Reading books from diverse authors and perspectives can open your mind to new cultures, histories, and ideas. A reading journal helps you organize and reflect on these discoveries, deepening your understanding and appreciation of the world around you.
In this post, we’ll explore how to use your journal to track, plan, and reflect on reading books that celebrate diversity and inclusivity.
1. Set a Goal to Diversify Your Reading
Start by defining what diversity means to you in your reading journey. Use your journal to:
- Identify gaps in your current reading habits (e.g., genres, cultures, authors).
- Set goals for exploring new perspectives (e.g., “Read three books by authors from different countries”).
- Log specific themes or topics you want to learn about, like immigration, LGBTQ+ stories, or Indigenous cultures.
2. Create a Diverse TBR List
Dedicate a section of your journal to books that highlight diverse perspectives. Organize it by:
- Author background (e.g., nationality, ethnicity, gender identity).
- Themes or topics (e.g., racial justice, mental health, global folklore).
- Recommendations from book clubs, social media, or friends.
3. Track Your Progress
Visual trackers make it easy to monitor how you’re meeting your diversity goals. Try:
- Pie Charts: Show the percentage of books read from different cultures or genres.
- Color-Coded Logs: Assign colors to represent various themes or author backgrounds.
- Progress Bars: Track how many books you’ve completed toward your diversity goals.
4. Reflect on What You Read
Use your journal to dive deeper into the stories you’re exploring. Include prompts like:
- What did you learn about the culture, history, or experiences depicted in the book?
- How did this book challenge or reinforce your perspective?
- What themes or ideas stood out to you?
5. Capture Favorite Quotes and Lessons
Books from diverse perspectives often contain powerful insights and memorable lines. Dedicate a section to:
- Quotes that resonated with you.
- Lessons or takeaways you want to remember.
- Ideas for further exploration inspired by the book.
6. Plan Reading Challenges
Turn your diversity goals into a fun and structured challenge. Use your journal to:
- Create prompts like “Read a book set in Asia” or “Explore a memoir by an LGBTQ+ author.”
- Track your progress in completing the challenge.
- Reflect on how the challenge has enriched your reading journey.
7. Stay Open-Minded and Flexible
As you explore diverse perspectives, keep your journal flexible. Use it to:
- Log unexpected discoveries or recommendations.
- Reevaluate goals based on what resonates most with you.
- Add new books or themes as your interests evolve.
8. Share and Connect
Use your journal to plan how you’ll share your discoveries with others:
- Write notes for book club discussions.
- Plan social media posts to highlight books that inspired you.
- Create a “Recommended Reads” list for friends and fellow readers.
Ready to Explore New Perspectives?
Our Bibliophile’s Bliss Reading Journal includes customizable templates for TBR lists, trackers, and reflections, making it easy to organize and document your journey into diverse perspectives. Download your free sample here and start expanding your horizons today!
Reading books that celebrate diversity is a meaningful way to grow as a person and connect with stories outside your own experience. By using your journal to track and reflect on these books, you’ll create a thoughtful record of your literary exploration.
Happy journaling and happy reading!
