As summer draws to an end, I have found myself looking back on the books I have read and the wonderful moments that came with them. The books we read say so much about where we are in our lives. 

For many people, a fragrance will remind them of a moment, or a song will bring back a memory; well, books can be like that as well. Like the paperback that lived in your beach bag, the book you read beside the pool or in the park, the audiobook that joined you on a road trip (I can still remember exactly where I was at certain moments in the book), and then there’s that book you took everywhere but never finished. Yes, you know the one with the odd wrinkled page, coffee stain, and unread final chapter. It’s okay, just put it back on your TBR pile!

A reading journal records the books you read, while a memory journal records the life around them, and this is where the bookish end-of-summer journal steps in; it brings the two together! It's time to relax, get creative, and remember summer in all its glorious bookishness because for us, books and life go hand in hand!

Why your bookish summer deserves a memory journal 

We all remember those large summer events but often lose the ordinary details that made summer what it was. Books become markers of time, and we are often drawn to different genres, titles, or authors based on what we are going through in our own lives. Nothing like a cozy romcom or mystery to escape some family drama!

Have you ever seen a cover and remembered where you were and what you were feeling at that time? That's exactly what we’re talking about; this project doesn’t require daily entries or perfect handwriting. One thoughtful page can say more than a month of journal entries or a dozen photographs.

It’s all about taking time out, remembering, reflecting, and getting creative! I am thinking of turning it into an evening accompanied by the odd glass of wine and the obligatory cheeseboard!

What to put in a bookish memory journal

There is no right or wrong answer here; in fact, there are absolutely no rules! You can pack it with book reviews interspersed with tiny details that made this summer yours. 

Start with the books you read, jotting down the title and author, and then add a short note about what you remember the most. It could be your favorite character, a scene you can’t stop thinking about, why you loved it, or how it made you feel.

Don’t forget to include the moments happening around your books, like where you were or what you were doing. That romance you read on the beach while drinking a glass of champagne, the audiobook that joined the road trip, the night you stayed up far too late because it was just a “one more page” moment.

Personalizing your memory journal is where you can let your creativity loose. Photos and keepsakes always add that personal touch, like your bookshop receipt, a cafe napkin, or a photograph of your favorite summer reading spot or one of you and your best friend with the same book. 

Favorite quotes always deserve a space, and I love decorating them with doodles. I have so many one-liners that are just waiting for the right moment. 

Let’s get started!

How to start your summer reading memory journal 

Blank pages often feel intimidating, but remember this isn’t about achieving perfection. 

Gather your supplies

Kick off the process by gathering everything connected with your summer reading life. Your first decision is choosing your journal! Once you've chosen the perfect one, it’s time to grab your pens, pencils, glue, and most importantly, your bookish memories. Yes, we’re talking books, photographs, reading app history, messages from friends, bookshop receipts, ticket stubs, etc. If you’re battling to decide, choose the things that instantly remind you of a special moment.

Speaking of journals, we have a wonderful selection in our stationery collection, like the beautiful floral journal and pencil set inspired by The Last Assignment by Erika Robuck or the gorgeous botanical journal inspired by "The Practice of Herbal Remedies" book mentioned in The East Wind by Alexandria Warwick. Both of these A5 journals feature 300 pages with sprayed edges! 

Bookish memory journal sections to include

Next is deciding how you want to organize your journal. You can organize it chronologically or create separate sections for favorite books, quotes, characters, or photographs. Creating a few simple sections can make it easier to start. Here are a few suggestions; pick the ones that resonate with you.

Time to journal

We find that it’s always easiest to start with the memory that first comes to mind. These are the memories that are often the strongest. Add the book title, author, and what you loved most about this book. Then write a few lines about where you were, who was with you, and why that moment mattered to you. 

Once you’ve started, your journal will flow. Adding those personal touches, quotes, doodles, and keepsakes will soon have your journal looking and feeling like your summer.

If starting a memory journal from scratch feels too intimidating, our reading journals can easily be adapted; simply complete the prompts for each of your books and then personalize with your keepsakes and doodles. We think the Classic Coral edition is perfect for summer memories!

Start Your End-of-Summer Memory Journal Tonight

Your summer is worth remembering! Start with one book, one photograph, and one sentence. The most important part is to have fun. Give your journal a title like “A summer to remember,” and let the memories flow. There is no right or wrong way, just your way!

Happy journaling from all of us at Once Upon a Book Club. We would love to hear all about your bookish summer memory journals. Post a pic and tag us! 

Keep reading!

Looking for even more bookish inspiration? Discover why reading journals are the bookish tool you didn’t know you needed, or explore our tips for staying consistent with your summer reading goals.