A reading journal for speculative fiction
A speculative-fiction journal can track how an imagined world shapes a story. Keep a few focused notes rather than trying to summarise every chapter.
Work through the checklist
Record the title, author and edition. Write the central situation without revealing major developments, then note which rules of the imagined world are established.
Choose one scene and examine how a character's decision follows from those rules. Separate what the text states from your prediction.
After finishing, revisit your early expectations. Write a spoiler-free recommendation and a separate private note on the ending if you want to discuss it later.
A useful question
Should a review retell the plot?
Only enough context to explain your response is usually needed. Focus on your own observations and signal spoilers clearly when discussing major events.