reading journal update 📖 | leuchttrum 1917

Summary of the video (updated reading/journaling system)

Switching notebook systems (2026 plan)

For 2026, the creator switched from standard-size Traveler’s Notebooks (used ~2023–2025) to pocket Leuchtturm notebooks for:

• Reading log
• Fanfiction log
• Reading journal

Reasons for the change

• Supply/pricing concerns: standard notebooks may become harder to get and could cost more due to a “terror situation” and added fees.
• Downsizing: they wanted a smaller, more manageable notebook collection.
• Preferred page style: they chose blank pages after realizing the 5-mm grid felt awkward with their handwriting size.
• Love the materials: the paper quality is especially good for fountain pens, and blank pages feel less messy.
• Archiving practicality: smaller notebooks save space over time.

Visual/formatting tip

They use a personal grid guideline slipped behind the paper so they can write with subtle line guidance.

---

Pocket Leuchtturm notebook specifics (as described)

• Black hard cover, slimmer than typical A6
• Cream 80 gsm blank paper, 187 pages
• Elastic closure (back pocket mentioned but rarely used)
• Paper/pen pairing:
  • Works well with Pilot Vanishing Point fountain pens
  • Uses Platinum Carbon Black ink
  • Ghosting occurs, but no bleeding; they actually like the ghosting effect

Pen setup

• Fine (gray) for bolder text/titles
• Extra Fine for most writing

---

Reading log system

What they track and how often

They keep a reading log for 10+ years; the format evolved as reading increased.

Their update habits are influenced by:

• Reading more now due to ebook reading (Kindle Unlimited) and wanting to de-stress
• Social reading via buddy reading
• Kindle Unlimited usage means they return books quickly to manage borrowing limits

How they update

• Usually every weekend
• About 15 minutes (up to ~20) to fill entries
• Because updates are quick, they don’t want the system to feel time-consuming

What replaces star ratings

They stopped star ratings because they felt “pointless” to them. Their logic is mainly:

• If they enjoyed it, it’s worth remembering
• If they didn’t, they may DNF even if they’re ~80% through
• They mainly care whether books were entertaining, not numerical scoring

Entry format (per book)

• Title
• Author
• Date read
• Short description/thoughts (varies based on mood)

Page layout

• Two books per page

Physical vs digital

• Mostly reads digital via Kindle app on iPad and phone
• Reads in short bursts anywhere (waiting in line, etc.)
• Also listens to audiobooks during multitasking (cleaning, driving, shopping)
• For audiobooks, they listen to a sample first because voice acting can change their interest

Timeline notes

• Their log for 2026 uses a cover spanning Jan 1–Dec 31
• Earlier notebook sections started in July 2025 and October 2025, with no end dates yet (they’ll keep using them until filled)
• Plans to start a new log for 2027 later

---

Fanfiction log (separate from reading log)

They keep it separate because fanfiction tracking is different and easier for searching/refinding.

Setup

• “Volume 1” now; Volume 2 planned once this one fills
• Uses Midori sticky notes and decorative inserts
• Mentions favorite fandom references/images (including Manacled)

What they track per fanfiction

• Title
• Author
• Website (AO3 / fanfiction.net / Wattpad, etc.)
• Fandom
• Date read
• Word count
• Notes, including:
  • where they are in chapters
  • a synopsis and thoughts (for both ongoing and completed works)

Reading style/preferences

• Mostly reads completed works
• Occasionally reads an updating fic, but rarely (fear of author abandoning it)

Current status

• Not reading much this year, but plans to read more in August and fall

---

Reading journal (themed notes + theorizing)

This notebook is for reading-related topics, organized so they can flip through easily.

Setup

• Similar naming/structure to the fanfiction log with a Volume 1 (date-based) setup

What they write about

• Thoughts and reactions to books, trailers, and adaptations
  • Example: Sunrise on the Reaping trailer thoughts after reading in April
• Show/book theorizing and series-related notes
• Personal prompts and “comfort book” style quotations/memories

Example content mentioned

• They read The Hunger Games-related material and intentionally avoid spoilers by watching trailer content after reading
• Theorizing about release dates for Boys of Tommen, and documenting it even when they’re wrong (it was fun)
• Includes a “comfort book” quote describing intense emotional reactions (staying up late, crying/shaking, etc.)

---

Ending

They’re excited to keep using the pocket notebook system for all three logs and will start a new set for 2027 after the year ends.

---

Notable locations/products/brands/speakers mentioned

Notebooks/brands

• Leuchtturm1917 (pocket Leuchtturm notebooks)
• Traveler’s notebook
• Midori sticky notes

Paper/ink/pen products

• Tomoe River paper
• Platinum Carbon Black ink
• Pilot Vanishing Point pens (Fine + Extra Fine)

Platforms/websites

• Kindle
• Kindle Unlimited
• AO3 (Archive of Our Own)
• fanfiction.net
• Wattpad

Series/books/fandoms referenced

• Shatter Me series (reread/binging)
• The Mortal Instruments (Clary and Jace)
• Gilmore Girls (Rory)
• Harry Potter fanfiction (Hermione referenced)
• Manacled
• Off-Campus (TV/show/books)
• Claiming 10 (release-related theorizing)
• Boys of Tommen
• The Hunger Games / “Reaping” trailer