My reading journal + inspo🍵🌿🫶📖

Hey bookworms! If you're anything like me, you love diving into a good story, but sometimes it's hard to keep track of all those amazing reads, your thoughts, and what's next on your list. That's where a reading journal comes in! It's not just a pretty notebook; it's your personal literary companion, a place to document your reading journey, and honestly, a super fun creative outlet. I've noticed a lot of you are curious about creating your own aesthetic reading journal, so I wanted to share some extra tips on how to get started and make it truly yours. Beyond just pretty pictures, a good journal is practical! Starting Your Own Reading Journal: First off, don't feel intimidated! You don't need fancy calligraphy or artistic skills. Grab any notebook you love – a simple one, a bullet journal, or even a digital one. The key is to make it a space you want to open. Must-Have Pages & How I Use Them: Your Reading Tracker/Goals: This is essential! I love dedicating a page, like my '24 books to read IN 2024' spread, to tracking my yearly goal. You can list titles, authors, and even add little checkboxes. It's so satisfying to see your progress! For those of you doing an 'A-Z reading CHALLENGE,' dedicate a page for each letter – it's a fantastic way to discover new authors. The All-Important Rating System: This is probably one of the most inquired-about pages! How do you rate books consistently? My journal has a detailed 'RATING SYSTEM + key' from one to five stars, but I've also added a unique 'STARING AT CEILING' rating for those truly unforgettable reads that leave you speechless. Think about what different star levels mean to you. Does 3 stars mean 'enjoyable but not groundbreaking,' while 5 stars is 'absolute perfection'? Define your own scale! It makes reviewing so much easier. DNF (Did Not Finish) Pages: Yes, it's okay to DNF a book! And having a dedicated 'dnf book journal page' helps me remember why I put a book down. Was it the writing style? The plot? The characters? It saves me from picking it up again later or recommending it wrongly. Plus, it frees up time for books you'll truly love. TBR (To Be Read) List: My 'SUMMER TBR' page is always overflowing! It's great to have a visual reminder of what books are calling to you. I often split mine by season or mood. Don't forget your 'KINDLE READS OF 2024' section if you're a digital reader like me – it’s easy to forget those if they’re not physically on your shelf. Book Review Spreads: This is where the magic happens! For each book, I dedicate a page to a 'book review.' I include the title, author, date read, my star rating (using my system!), and a few bullet points or a short paragraph on my thoughts. Did I love the characters in 'Funny Story'? Was 'Just for the Summer' the perfect escape? Writing it down helps solidify my feelings and makes recommendations so much easier. I also have a section for my 'FAVORITE BOOK each MONTH' to highlight those standout reads. Aesthetic Touches: While functionality is key, don't shy away from making it pretty! Use stickers, washi tape, doodles, or even print out miniature book covers to decorate your pages. My journal has pages featuring '6 STAR READS' with tiny book covers, which adds a lovely visual element. It makes the act of journaling even more enjoyable. Remember, your reading journal is a reflection of your reading life. There's no right or wrong way to do it. Just start, experiment, and have fun celebrating every story you encounter!