How I track my reading
Let me start with saying I'm not an artist that can draw. I let my creativity out by writing, dancing, singing and creating non-drawing activities. I also know I have terrible handwriting.
I use my reading journal to track what I value.
Each month gets a different art theme for the title page. January got snowflakes because Missouri had a big snow storm and I was manifesting being snowed in more than I was. Then on the back of the title page I do goals. I'm trying to stick to 3 goals at least a month to help me explore my reading habits.
For the book review page I do title, author, dates and where and how I'm reading it. I read a lot of books from Libby, KU, the library and that I own. I want to track which resource I use the most.
Then I do my favorite part and my least favorite part. I can admit my gold star books have some low points.
Then I give a star rating and a one sentence thought. It usually only makes sense to me.
Finally: A song I feel fits the book. This is something I do for a series I used to do on here and have been debating bringing back giving books theme songs.
How do you track your reading?
#booktracking #journal for a book #startjournalingnow #booktok #Lemon8
Keeping a reading journal can be much more than just listing the books you’ve read; it can be a deeply personal and creative experience that enriches your connection with the books and your reading habits. From my experience, integrating artistic elements like monthly themes—such as snowflakes during a snowy January—adds a fun and meaningful touch to each journal entry. I personally use this approach to anchor each month’s reading journey, making it memorable and reflective of the season or my personal mood. Setting three monthly reading goals has been especially effective for me. These goals guide me to explore different genres or reading formats, whether it’s diving into physical books from the library, digital books on Libby, or Kindle Unlimited selections. Tracking which platform I use most helps me understand and optimize where I spend my reading time. One of my favorite journal sections focuses on reflecting deeply about each book. I note the title, author, when and how I read it, as well as my favorite and least favorite parts. This honest reflection helps me appreciate books that may have flaws but still offer meaningful insights or entertainment. Sharing a star rating alongside a brief personal thought—though sometimes cryptic to others—helps capture my immediate impression. A unique twist I’ve added is pairing each book with a song that fits its mood or theme. This ritual started as a series I shared previously and has rejuvenated my engagement with reading. Associating music with books creates an immersive experience, linking stories to emotions in a fresh way. For those wondering how to track their reading, I highly recommend trying a reading journal that blends creativity and structure. It doesn’t require artistic skill; imperfect handwriting or simple sketches are a part of the charm. This process not only holds you accountable but also deepens your literary journey by making it personal and enjoyable. Lastly, sharing your tracking method with the reading community—via hashtags like #booktracking or #startjournalingnow—can inspire others and cultivate a supportive space to share bookish enthusiasm. Whether you’re a casual reader or a dedicated bibliophile, creating a reading journal tailored to your personality can transform how you experience books.
