Books

Adorable Journals For A Bookish New Year

by Zoraida Córdova

Do you know what book lovers need more of? Paper. Specifically, notebooks. I can fill an entire bookcase with notebooks and journals. I love the feel of them. The texture of new pages. The fresh start of a new page. But most importantly, and I'm sure book lovers everywhere will agree, I love the smell of a fresh notebook. Even if the journal gets one entry, or if I finish the whole thing, I can't stop buying them.

Every time I go on a trip, I take a small Moleskin to write about my daily adventures. When I start a new book, I keep a notebook on the side to write down my thoughts about the world I'm reading about. The only time I wrote in the margins of a book was during college. Nowadays, I favor a reading journal to jot down favorite lines, interrobangs around a scene I particularly love, or simply to write a hero's name in hearts. I may or may not have a page that reads Nikolai and Zoraida forever with hearts all over the place. Book boyfriends are serious business, after all.

For book-lovers everywhere, here is a list of journals to set off the New Year right. I've set a reading goal of 200 books for 2017, which means, I need journals to match.

1. My Bibliofile: A Reading Journal for Book Lovers

It sounds like a dirty word, but it's not. Includes checklists and recommended reading lists.

My Bibliofile, $9, Amazon

2. Travel Journal

True, it is a travel journal. But the handwritten quote reminds me of the feel of beginning a new story.

BookishlyUK , $18, Etsy

3. WHATCHA THINKIN' BOUT? - EVERYTHING

If you open the book up to the middle it asks you "Are you having fun?" And if you're halfway through a novel, the answer is always "you'd better be." Includes a sticker page.

Ban.do Journal, $9, Ban.do

4. Expecto Patronum

This large ruled Harry Potter notebook is perfect for rereading the series.

Chronicle Books, $25, B&N

5. Curiouser & Curiouser

Blank pages let you write in the curious style of Alice in Wonderland. It is a limited edition, so get it while you can. Includes card suits stickers.

Moleskin, $19, Gone Reading

6. Game of Thrones House Sigil Journals

Winter is here. Show your house pride while you eagerly await the launch of The Winds of Winter.

Game of Thrones Journal, $19, HBO

7. Notebook and Bookmark

Choose your color. This notebook comes with a metal bookmark so you never lose your place.

Yoojoo Cards, $14, Etsy

8. Pride and Prejudice

Austen fans of the world rejoice.

Manuscript Notebooks, $11, Etsy

9. Literary Listography: My Reading Life in Lists

With lined pages and watercolor illustrations, this notebook allows you to keep track of books using unique list titles like "My Favorite Biographies, My Literary Heroes, Books that Made Me Cry."

Listography, $19, Amazon

10. The Book Lust

Designed by uber-librarian, author, and literary critic Nancy Pearl. This journal includes a list of 100 books recommendations.

Book Lust Journal, $12, Amazon

11. Hemingway

If you're a fan of literature's favorite daiquiri-drinking old man of the sea, this one is for you.

StudioEllenL , $12, Etsy

12. The “Young Girl Reading”

This gilded journal features the Young Girl Reading painting by the French artist Jean-Honore Fragonard on both the front back. Gold lined pages might make you want to dress up for your reading session.

Galison, $15, Gone Reading

13. Penguin Spines

Pocket sized notebook with lined pages and a cover full of classics.

Penguin Group Journal, $18, Barnes & Noble

14. Banned Books

A classic composition notebook featuring titles of banned books.

Out of Print, $6, Out of Print Clothing

15. “Books To Check Out”

Keep your own library records with this notebook. Sections include “Favorite Books/Passages” and “Books Borrowed/Lent”

"Books To Check Out" Journal, $11, Amazon

16. Dracula: A Novel Journal

The lines of the journal are actual lines from Bram Stoker's Dracula. Featuring gorgeous endpapers, this is a must for goth and vampire book lovers. Check out other Canterbury Classics for more of your favorites turned journals.

Dracula Novel Journal, $11, Amazon

17. Flex Your Hustle

Another Ban.do favorite, this journal opens up to the phrase, "You're straight up magic." Plus, "I Am Very Busy" is a book worm's motto.

"I Am Very Busy" Journal, $16, Ban.do

18. Eat Sleep Read

"Eat Sleep Read" is my life motto during the holidays.

"Eat Sleep Read", $11, Barnes & Noble

19. Personalized Reading Diary

For the reader who doesn't keep track of books using Goodreads. You can personalize the quote and name on the cover.

GreenChairPress, $15, Etsy

20. Reading Log

If 2016 is any indicator, 2017 is going to be a rollercoaster. This is a good reminder to keep calm and read a book. Includes sections for start and finish dates, ratings, thoughts, quotes, and much more.

Keep Calm Journal, $5.50, Amazon

21. Edgar Allan Poe “Manuscript” Journal

Saved the luxe for last. This gorgeous hardcover journal is embossed with a fragment from Poe's Tamerlane and Other Poems. Inside has "secret" folder. Read by candlelight and write down your thoughts.

Edgar Allen Poe Journal, $20, Walmart

Images: Freddy Castro/Unslpash