I keep a reading journal. For those who does not know what it is, its simply a notebook where one can document the title of the book, publisher, year published- the basic information of any book you have read.
Today, I just want to show you guys how I fill in my own reading journal. But first, this is the book I recently read.
I am not going to be talking directly about the book because I might end up giving away the story. Besides, I just want to show you my other book journals.
Here is the content of my next few journals( I am still using my first one). I do not write an entry on all the books that I read. Only those that are remarkable.
This is my current reading journal.
An unfilled page.
This is the table of contents. The highlighted ones are my current favourites- aka if you are gonna steal my books, I will miss these books the most.
So let's fill in an entry: Its pretty straightforward. Fill in the title, author- book details and the genre. The genre I am interested in reading these days are young adult, fiction, fantasy, cozy reads.
Here in Australia, bookstores specialize in specific genre- some on comic books, fiction, kids books, others on crime, adult themes, biography- the list goes on and on. There are still some who carries a balanced portfolios on everything- especially in the regional areas (these are the usual bookstores I go to).
Then the noteworthy experience that I felt while reading the book. I am after a calm, elevated and cozy experience lately. The top most priority that I want in every book that I have is that, the book is able to hold my interest throughout the entire experience. I had had books that were interesting on the beginning, then it dragged on and on and on- which is very frustrating in the end.
Then, filling up the rating scale:
I put 6 on the quality of writing because, I am not left disappointed but, in someways, unimpressed. While writing is very relatable, I am unable to find the part where every chapter in the book keeps my interest engaged, wanting for more. I also had a bit of a respite reading this- I am still putting my house into order and I felt that I needed to force myself to read 2 whole chapters to restore my interest on the book.
The pace is good- not too short, not too long. Just enough to deliver a good story.
Plot development is remarkable for me- while I know that I will be getting a great end, the subplots, twists and plateau is very much impressive. Its like, I know where I am going but, I don't know exactly the details. I love it!
Characters are well developed but I would have wanted the other people- apart from the main characters Reyna and Kianthe to have theirs developed as well. That would have added a depth on the story if Gossley and the failed wizard would have their back stories fully developed/ mentioned even.
Enjoyability- yeah, I enjoyed it so much because I felt cozy and comfortable. Its not as violent/ exciting as I wanted it to be so, its like, no extreme emotions here.
Insightfulness- not so much as this is not like the spiritual books I wanted it to be. But again, the moral story of the day probably is to - follow your heart even if it might possibly shorten your lifespan and jeopardize other people's lives.
Ease of reading- again, its easy to read- no dictionary/ translator needed. The language is simple enough for people to read, understand and relate to the plot.
Photos/ illustrations- again, I am impressed with how the book covers look. But not impressed enough for me to buy the book just for the cover.
In the notes and opinions, I usually do not summarize the plot. I just write whatever I wanted to tell another person if they asked me about the book. For me, summarizing the book here is pointless. Just what I think, feel and if I think its a great read.
I love this book so much that I even have the second book- and I have plans to acquire the others( it will be published this year around March).