Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Reading Log

I have read so many great books, but often times I forget what I liked about them. So I decided to keep a reading log, like the one my mom has always kept. When I read I use a notecard as my bookmark, and I jot down notes with the page number of things I want to refer back to. Then, once I've finished the book, I type up the notes, print them, and keep them in a binder. I started this January 2009 and now I've got about twenty five books in my log. It's really fun to look back through and be reminded of the cool things I've read. I write down the title and author, a few sentences about the general plot or the overall message I got from it, and then page references to specific passages. If it's a story book, I jot down the coolest scenes, poignant dialogue, or any parallels or lessons that I like. If it's a historical non-fiction, I write down the interesting facts and history that I'd like to remember. And if it's a religious/philosophy/self-help book then I write down direct quotes or principles I like. A few of my favorite reads from 2009: Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe The Histories of my Great Grandma Pitcher and my Great Great Grandma Lee The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis The Biography of Gordon B. Hinckley by Sheri Dew Wild Swans by Jung Chang Shepherdess of Elk River Valley by Margaret Duncan Brown

8 comments:

Brandi said...

You are the organization queen. I totally love it. I think I will try and do something like that. Good job! Thanks for the good idea.

Jae said...

What about The BFG? You were raving about that one all Christmas break.

Jonathan and Kiri said...

Such a good idea! I fly through books and sometimes have a hard time remembering details. I'm going to try this. Especially the notecard/bookmark idea. You are a genius! Send your mother my thanks for such a great idea.

Bliss said...

Hello to my amazing cousin! I just love reading your blog because you constantly inspire me to be better and develop more talents. I look up to you so much and I miss seeing you at family things! Bryn is so freaking cute :) Anyways just thought I would remind you how beautifully amazing you are and the incredible impact you have on all the lives you come in contact with.

parker said...

What a great idea. I keep a list of the books I read, but I like the idea of keeping notes!

Clarke Family said...

Read the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan.

allirasmussen@gmail.com said...

Amazing idea!

Kristin said...

Join Goodreads! You can keep track of all books you read online and get suggestions from friends too! I love the binder idea :)