You need one item.
Mine is 5 inches by 8 inches with narrowly spaced graph paper and a red cover that gets creased from being folded back.
You need two items, actually, because something to write with is essential.
A little reading journal and a pen. Or pencil.
The next time you begin a book – before you know if you’re going to keep reading it or not – sit down with your reading journal. Write down the date, the title, the author. Any other particular bits you find interesting, like ugly cover image or published in 1982? really? or great title, wish I’d thought of it first.
Then read.
One of three things should happen next:
- You push yourself through a few pages, realize it’s not getting any better or, if it does, you don’t really care, so you stop reading.
- You love the story, the writing, everything, you’re totally caught up in the book and ignore everyone and everything until you finish it.
- You love the book and you’re finding information that you need, lines you want to write, ideas of your own welling up in response.
Here’s what you should do:
- If you hated the book and quit reading it, write that down in your reading journal and a few notes about why you hated it. Be brief.
- If you are immersed in the book, by all means do not make yourself quit reading it just to make stupid notes. Wait until you’re through reading, then make some stupid notes. Write down why you loved it, how mesmerized you were, how it moved you, how you related to the characters, every single thing that sounds like a 14-year-old in love. No one has to see your reading journal, ever, so don’t worry about it.
- If you love the information, inspiration, and ideas that are coming from (and in response to) the book, grab your reading journal and start making notes as you read. Copy the lines you. Summarize the information. Write a few words or phrases to capture your ideas.
Remembering happens when you respond and record your response. Mental files tend to disappear. A little reading journal is the easiest way to keep a record of your life in books, one that you can always access.
Curiosity has its own reason for existence. The important thing is not to stop questioning. -Albert Einstein
Make it a good day.
