A Good Book is the Best of Friends: A Reader's Journal (Hardcover)

by Robin Doak (Author) "How realistic and well-developed are the main characters in the book?..." (more)
Key Phrases: Nonfiction Were, Author Genre, Title Author

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
A beautiful write-in journal for avid readers who want to savor and remember the books that touched their lives.

Ever since Oprah anointed reading our real national pastime, book clubs have been popping up all over the country, with readers everywhere sharing opinions, dog-earing important pages, and underlining unforgettable passages. But so far, those millions of readers haven't had a specific place to write down their important reactions -- positive or negative -- to the books they read. This lovely, fill-in reader's journal offers just that: a private place to record thoughts and feelings about books that spark curiosity, challenge emotions, and provoke spirited discussion.

The journal opens with a blank table of contents and space for 25 books. The entry for each title begins with space to record the specifics about each book, including plot summary and character descriptions. The journal then provides thought-provoking "writing prompts" as well as ample pages to record personal reactions, jot down quotes, or just give a general review. The final pages are specifically designed for notes, recollections, and bits of information from book group meetings, including members' names and contact information. Whether they're in a book club or not, anyone who loves to read will find keeping this journal a satisfying and rewarding way to celebrate the adventures books offer us, and to preserve those memories for all time.

About the Author
Robin Doak is a freelance writer who specializes in educational materials, both fiction and non-fiction, ranging from elementary school to college levels. An avid reader, she lives in Portland, Connecticut.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Hyperion (July 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786867191
• ISBN-13: 978-0786867196
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,017,651 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A reviewer's refresher and pleasure, September 27, 2002

By	R. Tiedemann "Sunnye" (Bellevue, NE USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The success of a book like this to the individual reader depends on what the reader was looking for. I wanted something to help me break out of what I felt was my reviewer's rut. I've been reviewing books for almost 20 years and find that I tend to look at each much the same way. This little volume has helped me out of that rut and into some useful and original thinking about the books I'm reading.

Although admonitions like, "jot down the book's strengths and weaknesses" and "write down questions that arise" were nothing new to me, thinking of putting myself into the life of a character in fiction or considering what I'd ask the author of a nonfiction book if he or she came by for a visit caught my attention along with several other extremely useful suggestions.

By the time I've read 25 books and noted my reactions to them according to these guidelines I'm sure I'll have broadened my perspectives considerably as far as book reviewing is concerned. As for deepening my pleasure in reading, it's hard to imagine but it is possible!

Natalie Goldberg, who is familiar to most writers as a superb teacher and mentor (WRITING DOWN THE BONES, THUNDER AND LIGHTNING, and LIVING COLOR), says in her introduction, "This journal gives the reader the opportunity to have double pleasure like a double latte: Not only do you get to read the book, but then you get to savor the taste, roll it around in your mouth, and feel its complete flavor."

That has always been the pleasure that reviewers discover as they ply their craft. Now, thanks to Robin Doak, the pleasure is available to everyone.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars It was okay. . ., April 6, 2003

By	Jena "muse2323" (British Columbia) - See all my reviews

I'd have to check out other reading journals before I'd buy another of these. Five pages are allotted for reflection of the book; three of those pages have pre-printed guide questions (about characters, the ending, and your prediction of the book's staying power) at the top of the page, which I felt a strange obligation to stick to. I felt weird leaving blank space, though I did with many entries. There were a few books that I clipped in extra pages so I could keep digesting the book on paper.

Perhaps a blank journal would suit me better, but I do like having those guide questions; I sometimes need that little kick to get me to really think about what I've just read.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Detailed Journal for Books Read, April 26, 2009

By	B. Brody "Fairbanks Reader" (Fairbanks, Alaska) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This is a small journal that provides a lot of information and pleasure. Written by Robin Doak, it has an introduction by Natalie Goldberg, author of several books on journaling. My favorite is Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within.

'A Good Book is the Best of Friends: A Reader's Journal' has room for detailed memories/reviews of 23 books. There is a fine introduction on how to use this journal. It includes ways to rate books read, questions to ask yourself about each book, and ways to write good reviews for both fiction and non-fiction books.

For anyone who enjoys keeping detailed book journals, this one might be the best one out there.