28 Reading Reflection Questions To Ask After Finishing A Book

Do you ever finish a book and then just move on to the next without really sitting and reflecting on what you just read? I am so guilty for this! Sometimes I can’t even remember the main character’s name a few days later… It’s like the experience I just had gets erased from my memory.

That is why I started taking the time to ask myself some reading reflection questions. It doesn’t need to take a long time, and you don’t even need to write your answers down if you don’t want to. It’s just a way to make the time you spend with a book a little more meaningful.

If you are looking for a way to better absorb what you just read, this post is for you! Read on for all the reading reflection questions to ask after you finish a book!

Reading reflection questions:

Here is a list of questions to ask after finishing a book. There is a little bit of everything, from first impressions to thinking about the writing style and storytelling. If you like to keep things simple, just answer a couple of questions. If you like to do a deep dive into the books you read, feel free to answer them all!

1- First impressions and overall thoughts

What are your overall thoughts after finishing this book?

Did you enjoy this more or less than you expected?

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

What do you rate this book?

2- Emotional connection to the story

How did this book make you feel?

Did any part of the story really stay with you after finishing the book?

Was there a moment that made you feel emotional?

Did you feel connected to the characters?

3- Characters

Which character was the most frustrating and why?

Did any of the characters change in a meaningful way?

Would you be friends with any of the characters?

How did the characters’ relationships impact the story?

4- Themes and messages

What themes stood out to you?

Was there a deeper meaning or message to the story?

Did the book make you think differently about anything?

What do you think the author wants readers to take away from this book?

5- Favourite moments

What was your favourite part?

Did any quotes stick out to you?

What part of the book would you reread?

If you had to explain this book in 3 words, what would they be?

6- Writing style and storytelling

Did you enjoy the overall writing style?

How was the pacing? Too fast, too slow, just right?

Did anything feel so unrealistic that it affected the story?

Did the story hold your attention throughout?

7- Personal reflections

Did this book remind you of your own life in any way?

Did this book inspire you?

Would you read more books by this author?

Will this book stick out to you a year from now?

Must ask reflection questions when you finish a book

28 bookish reflection questions to ask yourself

Quick 5-minute reflection:

This is for readers who want to have a quick overview of all of the above sections and questions, but a lot quicker and to the point. Grab a journal or open your notes app and answer these questions…

1- Give this book a rating out of 5

2- Use 3 words to describe this book

3- Who was your favourite character?

4- What was your favourite part?

5- How was the writing and pacing of the book?

6- Would you recommend this book?

Final thoughts

It’s a great idea to ask yourself some questions after finishing a book. Whether it’s just to absorb some of the content better so you don’t forget about it in two days like me (oops), or it’s to document in a reading journal, using these reading reflection questions can work for everyone.

Try using all or just a couple of these book journal prompts and see if that gives you a more well-rounded reading experience!

Tell me which book reflection question is your favourite!

Until next time,

Deanna

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28 Reading Reflection Questions To Ask After Finishing A Book

Reading reflection questions: