Start Your Reading Log | Track Books & Notes Easily
For those who "don't want to forget what they read" and "want to save their thoughts somewhere"
What is a Reading Log?
A reading log is a record of books you've read, including titles, authors, your thoughts, and memorable passages. Keeping a reading log helps the content stick in your memory, so you can recall "what was in that book?" later.
While you can keep a reading log in a paper notebook, using a digital app lets you record anytime on your smartphone and search past entries by keyword, making it much more convenient.
3 Benefits of Keeping a Reading Log
1. Better Memory Retention
Just reading a book makes it easy to forget the content. Keeping a reading log helps organize key points and makes them stick in your memory.
2. Easy to Look Back
Find "what was written in that book" instantly with keyword search. Apply your knowledge to work and study.
3. Sense of Achievement
Visualize pages read with graphs. It becomes motivation to keep up your reading habit.
How to Write a Reading Log
There's no "right answer" for a reading log. Write in a style that's easy for you to maintain. Here are some recommended items to record.
- Basic Book Information Title, author name, page count. With a digital app, these are auto-filled via ISBN barcode.
- Pages Read / Progress Record where you are in the book. Visualize achievement with progress graphs.
- Memorable Passages Note interesting phrases or quotes along with page numbers.
- Thoughts & Learnings Write insights from the book and things you want to put into practice in your own words.
- Summary Summarize the whole book in your own words after finishing (optional).
Tip
Don't try to be perfect - even short notes are OK. "Continuing" is what matters most. With a digital app, you can quickly jot things down on your phone, making it easy to keep up.
Reading Forest Makes Reading Logs Easy
"Reading Forest" is an app that makes keeping a reading log simple (free plan available). See all features
Register Books via Barcode
Just scan the ISBN barcode and title/author are auto-filled. Registration complete in 3 seconds.
Progress Graphs for Achievement
Visualize pages read with graphs. Stay motivated to keep your reading log going.
Keyword Search
Instantly search past reading log entries by keyword. Quick access to the information you need.
Works on Mobile & PC
Multi-device support. Keep your reading log on your phone while out, on your PC at home.
Cloud Storage
Safely backup your reading log with Google Drive integration. No worry about data loss.
Works Offline
View and edit your reading log even without internet connection.
Recommended For
Book Lovers
Record your thoughts and memorable passages to deepen your reading experience.
Students
Track progress on textbooks and workbooks. Math support included for STEM subjects.
Learn more →Business Professionals
Organize key points from business books. Apply what you've read to your work.
For Children's Reading Habits
Draft book reports and track the number of books read for a sense of achievement.
Learn more →FAQ
What should I write in a reading log?
We recommend recording the book title, author, pages read, memorable passages, and your thoughts or learnings. You don't need to write everything - even short notes are valuable when you keep them consistently.
Is the reading log app free?
Yes, Reading Forest offers a free plan. You can record up to 20 books per file, and you can create unlimited files. All basic reading log features are included.
Can I keep a reading log on my phone?
Yes, you can keep a reading log on smartphones, tablets, and PCs. Share data across devices, so you can use it anywhere.
How can I maintain a reading log habit?
The key is not to aim for perfection - even short notes count. Using barcode scanning to register books reduces input effort and makes it easier to continue.
Related Pages
How to Create Reading Logs
Effective reading note techniques and review methods in 5 steps.
Learn more →Book Management Methods
Centrally manage books you've read and want to read. Make reading more efficient.
Learn more →Start Your Reading Log Today
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Register books with barcode scan, start your reading log immediately.
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