A reading log is a place to write down your reactions to what you're reading.

Doing this will allow you to gain insight into the theme and plot, will help you understand what you feel about the characters, and deepen your overall enjoyment.

Start by writing down your immediate reactions as you read through the book.

• How do your impressions change halfway through the book?
• How do you feel after finishing the book?
• What emotions did the book evoke?
• Are there connections b...

Write about the characters, considering these questions:

• Which character do you like the most? Why?
• Is there a character you dislike? Why?
• Do you think that any of the characters represent real people?
• Do any of the characters repres...

Consider the names in the book, using these questions:

• If you were the author, would you have changed the name of a character or the location of a scene?
• What does the name mean to you?
• What would you name the character instead?
• What...

When you have more questions than answers, ask yourself:

• What are these questions?
• Would you like to direct your questions to a particular character?
• Are they questions that you may be able to answer by reading more about the author's life and works...

• If and an idea from the book makes you stop and think, write it down and elaborate on it
• Copy your favorite quotes and line into your journal. Explain why you wrote them down.
• Write down what you learned from the book.
• Would you recommend t...

A book journal can work well for poetry, plays, and other literature.

Consider reading about the reading experiences of other great writers. You may even compare notes.