front of my binder, added some sheet protectors, and now I need to start filling out my book review template.
3 Basic Materials for Your Reading Journal
I tried to make this SUPER simple, just click each of the links below to get started. I’ve included exactly what you need to start your reading journal today, including a couple of FREE printables! I designed a fun cover page you can download and print out, and created an editable PDF of my reading journal template. I wanted to make something versatile and useful. You can either print the template and write your response to each of the fields, or you can type your responses on the editable PDF and print afterwards.
Below, you can see the reading journal template I created. I wanted an easy way to capture a brief snapshot of my experience with each book I read. Several years from now, I want to remember so much more than whether or not I read a book. I want to remember characters, how the book changed my perspective, what I liked/didn’t like, and what quotes I felt carried weight and meaning.
Why I decided to make a book review template
Last summer, I experienced something really special that encouraged me to start a reading journal. One of my grandmas passed away when I was very young, just twelve. I love her and enjoy my memories of her, but also really miss her. I also cherish my “grown up” relationship with my other grandma and feel saddened that I don’t get that opportunity with my mom’s mom.
My Grandma S. was raised during the Great Depression and at a time when women did not usually go to college. Not only did she complete an undergraduate degree in English at Brigham Young University, but she also continued her education by working towards a masters in Literature at Berkeley. Sadly, her future in-laws asked her to pay for the upcoming wedding reception. Unable to afford both a reception and another semester of school, she had to forfeit completing her graduate degree. All that she had left to finish were her oral boards.
Back to last summer, while visiting my family, I came across my grandma’s handwriting in several different books. It was such an amazing experience! While I read her insights, thoughts, and perceptions in the margins of those books, I got to learn so much from her. It felt like a brief opportunity at an adult conversation with my grandma.
That’s why this project of starting a reading journal began. I decided to be more vigilant at recording my own thoughts and impressions while reading. I believe books can change lives, inspire, and teach us in unique and powerful ways. Recording my thoughts and perceptions will help me remember the things I learn from reading.
Book review template for book clubs
If you participate in a book club, the PDF I designed works great as an introductory discussion starter. Send this out to members of your book club, then everyone can fill it out prior to holding a meeting. By putting thoughts together, in advance, members would offer rich insights.
Grab these FREE downloads and start filling out the book review template
I feel so excited to share the downloads I designed with all of you! Check out these resources to start your own reading journal and do something that works best for you.
Don’t forget to share a book or two in the comments that has impacted you significantly. You know I always need good material to add to my book list.
Sincerely,
