Is a journal for summer reading a good idea?

Question

I have to read "I know why the caged bird sings" ... I could read the book in a few hours but this journal thing is slowing me down.. It's optional but I really would like to get a better grade on this.. We are going to have tests and probably essays on this book.. School starts in a week.. What is your opinion?

Answer 1

If you are like me, you read very fast -- especially if you like a book -- and you read a lot, you might forget things about this SPECIFIC book. What I would do is after every chapter, jot down a couple of highlights. Just a sentence or two as a reminder of what happened. You should probably also keep a character list -- then as soon as you've finished the book, go back over and expand your journal somewhat.

My problem in these types of situations -- I read so many books, I've often read several books between it and the time I needed to write an essay or take a quiz that I forgot the specifics.  

Answer 2

What are you journaling, just key notes from the book? Perhaps it would be easier if you just highlighted passages as you went along, if you don't mind marking in the book. If you feel like it's slowing you down I wouldn't do it, since you won't be focusing on the book as much and might not remember things for later tests. Whenever I read I just try to get really into it and remember it like a movie, and then I never had any problems on tests. Except for with A Tale of Two Cities... That book was AWFUL!!!