Discover simple reading journal rituals that transform routine habits into meaningful practices. Learn annotation techniques, weekly reviews, and sustainable systems.

Ever sit down with your reading journal, pen in hand, and then… nothing? Or maybe you write “Loved it, 5 stars” and close the book, but deep down you wanted more. The right journal prompt can turn that blank page into something meaningful, helping you reflect on the story, spark new ideas, and even make book club discussions more fun. In this post, I’m sharing how to make prompts work for you, plus a bonus free list of my go-to reading journal prompts to get you started.

Starting a reading journal doesn’t have to be overwhelming or Pinterest-perfect. In this guide, we cut through the noise and show you how to choose the right format, build a simple structure, and start capturing your reading life in a way that fits you — whether you’re a pen-and-paper traditionalist, a digital note-taker, or somewhere in between.

Find your reader identity & create a reading journal that works. Free quiz + tips for your reader type