Journaling about a book you’re reading or a show you’re watching is a fun way to dive deeper into the story and your own thoughts. It’s not just about summarizing the plot—it’s about reflecting on how it’s making you feel, what it’s making you think, and why it matters to you. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started, plus a sample journal entry to show you how it’s done.
Start with the Basics
First, write down the name of the book or show and where you’re at in it. This helps set the stage for your thoughts. Are you halfway through? Just started? At a cliffhanger moment?
Reflect on Your Reactions
What’s your gut reaction to what’s happening so far? Are you hooked, bored, confused, or totally in love with the storyline or characters? Don’t be afraid to be honest—this is for you, after all.
Think About the Themes
What are the big ideas or themes the book or show is exploring? Is it about friendship, love, survival, or something deeper? How do those themes connect to your own life or experiences?
Relate to the Characters
Do you see yourself in any of the characters? Maybe their struggles remind you of something you’ve been through, or maybe they’re handling situations in ways you wish you could. Reflecting on this can help you get more out of the story.
What’s Sticking with You?
Is there a moment, line, or scene that’s sticking with you? Maybe it made you think about something in a new way, or maybe it just hit you hard emotionally. Jot down your thoughts on why it stood out.
Prediction Time
If you’re in the middle of the book or show, take a moment to guess what might happen next. Even if you’re wrong, it’s fun to look back and see how things played out compared to your predictions.
Sample Journal Entry
Book: Where the Crawdads Sing
Progress: Just hit the halfway point!
Reactions:
I’m completely hooked! The way Kya’s isolation in the marsh is described makes me feel so connected to her loneliness. The writing is beautiful, but it’s also breaking my heart a little bit.
Themes:
This book seems to be really about survival—both physically and emotionally. Kya’s had to fend for herself for so long, and I can’t help but think about how resilience is such a huge theme here. It’s making me reflect on my own life and how I’ve had to be strong in tough situations.
Characters:
I relate to Kya’s desire to hide from the world. Sometimes I feel like I’d rather retreat than face difficult things, and seeing her cope makes me think about how I deal with my own challenges.
What’s Sticking with Me:
There was a line about how people forget that even strong things break. That really hit me. It’s a reminder that even though Kya seems tough, she’s still vulnerable—and I think we all are, no matter how strong we appear.
Predictions:
I have a feeling Tate’s going to come back into Kya’s life in a big way, but I’m also worried about what might happen with Chase. Something feels off about him, and I’m not sure it’s going to end well.
Tips for Journaling About a Book or Show:
- Think about how the story or characters relate to your own experiences and insights.
- Write after each chapter or episode. This helps keep your thoughts fresh and captures your immediate reactions.
- Ask yourself how it makes you feel. Go beyond just describing the plot—focus on the emotions it stirs in you.
- Don’t worry about spoilers in your journal. It’s your personal space, so write freely without censoring yourself.
Happy journaling!
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