In the not so distant past, I mentioned here on this blog that I regretted not keeping a record of all the books I’ve read. It would be such fun to look back at my records and track my reading patterns and what I liked and didn’t like. I have a friend from back home who is a voracious reader and has kept a notebook with detailed descriptions of his reading journey for years. Imagine how many notebooks he has filled!
So, this year I’m keeping a little reading journal.
It’s a quick project. I started by looking for an attractive notebook of some kind. I didn’t want anything big – just a small journal I could keep on the table next to my blogging chair. (There are actual Book Journals that you can buy, but I didn’t like the ones I saw. They included too much extra information to fill in and I felt restricted by all of that.)
I picked up this smallish notebook at Target for $1.99.
Then I added a label (also from Target and found in the dollar bin) with my not-very-inspired name for the journal.
I do not like my writing. May I just say that? After years of taking hurried notes on actors’ performances in rehearsals and in the dark of a theater, my handwriting has devolved.
Anyway, it’s a simple list. Just the title, author and a quick mini-review. It could be much more detailed, of course. You could add things like how long it took you to read the book, how many pages, publisher, some sort of rating system, plot, etc.
Since I started this at the end of March, I had to try to remember everything I’ve read since January. It’s pretty accurate, though I may have missed a book or two. (There’s more on the next page.)
I’m sure some of you already do this. But I’m a late bloomer, remember? Better late than never!
Maybe you’d like to keep a reading journal? We could compare notes at the end of the year. Wouldn’t that be fun?
Yesterday, I mentioned watching His Girl Friday on TCM the other night, starring Cary Grant, Rosalind Russell and Ralph Bellamy. Every time I see Ralph Bellamy, I think of Don. Don had a recurring role on L.A. Law years ago. He played a district attorney named Russell Spitzer. On one of the episodes, he represented a character played by…you guessed it…Ralph Bellamy. So Don, lucky duck that he is, got to spend several days on the set sitting next to Ralph Bellamy, who regaled him with stories of making movies and old Hollywood and all of the actors he had worked with during his amazing career. He was an awfully nice man.
On a side note: Not long after I met Don, Ralph Bellamy came up in a conversation and Don told me about that experience. And I remembered seeing that episode when it first aired. Little did I know that the guy who played the district attorney would one day end up being my husband!
Happy Monday.
Claudia- that is a great idea… I read so much that I forget sometimes which of a certain author I have read. I need to start a list.
Have you thought of writing a book with your experiences? I find them interesting and would love to hear about them in detail. Imagine what you and Don would be able to come up with. The experiences you have had!!!!
Have a great day!
I haven’t thought about it, Sue. Not sure it would be all that interesting!
I also watched His Girl Friday the other night. I enjoy it every time I see it.
They are releasing LA Law on dvd now! I used to watch it back in the day. I’ll have to look for Don’s appearances.
Thanks ,Claudia, for your early posts so I can start my day on a good note! pam
Oh, I forgot about the reading journal. I have often told myself that I should at least keep a running log of the books I have read. I have a few times picked up a book only to discover that I had already read it. I’ll put the journal on my list. pam
You are very welcome, Pam!
I have kept a reading journal since 2000. I once went to a reader’s advisory workshop and the instructor said that the best way to be a reader’s advisor in a library was to keep a reading journal. So, I started that very day. Like you, I wish I’d kept one forever. What a treasure that would be! Now, I have transferred all my written notes to Goodreads and keep my reading journal electronically there.
I know a lot of people like Goodreads, but I like something to hold in my hand.
Hi,
I started to keep a book journal many, many years ago because I would start reading a book only to discover I had already read it. I also like to put the date that I finished the book on and what the weather was like. It is interesting to look back and suddenly you recall what was once forgotten.
I love your blog!
Kaye Park City, UT
I think I’ll add your ‘date finished’ idea, Kaye. Thank you for your kind words!
I used to keep a hand written reading journal until a few years ago when I found goodreads. I really like how I can organize books I’ve read, books I want to read and see what other people are reading.
I signed up for Goodreads, but I could never really get into it. Just like with my Filofax diary, I like writing things down. Somehow, having something to hold in my hand, or pull off a shelf to review, works better for me.
I kept a book list for many years! Now i also use Goodreads, but journal is very nice to have!! Love the story of Don and Ralph Bellamy! Hugs!
Linda
Hugs right back at ya, Linda!
I think I’ll start this too. Although it might b hard to remember them all. Plus, I’m half way thru “the Goldfinch” by Donna Tart.
OMG, it is so good. I bought it for my kindle app on amazon(I use an iPad). If you haven’t read it ,you must it is outstanding.
I’ve heard a lot about that book, Christina – I read one of Donna Tartt’s books many years ago.
I have a list of books from the last 20 years that I’ve read, with a notation on each author. Before that I didn’t record any of the books I’d read. But I read even more now so I have to do this to not duplicate books.
xoxo,
Connie
Yep, you’re right! It’s so easy to duplicate a book, Connie!
I’m impressed that you’ve kept a journal of your reading…and that so many others have too. It’s a great idea. I always seem to forget what I’ve read after awhile. I used to watch LA Law all the time! So, I’m sure I’ve seen Don…have to find some reruns! ;)
Well, I haven’t kept it – I’ve just started it. But I hope to keep it going!
I reading journal is a wonderful idea…if you’re disciplined enough to keep at it. I’m afraid I’m not one of those people. Over the years I’ve tried to keep a diary and most recently a list of all things I’ve knitted or crocheted in a year. I start out like gangbusters but within weeks or at best, a few months, I’m done. Kaput. I guess it’s just not my “thing” no matter how much I would like it to be.
I wish you all the fortitude in the world to keep up your journal. I’m sure you can do it, you’ve got a great start going.
Blessings,
Betsy
I think I will be – especially as I’m keeping it right next to my chair. That’s why I chose a small sized book.
I’ve just started a list on my phone. (I’m a new smartphone user, so this is fun for me right now!) I wish I’d done this years ago!
Good idea, Debby!
Happy Monday, Claudia. Is that an oxymoron? LOL. Book journal – a great idea. In my day I’ve kept journals of all kinds – daily, gardening, recipes, travel. And I know folks who keep wine journals, antique journals, weather journals. You name it. I guess it could be done with just about anything. Although a bit of discipline is usually involved, it’s SO worth it when you get to read them over, months and years later. But I do wonder how future historians will do research and write biographies in the electronic age…
Oh, I suppose they’ll figure out a way. It won’t be as fun, though.
What a lucky Don indeed….I use Goodreads for my journal as it tracks the books I read, what I want to read and any reviews I put in…so easy to use. It is one thing I have easily stuck with that is electronic and I have the books I am reading showing on my blog sidebar. It even allows me to sign up for my own reading challenge which is also on my sidebar.
Since I review books, I already have a record of those via this blog. I like to write things down. For me, it makes it real. More permanent. I know lots of people love Goodreads and I do check it out, but….I like to see things written in my handwriting. Seems more permanent that way.
It makes sense then for you to keep your own journal….people are amazed we don’t have a cell phone. But we have no need and don’t want the expense or constant connection. Nice to have choices that work for each of us!!
Great idea..my goodness Claudia..your writing looks so similar to mine..a mix of printing and cursive..I’m not sure how mine evolved that way but it did..lol..It must have been fascinating for Don to listen to Ralph Bellamy’s tales of old Hollywood..I used to watch L.A. Law too..
I don’t know how mine got that way either. And it changes occasionally depending on my state of mind – distracted, tense, etc.
I kept a reading journal in a little notebook before the advent of Goodreads. So, yes, now I’ve gone digital with my reading list. Are you on Goodreads?
I’m on Goodreads but I’ve never really taken to it. Besides, I like writing things down – even if I don’t like my handwriting!
Even though I like Goodreads, I know what you mean about writing things down. I still choose to keep a handwritten “to-do” list and planner – even though I guess I could use my phone for those things. And for what it’s worth, I think your handwriting is lovely! My mom used to be a graphologist – should I have her look at your handwriting?! Just teasing. I can’t write in cursive. I’ve been printing since I was in my teens.
I’d be afraid to have my handwriting analyzed, Melanie!
Sometimes I print, sometimes I write in cursive and most often, it’s a combination of the two.
So many things to like about this post, but all I can think is, “THIS is why I a member in good standing of the *Don Fanclub*
Oh, he has lots of stories to tell – he’s worked with a lot of famous people over the years.
What a wonderful idea, Claudia! Your reading journal is pretty and practical; the perfect pair!
xo
Poppy
I love your journal, Claudia. I read a lot but sadly haven’t kept a journal. But what I did last summer was fill a book with the titles of books I have in the house that I haven’t read yet. (Sort of a reverse journal?) And then what I started doing was putting a little check mark next to them as I read them. Isn’t it funny and wonderful how people come into our lives? I think it’s one of life’s miracles, really.