Never Forget What you Read with this One Simple Thing

Reading is my crutch!

Can you relate?

Way too often I read wonderful books and forget the important theme, key facts, or witty quotes which sank into my mind during my reading session.

I was pondering a way that I could remember all the intellectual impressions that ruminated in my brain and came up with a simple, but effective solution.

It’s tried and true.

Reading broadens my intelligence and helps me be a more empathetic person.

It allows me to escape reality and to live in someone else’s world.

Some say they get lost in books, but I find myself, again and again, in the pages of a good book. Humanly speaking, there is no greater teacher, no greater therapist, no greater healer of the soul, than a well-stocked library.”
― L.R.Knost

It’s only been over the last four years I’ve started reading fiction again. I used to only read non-fiction but rediscovered my love for fiction again.

I have developed a habit of reading many different genres. I admit I sometimes get caught in reading several of the same genres back to back, but I have definitely branched out over the last few years.

I created a reading journal to help me be more organized in my reading addiction. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read a book and wished I had essential notes about the particular book because I’m going through something very specific in life. I’m not one who enjoys reading a book more than once but I do enjoy going back and referencing what I read. This is especially true with non-fiction.

11 Reasons Why I have a Reading Journal

Keeps track of my TBR List

Many people record their TBR list on an app like GoodReads but I found that I had too many TBR lists all over the web electronically. I prefer to log my TBR list on paper and every few months I go online and record my forever growing TBR list in my reading journal from GoodReads, Amazon, and EverNotes.

Allows me to freely record my impressions

I love to record notes about the book. I usually write my points in an outline form or a list format. It makes it easy for me to go back and review my thoughts. Initially, I highlight the key points I want to remember in the book and sometimes even tag the page with a sticky note to help me remember to write my thoughts in my reading journal.

Reminds me to expand my research on a subject

So often I realized that I wanted to research more on the topic or I want to invest in the time to read compromising articles on the subject.

Keeps track of who borrowed What

I use my humongous book stash as a ministry. I absolutely love to lend my books out to friends or acquaintances. In the past, I would realize that I lent out a book and couldn’t remember who I gave it to. Seriously, I have bought A Voice in the Wind at least three times because it’s one of my favorite reads. In my reading journal, I keep out all the books I lend out to friends.

Record Favorite Quotes

I adore recording witty quotes from my favorite books. I usually highlight the quote and record it in my reading journal under the note section. With the quotes, I often make encouraging memes for Facebook or Instagram.

Keeps me motivated with Reading Goals

There’s nothing better to marvel in the reading goals that you accomplished. I’m a list gal and nothing makes me happier than to cross items off my to-do list.

It’s a time saver

By keeping notes in my reading journal, I don’t have to read the entire book again to get the key points that intrigued me. There are so many books that I want to read. I don’t have time to reread books.

Allows me to give accurate book reviews

Often somebody will ask me my thoughts about a book and I can simply refer back to my notes. Also, I have written several book reviews on Blessed Beyond a Doubt. Keeping a reading journal allows me to remember my impressions of the book effectively.

Make notes of publication Date

Recording the publication date allows me to make note of what edition of the book I read. Many times non-fiction authors write additional editions that record more recent research.

Helps me Process Content

Writing my thoughts down on paper truly helps me process and remember the content. I’m a visual learner, so when I write the information down, it really benefits me.

Improves My Writing

Every time I write, it improves my writing. I gain knowledge about structure and syntax. I think about how characters are rendered, and how the plot works. It encourages me to think outside the box the more I read and journal about my love of reading.

Keeping a reading journal doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. I simply keep my reading journal in a three-ring binder. I like to keep all my reading journal pages together. You can also print the reading journal and take it to be bound at an office supply store.