The start of a new year is the perfect time to embrace fresh starts, and what better way to do so than through the books we read and book journal prompts?
I previously did a monthly series of themed journal prompts on the blog, and I knew I wanted to continue with that, but in a different capacity.
January, often seen as a month of renewal, offers a unique opportunity to reflect on personal growth and set new intentions—especially through the lens of reading.
Books have the power to inspire change, spark new interests, and help us grow, making this the ideal time to dive into new stories and set meaningful reading goals.
Whether you’re planning to explore a new genre, start a book series, or embark on a reading challenge, books can be a guide to personal transformation. With the new year ahead, it’s time to think about how our reading choices can mirror our goals for growth and new beginnings.
Keeping a Book Journal This Year
One of the best ways to make the most of your reading experience in the new year is by keeping a book journal. A book journal or reading tracker helps you track your reading progress and provides a space for reflection and deeper engagement with the stories you read. Here are some tips for getting started with a book journal this year:
- Track Your Reading Progress: Use your journal to note down the books you’ve read, including the titles, authors, and dates. This can help you see how your reading habits evolve over time.
- Write Reviews or Thoughts After Each Book: After finishing a book, jot down your thoughts—what you liked, what resonated with you, or anything you found challenging. This will help you remember the books you’ve read and reflect on their impact.
- Record Quotes or Passages: If a quote or passage stood out to you, write it down in your book journal. Not only will this help you remember the highlights, but it also offers a place for inspiration.
- Use Book Journal Prompts: Book journal prompts are an excellent way to guide your reflections and get the most out of your reading. These prompts can help you dive deeper into the books you read, learn more about yourself, and track your growth as a reader.
- Set Goals and Track Achievements: A book journal is an excellent space to set and track your reading goals. Whether you want to read 30 books this year or explore new genres, having a visual tracker will keep you motivated.
- Reflect on Themes and Personal Growth: Use your journal to explore how the books you’re reading relate to your personal journey. Are you reading books that challenge you or help you grow in new ways? How do the themes of the books reflect your own goals for the year?
There are many options for book journals, but I enjoy combining printable and digital versions. My digital book reading tracker is a great, inexpensive option to get started.
I also LOVE this Ultimate Reading Google Sheet Tracker by WithAli. To say it is amazing is an understatement and I highly recommend it for any book lover!
7 Book Journal Prompts for New Beginnings
To help you start the year with a focus on growth and exploration, I’ve crafted a set of book journal prompts based on the theme of new beginnings. These prompts are designed to inspire reflection, spark ideas for reading goals, and help you create a reading plan for the year.
- What book(s) are you most excited to start in the new year, and why?
- Reflect on new releases or books you’ve been meaning to read. What makes these books the perfect choice for a fresh start?
- What is one new genre or author you want to explore this year?
- Set an intention to broaden your reading horizons. This could be a genre you’ve never considered or an author you’ve never read before, but whose work intrigues you. Or consider creating a monthly reading challenge for yourself.
- Reflect on a book that significantly impacted your life in the past year. How has it shaped your growth?
- Consider how the books you read last year contributed to your personal development. Did they inspire change, comfort, or challenge you?
- What is your first read of the year, and what do you hope to take away from it?
- Consider choosing a book that embodies the spirit of new beginnings. Set an intention for how this book will impact your year ahead.
- What are your reading goals for the year, and how will you achieve them?
- Think about your reading targets for the year, whether it’s a specific number of books, tackling a certain challenge, or reading a particular genre.
- Start a new book series: Which one will you dive into, and what are you looking forward to discovering in the world of these books?
- Consider starting a book series and track your excitement for the characters, plot twists, and overall journey ahead.
- What does “new beginnings” mean to you in the context of reading?
- Write about how books can offer fresh starts and how they shape your perspectives on change and growth.
Tips for Reflecting on New Beginnings in Reading
- Choosing the First Book of the Year: Start with a book that feels exciting and meaningful. Maybe it’s a book from a favorite author you’ve never read, a genre you’ve always wanted to try, or a reread of a favorite, setting a positive tone for the first read of the year can influence the rest of your reading journey. For me, I’m rereading Fourth Wing and Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros in preparation for Onyx Storm releasing on January 21.
- Setting Reading Goals: Break down your goals into manageable steps, like reading a certain number of pages each week, joining a book club, or completing a reading challenge. Reflecting on what you hope to achieve can help you stay focused. Check out Deanna’s Cozy Girls Club on Patreon which I’m part of!
- Exploring New Series or Authors: Try out books from authors you’ve never read before. You never know what new favorites might be out there waiting for you.
As you embark on this new year, use these book journal prompts to reflect on how reading can be part of your personal transformation.
Whether you’re looking to dive into a new series, set reading goals, or simply embrace the idea of new beginnings, books can serve as a powerful tool for growth. I encourage you to try these prompts and take some time to reflect on what you want to achieve through your reading this year.
Don’t forget to share your thoughts and book discoveries with me on social media or in the comments section—I’d love to hear how your reading journey unfolds!
2 thoughts on “Embrace New Beginnings: January Book Journal Prompts”
One of my goals of 2025 is to start journaling. I can’t wait to use these prompts this month to start my journey! Thanks for sharing
Awesome! Thanks for checking this out Kelly! I am super excited to do this as a monthly series this year on book journaling. Should be fun!