If you love books, you know how they can transport you to new worlds. But it can be tough to express exactly how a book moves you or makes you think. That’s where reading journal prompts come in—they help you explore your thoughts and feelings about what you’re reading.
When I read a book, I want to get the most out of every page. Journaling helps me do that by helping me explore my thoughts, reflect on the story, and connect with the characters on a personal level.
But where do you start? What should you write about? The prompts below will lead the way. They’ll help you discover new insights and enjoy your reading even more.
Table of Contents
Reading Journal Prompts for Fiction
- How does the main character change from the beginning to the end of the story? Describe their journey.
- “The most surprising part of this story was when…”
- Which scene in the book resonated with you the most, and why?
- If you were to write a letter to the main character, what advice would you give them?
- What themes in the story relate to challenges you’ve faced in your own life?
- Create a list of three questions you would ask the author about the story.
- How would you rate the ending of the book? Would you have changed anything?
- What do you think happens to the characters after the book ends?
- Choose a quote from the book that stood out to you. How does it reflect the overall theme?
- What would you add or remove from the story to make it more compelling?
- If you could give the book a new title, what would it be and why?
- How did the setting of the story influence the plot? Would the story have been different in another setting?
- Reflect on a character’s decisions. Do you agree or disagree with their choices? What would you have done?
- List three symbols used in the book and interpret their meanings.
- Create a playlist of songs that match the mood of the book.
Reading Journal Prompts for Non-Fiction
- How has this book changed your perspective on a particular topic?
- List three new things you learned from this book that you didn’t know before.
- If you could implement one idea from this book into your life, what would it be?
- “The most impactful lesson from this book was…”
- If you could challenge one idea presented in the book, what would it be, and why?
- How would you summarize the key message of this book in a few sentences?
- Reflect on a part of the book that was difficult to understand. How did you overcome this challenge?
- How does this book inspire you to take action or make a change in your life?
- Create a list of questions you would ask the author if you could.
- If you were to write a sequel to this book, what topics would you explore further?
- Describe how this book compares to others in the same field or subject.
- Reflect on how the author’s background influenced their perspective.
- Choose a chapter that had a significant impact on you and explain why.
- What are some counterarguments to the author’s claims?
- How could the information in the book be applied to your life or current events?
Book Review Journal Prompts
- How would you describe this book to someone who has never heard of it?
- What is your overall impression of the book?
- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the book?
- How does this book compare to others you’ve read by the same author or in the same genre?
- What would you rate this book out of 5 stars, and why?
- “This book reminded me of…”
- What was the most memorable part of the book for you?
- How did the book’s cover and title influence your expectations? Did the content match those expectations?
- What did you think of the book’s pacing? Was it too slow, too fast, or just right?
- Reflect on the emotional journey this book took you on. Did it meet your expectations?
- Who would you recommend this book to, and why?
- How does this book compare to the reviews or recommendations you read before starting it?
- Write a brief summary of the book in your own words.
- What lasting impact has this book had on you?
- Would you read another book by this author? Why or why not?
- Discuss the author’s style of writing and its effectiveness.
- Which parts of the book could have been improved or expanded?
- Create an alternative title for the book. Why did you choose it?
Character Analysis Prompts
- What is the character’s biggest strength? How does it help or hinder them?
- How does the character’s background shape their actions in the story?
- If you could change one decision the character made, what would it be, and why?
- What conflicts do the main characters face, and how do they handle them?
- Analyze the antagonist’s motivations and whether they are justified.
- Compare two characters and their roles in the narrative.
- What is the most significant decision made by a character, and what were the repercussions?
- Describe a moment in the story where the character surprised you. What did it reveal about them?
- Identify a character you relate to and explain why.
- What could be an alternate storyline for a lesser-known character?
- If you could give advice to any character, who would it be, and what would you say?
- How does the author use characters to build tension?
Theme and Message Analysis Prompts
- Identify the central theme of the book and discuss how it is developed.
- “The underlying message of this story is…”
- How does the theme relate to a personal experience you’ve had?
- How do the characters’ actions and decisions reflect the theme?
- What are the key moments in the story that emphasize the theme?
- How does the theme connect to current societal issues or events?
- Analyze a quote that encapsulates the book’s theme.
- How does the author use conflict to convey messages?
- What is the relationship between the theme and the title of the book?
- Write a short paragraph summarizing how the theme develops throughout the story.
- What moral dilemmas are presented, and how are they resolved?
- Discuss a controversial topic in the book and your stance on it.
- How does the ending summarize or alter the book’s message?
Author’s Writing Style and Voice Prompts
- How does the author’s voice influence your perception of the story?
- Compare the writing style of this book with another book by the same author.
- What narrative techniques does the author employ?
- How does the author handle dialogue, and what effect does it have on the narrative?
- Discuss the pacing of the book and its impact on the overall story.
- How does the author use descriptions to enhance the setting or mood?
- How does the author’s choice of words affect the tone of the story?
- Analyze how the author builds suspense or tension through writing.
- What literary devices are most prevalent in the book?
- If you could ask the author about their writing process, what would you want to know?
Personal Reflection Prompts
- How did this book make you feel, and why?
- Relate a personal experience that connects with an event in the book.
- What has this book taught you about yourself?
- How has the book influenced your thoughts on a specific topic?
- Reflect on a moment in the book that changed your perspective.
- What character do you most empathize with and why?
- How would you have reacted in a situation presented in the book?
- What fears or hopes did the book stir in you?
- Discuss a decision made by a character that you agree or disagree with.
- What would you discuss this book with the author if you had the chance?
- How does the book inspire you to make changes in your life?
- How does the book align or conflict with your moral beliefs?
- What passages from the book would you consider life lessons?
Creative Response Prompts
- Rewrite a scene from the book from another character’s perspective.
- Imagine an alternative ending for the book. How would you write it?
- Compose a short story inspired by a subplot in the book.
- Draw a scene from the book and explain your artistic choices.
- Create a poem inspired by a theme or scene from the book.
- Design a new cover for the book and describe why you chose certain elements.
- Imagine you’re writing a sequel to the book. What would the plot be?
- Create a playlist of songs that represent the mood or themes of the book.
- Write a journal entry from the perspective of a character at a key moment in the story.
- Develop a new ending for the book and justify your choice.
Final Thoughts
Journaling about your reading can turn a good book into a great experience. It helps you think more deeply, connect with the story, and discover new insights.
Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to journal. It’s about making your reading experience richer and more personal. So grab your favorite book, start writing, and see where your thoughts take you.
