Here’s a breakdown of what I use:

1. A pen that makes me smile (in this case, Dong-A Miffy Scented Gel Pen in Lavender Purple)
2. A quality journal (I prefer Kikkerland)
3. An inexpensive spiral or composition notebook (New Leaf makes some cute ones)
4. Index tab stickers (one of the greatest inventions ever—pictured JStory Index Fun Rabbit)

And if I’m feeling particularly spunky, I might use some Post-It flags and highlighters, too.

Now to explain as best I can why and how I use all of those things…

When I read, I tend to jump around from book to book depending on my mood. At any one time, I could be reading four or five different books. That’s why I have the inexpensive spiral notebook.

Whenever I finish reading a section in one of the books, I’ll write a quick summary along with any notable excerpts (marked with the Post-It flags as I read) or personal thoughts I have during the reading. And when I pick that book up again, be it a day or a month later, I’m able to quickly catch up without needing to start the book over.

The reason I use an inexpensive notebook for this is because it’s not very useful in the long term—one page might be about Book 1 while the next page may be about Book 2 while the next several pages may be about Book 7. It’s rather haphazard. In fact, it usually ends up in the recycling bin. That’s why I have the fancier journal…

The real action happens when I finish a book. I crack open my “completed reading” journal and add a new entry. I’ll add an index tab sticker to mark its place, then I’ll add the book’s vital statistics: Date Read, Title, Author, ISBN, Page Count, Genre, Personal Rating, etc., and then I’ll write a full and thorough book summary followed by notable quotes and personal thoughts. Nice, neat, and organized.

Once complete, I’ll flip to the front and add the book’s title and rating to the journal’s table of contents. Which brings me to why I prefer the Kikkerland* journals—quality binding, quality paper, and they come with pre-numbered pages with a dedicated table of contents.

This process allows me to keep track of the books I’ve read, which ones I’ve enjoyed and would like to re-read, and which ones I can safely give away without feeling guilty. And I don’t have to worry about forgetting a particular book’s storyline if I do give it away.

Now, if I were less A.D.D. I could probably nix the “in progress” notebook and just jot everything in my completed reading journal when I’m finished. But, I’m not, so…

And although this is a post on how I manage my books in an analog way, I must concede there’s a bit of digital involved, too. I tend to keep a spreadsheet where I note the title of a book and whether or not I’m reading or finished, and whether it’s awaiting review. I could probably manage this list using Goodreads, but I haven’t found a groove within that system…so I’m sticking with what I know.

There you have it…my system in a nutshell.

*It’s a sad day as it looks like Kikkerland is discontinuing its Leuchtturm notebook line. I’ve already stocked up so I’ll at least have several more reading journals available when I need them—each one can hold roughly 20 book summaries. And when they’re finished, guess I’ll have to start numbering Moleskine journals. (Or maybe I’ll get lucky and another notebook manufacturer will smell the potential and start producing quality journals with numbered pages and tables of contents.)

Dork Diaries giveaway. You know I had to enter after watching the super cool book trailer. And you all know this is coming from someone who doesn’t care much for book trailers (at least, not the trailers gone wrong).

The Host giveaway. The Host by Stephenie Meyer is being released in paperback and to mark the occasion, a number of blogs are participating in The Host Tour. So, if you don’t already have a copy, but would like one, now’s a prime opportunity.

Book blog search engine, powered by Google and maintained by Fyrefly. I had no idea there was a dedicated book blog search engine out there, but then again, I’d never been looking. I stumbled across this while reading another blog and I’m glad for it.

Sookie Stackhouse reading challenge. In case you needed yet another challenge , or just need another challenge, then now’s your chance to get all caught up on Charlaine Harris’s novels.

Now, if you don’t already have the Sookie Stackhouse series, then you have a chance to get the first seven books in Mel’s HUGE Sookie Stackhouse giveaway.

The Hunger Games giveaway. In case you’ve been stalked by this book like I have been (it seems, everywhere I turn, the book is beckoning me to read it), here’s an opportunity to win it.

So, why the long qualifying paragraph above, I’m certain you’re asking. It’s because My Little Red Book by Rachel Kauder Nalebuff is a collection of stories about first periods. Most men, in my experience, tend to find the subject matter rather disturbing.

According to the blurb, the stories range from light-hearted (the editor got hers while water skiing in a yellow bathing suit) to heart-stopping (a first period discovered just as one girl was about to be strip-searched by the Nazis).

(Despite health class teachings, I thought I was hemorrhaging and asked my mom whether to call 911.)

This giveaway is hosted by Belle Enchanted and is open to U.S. and Canadian (excluding Quebec) residents. Apologies to the international readers, but the books will be shipped directly from the publisher.

The giveaway will run through February 12, 2009 and to enter all you need to do is head over and leave a comment telling Belle something unique thing about yourself. For more entries, you can blog, tweet, or post a message on Facebook about the giveaway.

Two awesome corner bookmarks and a beautiful book thong (in a cool pouch). Of course I squealed like a little girl when I received them because they are even better than the pictures. I’ve even put a couple of them to good use marking my place in the current books of the moment.

So this post serves two purposes: to give a huge thank you to Jace for the wonderful bookmarks, and to tell everyone that if you want to get your hands on some, then you should head over to her Etsy shop.

After a bit of reading, I ran across a watercolor giveaway which caused me to to something I should do more often (in fact, everyone should do more often): reflect on the pleasures of staying put. On a whim, I decided to throw my tuppence into the hat.

Watching the tangy colors of twilight kiss the lake while a cool breeze grazes my bare arms.

Watching my two-year-old niece run up and down the block (closely guarded, of course) to ooh and aah at all the holiday lights.

Warming my bones with a piping hot shower followed by sipping a cup of cinnamon-laced hot chocolate while tightly tucked under a thick hand-made comforter with a good book close at hand.

In the grand scheme of things, the pleasures are innumerable.

I’m only about halfway through When Wanders Cease to Roam (had to put it down since technically I’m still reading another book), but so far, it’s a lovely and easy read. And what I’ve learned so far is that you should read this book if for no other reason than to be reminded of the little (and large) luxuries of staying close to home.

My head is spinning trying to keep up with all the goodness. Luckily, she’s set up a table of contents for easy access to all the posts.

And I’m shamelessly promoting it because I really want to win the signed Gemma Doyle trilogy (there’s also an interview with Libba Bray, the author). Now to figure out that secret criterion.

These books have been taunting me on Amazon and at Borders and even at Wal-Mart. Buy me, buy me, they plead—it’s like they know I’m weak or something.

So, if you’re a fan of YA and estrogen, head on over, look around, comment, participate, and have fun.