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The 15 Best Reading Journals For Book Lovers
Keep track of all your recent reads.
by Debbie Lee
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Originally Published:
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Whether you're a certified bibliophile or just like the occasional beach read, a reading journal can be a worthwhile investment. The best reading journals have at least 100 pages, can log at least 50 books, and are designed to suit your particular journaling needs.
What To Look For In A Reading Journal
The number of books that a reading journal can log is one of the most important factors to consider when buying one, and this is dependent on both the format and the size of the journal. Much like guided journals, reading journals can offer varying levels of writing prompts as a springboard for your reflections. Some simply ask for the title, author, and genre of the book you’ve read, while others provide sample discussion questions or encourage you to find memorable quotes.
More complex prompts will take up more page space per book, while simpler ones will allow you to log between one and two books per page. If you can do without pre-assigned prompts and categories, you can simply invest in a blank journal and dedicate a single page (or more) for each book you read.
Next, you’ll want to consider page size. Journals with large 8-by-10-inch pages provide more room for note-taking, while smaller journals trade space for portability. Cover type is also worth thinking about since hardcovers are very durable, making them great for readers who like to carry their journals with them everywhere they go. Softcover journals tend to be more affordable, but they don’t stand up to wear and tear as well.
Finally, think about the type of binding you prefer. Journals with perfect bindings or glue binding tend to be both easy to find and very affordable. Wire-O binding adds another layer of reinforcement, which is great for those who tend to carry journals everywhere they go. Other types of construction include lay-flat binding, which allows pages to lay flat on a surface for easy writing, and Smyth sewn, which is stitched at the spine for added durability.
Check out our recommendations for the best reading journals below — and once you’ve picked the right journal, don't forget to have a good pen ready for taking notes.
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