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ninagobragh
Last week, I wrote about my search for the perfect reading journal. After mulling over the options I had found, I did something that probably won’t shock anyone who knows me: I went with none of them.
Nothing I originally shortlisted really ticked all of my boxes. I wanted something simple, small, flexible, and not too demanding—and while a few of those options came close, nothing hit the mark. So I did a little more digging, and that’s when I stumbled across something unexpected: the Field Notes Index Edition.
A Quick Primer on Field Notes
If you’re not familiar, Field Notes are small, pocket-sized notebooks, famous for their perforated pages, quarterly limited editions, and outdoorsy, functional vibe. They’re often marketed toward birdwatchers, hikers, and on-the-go notetakers (not that you need a tent and a compass to enjoy them).
Field Notes also offers subscriptions so you can get their latest editions automatically, and their notebooks are printed and assembled entirely in the USA with sustainable materials.
This isn’t my first experience with Field Notes; I once bought their gaming journals for a friend who DMs weekly. (And yes, I’m still very pleased with myself for that thoughtful little gift.) But it’s the first time I ever seriously considered buying Field Notes for myself. As I've said before, I’m an A5-size fan who prefers sturdy, non-perforated pages—so Field Notes' tiny, tearable style never quite clicked for me.
Until now.
Why the Index Edition Works for Me
Field Notes’ 2024 Index Edition offers two types of "index-style" notebooks:
The Log Book, on the other hand, was perfect. Each 56-page notebook is structured to help you log just about anything—books, movies, TV shows, food, wine, beer, trails hiked, concerts, albums, you name it.
The layout is clean and open-ended, offering just enough structure without feeling like homework. I use mine to track:
Final Thoughts
I’ve already filled in the books I’ve read so far this year, and I absolutely love how this journal is working for me.
There’s no pressure to write a lengthy review. I don’t have to comb through GoodReads or Amazon to gather metadata I don’t actually care about. I just pick up my Log Book, jot down my thoughts, and move on.
I really hope Field Notes keeps selling the Index Edition (or something like it) because these little books are so versatile. I could definitely see myself picking up another pack for tracking TV shows, movies, or even small creative projects.
For now, though, my Field Notes Log Book is the perfect low-key home for my growing book list—and that's all I needed.
Nothing I originally shortlisted really ticked all of my boxes. I wanted something simple, small, flexible, and not too demanding—and while a few of those options came close, nothing hit the mark. So I did a little more digging, and that’s when I stumbled across something unexpected: the Field Notes Index Edition.
A Quick Primer on Field Notes
If you’re not familiar, Field Notes are small, pocket-sized notebooks, famous for their perforated pages, quarterly limited editions, and outdoorsy, functional vibe. They’re often marketed toward birdwatchers, hikers, and on-the-go notetakers (not that you need a tent and a compass to enjoy them).
Field Notes also offers subscriptions so you can get their latest editions automatically, and their notebooks are printed and assembled entirely in the USA with sustainable materials.
This isn’t my first experience with Field Notes; I once bought their gaming journals for a friend who DMs weekly. (And yes, I’m still very pleased with myself for that thoughtful little gift.) But it’s the first time I ever seriously considered buying Field Notes for myself. As I've said before, I’m an A5-size fan who prefers sturdy, non-perforated pages—so Field Notes' tiny, tearable style never quite clicked for me.
Until now.
Why the Index Edition Works for Me
Field Notes’ 2024 Index Edition offers two types of "index-style" notebooks:
- A Ledger Book paired with a Date Book (both undated and super flexible)
- A set of Log Books (which is what I chose)
The Log Book, on the other hand, was perfect. Each 56-page notebook is structured to help you log just about anything—books, movies, TV shows, food, wine, beer, trails hiked, concerts, albums, you name it.
The layout is clean and open-ended, offering just enough structure without feeling like homework. I use mine to track:
- Title
- Author
- Source (eBook, print, or audiobook)
- Dates read
- Rating
- Genre
- A short summary
- My personal notes and thoughts
Final Thoughts
I’ve already filled in the books I’ve read so far this year, and I absolutely love how this journal is working for me.
There’s no pressure to write a lengthy review. I don’t have to comb through GoodReads or Amazon to gather metadata I don’t actually care about. I just pick up my Log Book, jot down my thoughts, and move on.
I really hope Field Notes keeps selling the Index Edition (or something like it) because these little books are so versatile. I could definitely see myself picking up another pack for tracking TV shows, movies, or even small creative projects.
For now, though, my Field Notes Log Book is the perfect low-key home for my growing book list—and that's all I needed.
