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.
Templates to Make Writing Easier
Not sure what to write? Try these fill-in-the-blank prompts.
- In one sentence, this book is about "____"
- The most memorable part was "____" (p.__)
- How my thinking changed after reading: "____"
- Something I want to put into practice: "____"
- I'd recommend this book to someone who "____"
Examples by Genre
Fiction / Literature
Example: Haruki Murakami, Norwegian Wood
"A story of loss and renewal. Watanabe's understated narration makes the depth of sorrow all the more striking.
Through two contrasting women — Naoko and Midori — the novel asks what it means to be alive.
The passage 'Death exists, not as the opposite of life, but as a part of it' has stayed with me."
Business / Non-Fiction
Example: Stephen Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
"Habit 2 — 'Begin with the end in mind' — resonated most.
Writing my own mission statement clarified my daily decision-making criteria.
[Action] Start doing weekly planning (Habit 3) every Sunday."
Textbooks / Academic Books
Example: Linear Algebra textbook, Chapter 3
"Finally understood the geometric meaning of eigenvalue decomposition.
Eigenvectors of matrix $A$ are special vectors whose direction doesn't change under the linear transformation.
Eigenvalue $\lambda$ is the scaling factor."
$$A\mathbf{v} = \lambda\mathbf{v}$$
"Drawing this as a diagram makes it click.
[Review needed] p.98 proof of Jordan normal form needs re-reading."
* Reading Forest supports MathJax, so you can record math formulas as-is
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.
Record Math Formulas (MathJax Support)
Beautifully render formulas from STEM textbooks. $\displaystyle\int$, $\sum$, $\begin{pmatrix}a&b\\c&d\end{pmatrix}$ and more using LaTeX notation. A feature no other reading log app offers.
Spaced Repetition Reminders
Get review reminders at scientifically optimal intervals based on the forgetting curve. Retain what you read in long-term memory.
Recommended For
Book Lovers
Record your thoughts and memorable passages to deepen your reading experience.
Students
Track progress on textbooks and workbooks. MathJax support lets you record formulas (calculus, linear algebra, physics equations, etc.) as-is — the only reading log app with this feature.
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.
Can I export my data?
Yes, the free plan supports export in TXT and CSV formats. Paid plans (from ¥380/month) add Markdown, HTML, Excel, and BibTeX export — useful for reports and academic reference lists.
Is there a limit on the number of books?
The free plan allows up to 20 books per file, but you can create unlimited files. Paid plans (from ¥380/month) increase the per-file book limit.
Can I record notes with math formulas?
Yes, Reading Forest supports MathJax (LaTeX notation), so you can record and beautifully render math formulas. It's ideal for study notes from STEM textbooks and academic books.
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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