DIY Book Review Notebook: Aesthetic, Personal & Perfectly Bookish

There’s something so satisfying about combining creativity with your reading life, and a DIY book review notebook is the perfect way to do just that. Whether you're a journaling enthusiast or just love tracking your reads in a tactile, visual way, creating your own review notebook is a cozy, rewarding project that makes every book feel even more special.

With just a few supplies and a little bookish inspiration, I created a custom, pastel-perfect reading journal that not only helps me reflect on what I’ve read—but also serves as an aesthetic piece of self-expression. 💕

💌 What You Need:

• A hardcover notebook or journal (I chose a blush pink one for a spring vibe 🌸)

• Miniature book cover stickers (printed using a Canon Zoemini 2 mini printer!)

• Washi tape & decorative paper

• Markers, gel pens, or highlighters in coordinating colors

• Optional: stickers, ephemera, pressed flowers, quote cutouts

✍️ How I Set Up My Review Notebook

🗂 Step 1: Creating the Book Tracker Layout

Each page is divided into small review slots, each dedicated to one book. I framed each slot using floral and cozy-themed washi tape and left space for:

• The book cover sticker

• A short review or favorite quote

• A quick rating, trope, or mood indicator

This method keeps things simple but still personal—perfect for remembering what I loved (or didn’t!) about each title. Plus, the washi tape makes every page feel scrapbook-worthy.

📷 Step 2: Printing Book Covers

Using my Canon Zoemini 2, I printed miniature book covers from my current TBR and recent reads. They’re the perfect size for journaling and give each page a polished look. Some of the titles I’ve added include:

• Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

• Never Lie by Freida McFadden

• The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton

• The Spell Shop by Sarah Beth Durst

• Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber

It’s like creating your own mini digital library—on paper!

🪄 Step 3: Decorating for Aesthetic Joy

This is where the fun begins! I used pink-toned fine liners, romantic washi rolls, heart-patterned paper, and soft overlays to make the notebook feel extra dreamy. The theme of my setup is definitely romance meets cozy mystery, with pops of florals and handwritten notes.

And honestly? Flipping through the pages is almost as satisfying as reading the books themselves.

🌟 Why You Should Try It

• Personalized Experience: Every entry reflects your taste and aesthetic.

• Keeps You Accountable: Seeing your TBR in sticker form is a fun motivation!

• Creative Outlet: Mix reading with journaling, memory-keeping, and design.

• Screen-Free Reflection: A peaceful alternative to digital Goodreads reviews.

Whether you want to go full scrapbook-style or keep things minimal, this project is totally flexible. It’s your reading journey—make it as artsy or simple as you like.

🎀 Final Thoughts

Your book review notebook can be a journal, a tracker, and a visual diary of your reading life. It turns reading into a full experience and gives you a creative outlet to celebrate your love for books.

So grab your favorite washi tape, print those covers, and make a cup of something warm. It’s time to create a book journal as beautiful as your TBR.

Until the next page, happy reading! 📖✨

XoXo Plot Threads