The Journal That Started It All

How one messy, magical reading journal became Bravely Bookish

Before Bravely Bookish was a shop, it was just me, a pile of fantasy books, and a blank journal. I made it because I wanted something more than a star rating. I wanted a place to feel my reading life—somewhere to keep quotes, track characters, gush about fictional crushes, and relive the story long after the last page.

That first journal? It changed everything.

A Personal Project

I started with Throne of Glass—a reread full of emotions I wasn’t ready for. I filled the pages with mini reviews, art, character photos, my own star/tear/spice ratings, and plenty of chaotic commentary. I had no idea what I was doing. I just knew it made me fall in love with reading all over again. 

The very first reading journal I ever made, covered in stickers and bookish chaos.

The Spark That Became a Shop

When I shared the spreads online and with friends, people immediately asked: “Where can I get a journal like that?”
And honestly? That was the moment Bravely Bookish was born.

I realized other readers wanted more from their reading lives too—something creative, expressive, magical. So I started designing journals that gave us space to do exactly that. (SPOILERS FOR THRONE OF GLASS IN THE BELOW IMAGES)

Some of my favorite Throne of Glass spreads—every star, quote, and character moment recorded.

From Reader to Maker

Today, every journal I create for Bravely Bookish is inspired by this original one. The collage layouts, the space to fangirl or vent, the dreamy, dramatic vibe—it all started here. I still flip through these pages and smile, knowing this messy little book led to something bigger.

🛍️ Want your own journal? Browse the shop! 

Thanks for being here. Whether you’re on your tenth reading journal or just thinking about starting one, I hope this gives you a little inspiration to make it yours.📚✨

— Gabbi / Bravely Bookish