Letters to Milena — Franz Kafka

Kafka’s letters read like emotional journal entries. Raw, tender, and honest. He explores fear, love, and identity through writing. A powerful reminder of how putting thoughts on paper can free the mind.

Men Have Called Her Crazy — Anna Marie Tendler

A bold memoir that feels like reading someone’s private notebook. Tendler writes about heartbreak, identity, and rebuilding yourself with honesty. A strong example of journaling as a tool for reclaiming your story.

Notes from Underground — Fyodor Dostoevsky

A deep, confessional book told like a personal diary. The narrator exposes his flaws, fears, and contradictions. It shows how writing can help us face our most difficult truths.

Ongoingness — Sarah Manguso

A reflective, poetic look at years of diary-keeping. Manguso explores memory, time, and the need to record life. A quiet, beautiful book on why we write — and why letting go is also important.

Owl Sense — Miriam Darlington

A gentle, diary-like journey into nature and self-discovery. Darlington’s observations of owls become reflections on loneliness, healing, and motherhood. A reminder that journaling begins with noticing the world around you.

The Hidden Writer — Alexandra Johnson

A fascinating look into the personal journals of great writers. Johnson reveals how diaries shaped creativity and ideas. Perfect for anyone curious about how journaling builds a creative life from the inside out.

The Year of Magical Thinking — Joan Didion

Didion writes with raw honesty about grief and survival. Her book feels like a personal journal of loss and healing. A powerful example of how writing helps us make sense of unimaginable moments.

The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath — Sylvia Plath

Plath’s entries capture her creativity, insecurities, dreams, and fears. Her journals show how writing becomes a mirror — revealing who we are and who we hope to be. Intense, real, and unforgettable.