What type of reader you are you, and why it matters for your journal
This is part 2 of the Reading Journal series. Read part 1 here.
Before we dive into the nuts and bolts of setting up your reading journal, we need to talk about something way more important: YOU.
There are countless reading journals and templates available, but they're not one-size-fits-all. If you're juggling multiple books at once, detailed journaling for each might feel overwhelming (unless you thrive on that kind of beautiful chaos—no judgment!). If you're a one-book-at-a-time reader, though, tracking your thoughts as you go might be perfect. Some readers want deep analysis and reflection, while others prefer logging the basics with maybe a quick rating or book cover photo. The beauty is there are no rules—find what works for your reading style and makes the experience more enjoyable, not burdensome.
There are countless reading journals and templates available, but they're not one-size-fits-all. If you're juggling multiple books at once, detailed journaling for each might feel overwhelming (unless you thrive on that kind of beautiful chaos—no judgment!). If you're a one-book-at-a-time reader, though, tracking your thoughts as you go might be perfect. Some readers want deep analysis and reflection, while others prefer logging the basics with maybe a quick rating or book cover photo. The beauty is there are no rules—find what works for your reading style and makes the experience more enjoyable, not burdensome.
So let's figure out your reader identity first, then build a journaling practice that actually makes sense for your brain.
Get to know yourself as a reader
Every reader brings their own rhythm, preferences, and emotional patterns to their books. Some of us chase plot twists like they're going out of style. Others get absorbed in beautifully described worlds or fall hard for characters who feel so real.
This exercise is about noticing those patterns: what draws you in, what you return to, and what you might want more of. When you understand the reader behind the decisions, journaling starts to feel like an enjoyable, natural extension of your reading life.
Ready to discover your reader identity? Take the reader identity quiz below!
Tally up your answers when you’re done. Which letter did you choose most often?
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The Trendsetter
You love being part of the reading conversation! Whether it's a BookTok sensation, a celebrity book club pick, or the next big release everyone's talking about, you're always in the know. Reading feels like a shared cultural experience, and you enjoy the community aspect as much as the stories themselves.
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The Empath
You read with your heart wide open. Characters feel like real people to you, and their journeys stick with you long after you close the book. You love exploring different perspectives and finding emotional truth in stories. Book discussions energize you because everyone brings something different to the table.
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The Escapist
Reading is your happy place, your recharge time, your cozy refuge from the world. You're drawn to immersive worlds and atmospheric writing that makes you feel safe, excited, or wonderfully lost. Sometimes you laugh out loud, sometimes you cry—and that's exactly the point!
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The Philosopher
You're the reader who's always asking "but what does it MEAN?" You love books that make you think, challenge your assumptions, or introduce you to new ideas. You don't mind being the only person reading something weird or complex. In fact, you kind of prefer it.
You’ve discovered your reader identity! Now what?
Did your result surprise you or feel pretty spot-on? Maybe you're a mix of types (totally normal!) or you recognize yourself in different categories depending on your mood or what you're reading.
The point isn't to put yourself in a box, it's to understand your natural reading patterns so you can design a journaling practice that works with your brain instead of against it.
Here are some things to think about:
What kinds of books have been calling to you lately?
Are they meeting your needs or leaving you feeling "meh"?
What do you want MORE of in your reading life?
What would make journaling feel supportive rather than like another task on your to-do list?
Tailoring your journal to your reader type
If you're a Trendsetter: You'll want to capture not just what you thought about the book, but how it fits into the larger conversation. Did it live up to the hype? What made it so popular? How did your experience compare to what others were saying?
If you're an Empath: Focus on capturing the emotional impact. Which characters felt real to you and why? What moments made you pause and think about your own life? Your journal is perfect for processing those deeper feelings and connections.
If you're an Escapist: Embrace the emotional journey! Track what made you smile, what made your heart race, what brought you comfort. Your journal can be full of favorite quotes, little doodles, or just capturing those perfect reading moments.
If you're a Philosopher: Use your journal to dig deeper into the big questions. What themes are you noticing across different books? How has your thinking evolved? What connections are you making between what you're reading and the world around you?
Your reader identity is the foundation you'll build from when you set up your actual journal. But for now, start noticing how you approach your next read. Pay attention to what draws you in and what you find yourself thinking about afterward.
Because, here's the thing… Journaling isn't about reading more books or having smarter thoughts about them. It's about reading with more awareness, finding inspiration, and creating a record of your unique reading journey.
Ready to start putting this into practice?
While you're thinking about your reader identity, grab my free Notion Book Club Reading List & Tracker template. Don't worry if you're not in a book club––it works perfectly for solo readers too! You can customize it based on your reader type and use it to start tracking what resonates with you.
In the next post of the series, we're taking everything you've learned about yourself and turning it into a journaling system that doesn't feel like work. I promise it's going to be way easier than you think!
