Book club tips and inspiration

The Best Reading Journal Ideas for Book Clubs

Updated: Mar 19, 2023

Blog

Author

Carrie Thornbrugh

"Reading is an active, imaginative act; it takes work." ―Khaled Hosseini

 

If you're an avid reader with an epic TBR stack, you might find yourself struggling to remember the details of the zillion books you've read. Sure, you might remember the basic plot, but what about the characters, the themes, and the quotes that really spoke to you? If some of these details tend to blur for you, then try a more active approach to your next read.

 

Active reading is a skill that involves actively engaging with the text you're reading, rather than just passively absorbing the words on the page. It's a technique that can help you retain information, improve your comprehension, and ultimately get more out of the reading experience. The joy of active reading comes from the increased understanding and enjoyment of the material you’re reading.

 

When you actively read, you are not just learning about the subject matter, but also about yourself. By reflecting on the material and making connections to your own experiences and knowledge, you can gain new insights and perspectives that can help you grow personally and intellectually. This is where a journal can come in handy.

 

photo of a stack of Papier reading journals

Customize your reading journal with your name, book club, or a quote from your favorite book.

 

 

A reading journal is your own private place where you can record your thoughts and reactions to the books you read all in one place. It can be as basic or as elaborate as you want it to be. Some people like to keep a detailed record of every book they read by taking notes, highlighting important information, asking questions, and making connections to their own lived experiences. Others may prefer to only jot down their thoughts on the books that really resonated with them. You do you!

 

One of the great things about using a journal is that it allows you to look back on the books you've read and remember the details that might have slipped your mind. You can flip through the pages and see what you thought about a particular book, what you liked or didn't like about it, and what you’ve learned from it. This can be especially helpful if you're trying to write a review.

 

A reading journal isn't just a practical tool for keeping track of your reading; it can also be a lot of fun to use. Writing down your thoughts on a book can be a great way to process what you've read and think more deeply about the ideas presented in the book and make connections between different texts. It can also be a creative outlet, as you can experiment with different ways of expressing your thoughts and reactions. Maybe you'll include sketches or drawings, or maybe you'll write in different colors or fonts. The sky is the limit!

 

For those of us who love to share reading experiences with others, a reading journal can also be a great book club conversation starter. By summarizing the plot and identifying key themes, you'll be better able to recall the key events and ideas from the book so you can discuss them with your club. You can show your journal to your book club members and share the themes you've explored, and the ideas that have resonated with you. You might even inspire someone else to start their own book journal!

 

There are lots of good journal options out there–you could create your own or find one ready-made. Our fave is the Papier Reading Journal (a product we LOVE and were not paid to promote!). They’ve got tons of gorgeous covers and all of the options can be personalized with your name, the name of your book club, or even a quote from your favorite book.

 

photograph of two women holding Papier reading journals sitting on a couch

Pages to remind you of the books you love, and those yet to be discovered.

 

 

About Papier Reading Journals

Space to review 32 books, with 8 pages worth of TBR wish lists for you to fill out! It also includes journaling prompts for thoughtful reviews or book club chats and a spot to keep track of books you’ve borrowed or lent to your fellow bookworms. Find a little inspiration with their reading journal guide.

 

In short, if you’re looking for ways to read more books, read different books, or simply keep track of all the books you’ve read, journaling can be a fun and rewarding experience for anyone who loves to read. Whether you're a casual reader or a serious bookworm, a reading journal can help you remember and reflect on the books that have touched your life. So why not give it a try? You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it!

 

 

reading journal being used for the book Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

Starting my 2023 reading journal with my fave read of the year so far, Demon Copperhead.

 

We've partnered with Papier on this blog and to host a book club reading journal giveaway via Instagram on March 19, 2023.

 

 

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Join a new book club that focuses on deep reading & discussion or get inspired with our Book Club Reading Lists below: 

 

 

 

Level-up your book club game with our How to Book Club Series articles below:

 



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