Keeping a Reading Log That Helps You

A reading log tracks what you read and helps you notice your reading life.

A reading log is a record of the books you read. It's more than a list for a teacher; it can show you patterns in your reading life. A useful log includes the title, author, genre, the date you started and finished, and a quick rating or comment. Some readers add a favorite quote or a one-sentence summary. After a few weeks, look back.

You might notice: 'I've read five fantasy books and no nonfiction', or 'I finish mysteries fast but abandon long novels. ' Those discoveries help you choose what to read next or set a goal. Here's a sample entry: 'The Lighthouse Map by A. Rivera. Mystery. Started May 2, finished May 9. Rating: 4/5. The clues were clever, but I guessed the ending.

' Notice that a log entry takes just a minute to write.

• 1Record title, author, genre, dates, and a comment.
• 2Look back to notice patterns.
• 3Use patterns to choose books and set goals.