Key Takeaways
- The author has decided to start recording every book they read in the coming year, inspired by other readers who have found value in keeping a reading journal.
- Keeping a reading journal can provide insights into one’s reading habits and preferences, and can also serve as a way to track progress and reflect on one’s life.
- The author is inspired by the stories of Linda Lightfoot and Tricia Day, who have kept reading journals for many years and have found them to be a valuable tool for reflection and self-discovery.
- Pamela Paul’s book "My Life With Bob" also serves as an inspiration, as it shows how a reading journal can be a powerful tool for understanding one’s own story and reading life.
Introduction to the Idea
As the new year approaches, many of us are thinking about our resolutions and goals for the upcoming year. For the author, a resolution has presented itself in the form of keeping a record of every book read. This idea was sparked by recent columns about Louisiana readers who have found value in keeping reading journals. The author is inspired by the stories of these readers and is eager to start their own reading journal to see what insights and discoveries they can gain from it.
Inspiration from Other Readers
The author was inspired by the story of Linda Lightfoot, a retired newspaper editor who has kept a list of books she’s read since 2005. Lightfoot’s reading journal is not intended to be a tool for self-discovery, but rather a way to keep track of the books she’s already read and avoid re-reading them. However, in the process of keeping her journal, Lightfoot has gained an insight into her own love of learning, which has remained strong even in her older age. The author is also inspired by the story of Tricia Day, who started her own reading journal in 1979 after being inspired by her mother’s journal. Day’s journal has been a valuable tool for her, allowing her to keep track of the books she’s read and reflect on her reading life.
The Power of Reading Journals
The author is also inspired by Pamela Paul’s book "My Life With Bob", which tells the story of her own reading journal, which she started in high school. Paul’s journal, which she calls "Bob", is a record of every book she’s read or didn’t quite finish reading since the summer of 1988. Paul’s comments about her journal highlight the power of reading journals to tell our own stories and provide insights into our reading lives. The author is also reminded of David McCullough’s argument that people are what they read, and that our reading habits can shape our thoughts and perspectives. By keeping a reading journal, the author hopes to gain a deeper understanding of their own reading life and how it reflects their values and interests.
Starting the Journey
The author is not sure what insights they will gain from keeping a reading journal, or whether they will have the discipline to keep it up. However, they are eager to start the journey and see where it takes them. By recording every book they read, the author hopes to gain a better understanding of their own reading habits and preferences, and to reflect on their reading life in a more intentional way. The author invites readers to follow along on their journey and to share their own experiences with reading journals. Whether or not the author will be able to keep up the habit of recording every book they read remains to be seen, but they are excited to start the process and see what discoveries they can make along the way.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the author’s decision to start keeping a reading journal is inspired by the stories of other readers who have found value in this practice. By recording every book they read, the author hopes to gain insights into their own reading life and to reflect on their values and interests. The author is eager to start this journey and to see where it takes them, and invites readers to follow along and share their own experiences with reading journals. Whether or not the author will be able to keep up the habit of recording every book they read remains to be seen, but they are excited to start the process and see what discoveries they can make along the way.