When reading a book, we often find ourselves wishing that we could discuss the characters with someone else, or voice our thoughts and feelings about what is happening in the story. Journaling allows us to do just that. To help you get started, here are 120 journal prompts for books that you can use to reflect and explore your thoughts as you read.
101 journal writing prompts for books
Here is a list of great prompts to get you started with your journal writing:
- What is your favorite character in the book and why?
- What was your opinion of the plot twist at the end?
- What themes or ideas does this book explore?
- How did the author use language to create a mood or atmosphere?
- How did the characters grow or change throughout the story?
- What would you have done differently if you were in the character’s shoes?
- What did you like the most about this book?
- How did the author craft the setting of this book?
- What could have been done differently to make the story better?
- How did the author use symbols or metaphors to convey a message?
- Who is the villain in this book and why?
- What was your opinion of the climax of the story?
- What did you learn about yourself from reading this book?
- How would you describe the protagonist in this book?
- What moral lesson did you take away from this book?
- How did reading this book make you feel?
- What does the title of this book mean to you?
- How did the themes in this book relate to your own life?
- What did you think of the ending of this book?
- How does this book compare to other books you have read?
- What advice from the book could you use in your own life?
- What was the last book you read, and what did you think of it?
- What is your favorite book of all time, and why?
- What books did you hear about and have been meaning to read but haven’t gotten around to yet?
- What book are you currently reading, and how is it going?
- Who is your favorite author, and what draws you to their writing? Write a few words.
- Write a review of a book you recently read.
- What good book did you read in school that had a significant impact on you?
- Which favorite book you’ve read more than once, and why did you choose to re-read it?
- What books have you recommended to others, and why did you think they would enjoy it?
- Describe your ideal reading environment in a few words. Where do you like to read, and what do you like to have with you?
- What books have you read that made you feel emotional, and why?
- What books have you read that taught you something new, made you realize something about yourself, or changed you as a person?
- Write about a character from a storybook that you admire or relate to.
- What books have you read that you wish you could read again for the first time?
- Write about books you’ve read that were difficult to get through and why.
- If you could read one book for the rest of your life, which book it would be?
- Write about the first storybook that you remember reading.
- What is the first book you remember loving?
- Write about books you’ve read that have a satisfying ending.
- What do you think makes a good book?
- Write about books you’ve read with a strong message or theme.
- What books that you’ve read have a unique or fun writing style?
- Write about a novel that you’ve read that has a great protagonist.
- What is a novel that you’ve read that has a great antagonist?
- Write about a book that you’ve read that has great world-building.
- What books that you’ve read have a great plot twist?
- Write about a book that you’ve read that has great dialogue.
- What books that you’ve read have great character development?
- What book did you decide to drop?
- Do you like puzzles and exercise books?
- Write about great books for research that has given you answers.
- What books have great pacing?
- Write books that have great humor.
- What books have great suspense?
- Write about a book that has great action scenes.
- Who are great romance writers and characters?
- Write about great horror stories writers and characters.
- What books have great science fiction elements?
- Write about great fantasy books, characters, and writers.
- What books have great historical elements?
- Write about a book that has a great political story and character.
- What is a book that has a great cultural story?
- Write about a book that has a great social life story.
- What is a book that has great philosophical themes?
- Write about a book that has a great psychological story and character.
- What is a book that has a great spiritual story and character?
- Write about a novel that has a great coming-of-age story.
- What is a book that has great family dynamics?
- Write about a book that has great friendship dynamics.
- What is a book that has great romantic dynamics?
- Write about a book that has great sibling dynamics.
- What is a book that you’ve read that has great parent-child dynamics?
- What storybooks can be a great gift for children?
- What is a book that has great teacher-student dynamics?
- Write about a book that has great team dynamics.
- What stories have great leadership dynamics?
- Write about a novel you’ve read with great personal growth themes.
- What storybook can be the perfect gift for adults?
- What storybook can be the perfect gift for teenagers?
- Best nonfiction writer.
- Write about self-help books.
- Best thriller writer?
- Best classical piece of literature you have ever read?
- Write a one-page letter to your favorite author.
- Best book about creativity?
- What is your favorite genre in fiction?
- What is your favorite genre in nonfiction?
- What is your favorite biography?
- What is your favorite autobiography?
- What is a book that you always recommend to your friends?
- What book a person must read in their life?
- What books do you have in paperback?
- Best craft and DIY book.
- Do you prefer eBooks or paperback?
- Best story with a great life lesson?
- In a few words describe your favorite characters.
- Do you think reading is a great thing?
- What novels have inspired and changed you as a person?
- Write about a book that was a page-turner.
- Do you follow the reading challenge?
- Do you read daily or a few times a week?
- What did you discover about yourself while reading a self-help book?
- What did you discover about yourself while reading mental health book?
- What books have you received as gifts from friends?
- What next book are you going to be reading?
- What next book are you going to purchase?
- Write about a book that you’ve given you a life lesson.
- What book has helped you with your love life?
- What one genre do you think everyone should read?
- What book do you want more people to read?
- What fun and light-hearted novels do you enjoy?
- What novel did you read that didn’t make sense to you?
- Write about a book that inspires you the most.
- Do you write notes or ideas on paper while you read?
- Did the book answer all the questions you had?
- What book gave you the most memorable moments?
- Do you prefer reading alone or in a group?
- Write about a book that has the best female characters.
- What one course of action have you taken after reading a book?
- What book has influenced your relationships or friendships the most?
- What written journals or reading logs do you keep?
- Do you agree with the reviews of other readers of the book?
Importance of book journal prompts.
Reading journal prompts can help you reflect on your reading.
It can also help you to be more mindful of how you read and the lessons that stories can bring.
Journaling while reading can help increase your comprehension
Conclusion
To conclude this article, a book is not just an idea or words on paper but a gateway to new experiences, exercises, and opportunities. You find inspiration and ideas in our 101 journal prompts to start journaling. You can start a journal entry on any book you’ve read, or self-help books to inspire improved mental health and emotional intelligence.
Finally, whether you’re a casual reader,in a book club, a writer, a hope to start writing, a blog post, or a book enthusiast, there is always something to be gained from reading.
Writing Inspiration and Journaling can help you grow in terms of personal growth themes such as improving mental health, emotional intelligence, memory, critical thinking skills, and academic writing performance.
But that’s not the only reason. Great prompts for books can be used to bond with your best friend, family, or co-workers. You can use one-word or one-sentence prompts to get the conversation going, or complex ideas to break down the book into its parts.
So, pick up a blank page or a journal today, use these writing prompts, begin this challenge, and see where it takes you as we hope you have found answers and a great idea to begin your journey.
Author
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I'm Ben, a data engineer who adores journaling. My passion for recording life experiences inspired me to develop Otto's Journal, an online diary app. Join me as I blend data and storytelling in the ever-changing tech world, making journaling more accessible and exciting.