Hello friends, happy Sunday! Consider this thread as us sitting down together over coffee and chatting about our reading lives.
I’ve been thinking about how I want to track my reading life this year. Over the past decade, I’ve used variations on a theme, but I’m feeling the itch to change things up this year.
I’d love to hear how you track your reading life. What works for you? What doesn’t? What apps, methods, or tools do you love using?
So, leave a comment and let’s chat about it! (The comments are sure to be a fount of recommendations!)
Hi Michelle! I track my books in a few different ways. First and most importantly, I use a notebook to log the date completed, title, and author. I have been doing this since 1996 and have a remarkable record of all the books I have read over the past 28 years.
Second, I keep a spreadsheet on Google Sheets. The main reason for this is that when I am out shopping for books, I can easily look on my phone and see both my TBR and my list of read books. I have also made this list public for my readers to see. Link is below.
Third, I just started using StoryGraph. I used Goodreads for years but got tired of some of the drama surrounding that site. I imported everything to StoryGraph to see what I think. I don't use it for much other than the stats section which I think is fascinating to observe trends in reading.
How incredible that you have a record of what you've read since 1996! If I remember correctly, I believe I saw your reading spreadsheet via a post that Petya shared on A Reading Life and I continued to be impressed by your system. I love how we, as readers, love to track and analyze our reading in such customizable ways.
I am using Goodreads still, as well as my custom Google form tracker. I’m trying to be much more intentional with my reading this year, and having the data to keep me on track is really important to me. I’m also toying with doing something more visual, like printing pictures of my favorite book covers and putting them somewhere I can see all the time. TBD on that!
Oh, I love the visual idea! I'm still using Goodreads as well and a spreadsheet but I just wish I could condense everything into one perfect spot. Alas, perhaps someday!
I like to track my readings on the StoryGraph. I love the design of both the app and the website, the end of the month/year stats are my favourites, I also like that's an independent startup so the recommendations I get are not influenced by commercial trends. It's the only way I track the books I read, but I also like to journal about them. I don't do it about every single book I read, just the ones that make me think the most, wether good or bad.
I love that they are independent and the stats they offer, too! I sadly found the user interface too clunky and too much for my tastes but I know they are a popular Goodreads alternative!
Without getting caught up in any drama, I log my books into Goodreads; however, I do export my book file on the first of every month just in case. Next to me is my spiral notebook full of facts and thoughts about my reading. I did try StoryGraph, but found it somewhat tedious entering all that information about my reading. At 78, reading time is very precious to me.
Such a good idea, Marcia! I like that you keep an analog record as well. And to your point about reading time being precious, I think that's part of why I'm thinking about how to track. It can be easy to get caught up in a complicated system but I want to spend more time actually reading then tracking and organizing.
Hello! I've been using StoryGraph for two years now, and I'm obsessed with it! I did the January pages challenge in 2024 and just kept logging my reading everyday after the challenge ended. Some folks find it tedious, but it actually motivates me to read on days when I'm really busy or tired. Because of that, I had a 365 day reading streak and record year for number of books read-- 71, when my previous record was in the low 40s! I'm keeping it up again this year to hopefully keep up the streak :)
Still Goodreads - I know there are better alternatives, but my biggest problem is the past. I am a creature of habit and I like to gather everything in one place. I need a place for the actual tracking - I need to know if I read the book in the past, as it is getting blurry sometimes. I don't use any other features. I can't imagine keeping any analog tracker, I bet I will forget about it quickly, also dragging all these notebooks with me everywhere would be a nuisance. I guess I could export everything and load into other app, maybe that's something to consider.
I have been using Goodreads since 2011 and I still use it as well! I've tried other apps in tandem but I agree, Goodreads isn't the best, but it's the most robust and having a system that works for you is key.
I do a mix of things! I have a little notebook in my bedside book basket where each time I finish a book I note the title, author and 1, 2 or 3 stars. The small amount of info to write (and super general rating system) always keeps it doable. For my TBR, I have book lists tagged in Libby of books I want to read by season and then at the start of each season I make a list in my notes app of specific books I want to read that season.
I love simple and classic! My thinking about my own tracking is stemming from a place that desires a simple routine, while still capturing the info I care about, but it definitely has to be easy otherwise I don't keep up with it!
Oh! This was my favorite subject of 2024 because I discovered the Bookshelf app! It’s totally private, no social interaction, just for myself. It’s an organizational system meant, I think, for people with a large private library, but I use it to keep track of what I read and where recommendations come from (mostly Substack writers).
It’s got “shelves” (which you can title the way you want, I organize into “Read in 2025”, “Read in 2024”or “TBR”, etc), and tags (who recommended) and notes (what they said about the book). This way I know who’s recommendations I’ve resonated with, etc.
Bookshelf has altered my reading life in the best ways possible!
I love how it lets you keep track of where recommendations came from! I constantly add books to my list but then forget why. I would love to start tracking where the recs come from. I imagine this is helpful in then realizing over time where you get the best recs from ◡̈
Hahaha you sound like me! Lots of things. Do you like tracking across a few different places? I find that each tool is *almost* exactly what I want but missing one feature. Thus why I've ended up tracking in so many spots.
I do and each one has a different aspect that the others don't have. For example, in my Google sheets I have a chart where I have organized my TBR list into seasons and I started creating my own personal library list of books that I will be keeping. Goodreads helps me see a favorite author's catalog of books they have written so I can read more of their work. Storygraph is new to me, but so far I like using it to see the stats of my reading.
In the past, I’ve kept a running list of “books completed” in the final pages of my Hobonichi planner, noting date finished and 1-5 star rating, but I’m thinking of cataloging my reading with more detail this year in a separate paper journal. What is the reading journal you pictured in this post (Papier?), and do you like it?
I love that you track in an analog way! I started tracking my reading in a reading journal in the second half of 2024 and I really enjoyed it. Yes, the notebook is from Papier. I really liked it, but it only has enough room for ~30 books. And as an avid reader, I'd have to use 3+ notebooks a year to track all my reading which would be too expensive!
Off to Google that! I love the custom Google Sheets and Notion templates I see. I just always get intimidated setting them up. How did you find this one?
It’s sooooo easy to use!! I think I saw a bookstagrammer recommend a couple years ago (this is my third year using) and I actually just found out the creator is also a book content creator that I’ve watched for so long! Very cool and in the community
Oh I've got quite a few! I like to track international reads (and I have a separate tab with the list of countries and I add the books I read from each country,a s I try to read from all, slowly); if they're spicy and how spicy; for romance novels what tropes they are; if I bought them, borrowed from the library, or were a gift; also who recommended it to me; if they were from my TBR. I also have tabs to track my TBR and how I progress it year to year on the numbers :D It's doing dome heavy lifting. I think of all apps I've used, the Storygraph would be one I could most closely track the same things by using their tags system, but I love how much faster a spreadsheet is to check and sort.
Oh, I love that you track romance spiciness and tropes! I bet that’s fun to look back on and identify what works and doesn’t for you. I also love that you track where you get recommendations from. That’s something I want to do this year.
I use Goodreads because I’ve been on the site since 2009, Storygraph for the charts, a spreadsheet for specific data, and a reading journal for fun and creativity.
I primarily keep track of the books I've read in 2 places: the BookCatalogue app on my phone and as a monthly note in Evernote (although this year, I'm trying to move the Evernote notes to my written Reading Journal).
I can't imagine being without BookCatalogue. I have thousands of books in my personal library, not to mention the hundreds of public library books I've read. BookCatalogue lets me keep track of reading start and end dates, ratings (on a 5-star scale with half-stars), a variety of information about the book, and (a lifesaver) where the physical book is located.
My monthly journal notes contain title, author, month completed, format, number of pages, and quotes.
My reading journal (other than the monthly log) is limited to notes on and quotes from my Substack group reads (this year, I'm reading with 7 different groups). The reading/posting schedule for each group read is also in that journal.
My TBR used to be in Goodreads (and still is for entries before 2024), but starting last year, I moved my list of recommended books into my bullet journal, where I record title, author, recommendation source, recommendation date, whether either of libraries I belong to has a copy, and whether I own it.
And as if this isn't enough book-related tracking, I belong to the Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club, and during our New Year meeting, I heard a lot of other things I might want to do, either in my bullet journal or Evernote, such as lists of authors I want to be a completionist on, book projects like books in a particular genre, and reading challenges.
Whew! Given that I work full-time and also have a couple of other hobbies besides reading, I'll probably fall behind or have to give up, but it's always nice to dream!
It is always nice to aspire! And your inspiring me! I love that you track where the recommendations come from. That's something I want to do this year so I can remember why I want to read something and also look back and see where/who I got the best recommendations from.
I’m pretty simple and just keep a note on my phone with the books I’ve read. I also list books I DNF, because I’ve usually spent at least some time with them too.
I use an app on my iPhone simply called Book Tracker. I like the convenience. It also has a desktop version available when I want a larger view. I used to use Bookly but was frustrated because I couldn’t export my booklist. No setup is perfect but Book Tracker is meeting my needs.
That's perfect! I always appreciate when a site has a desktop and mobile version. I like being able to access on my computer so I'm not always hunched over my phone ◡̈
i've been tracking the books i've read on pinterest in 2012. it was all the rage then you know! what a time...
each year i make a new board so i can see at a glance what i've read. having the covers visually all lined make it easy to remember as sometimes the titles can run together, plus it looks a little like a collage. once i started my book substack i began taking more detailed notes on the books just in my iphone notes app as its so easily searchable.
I keep a simple log in a notebook with the book title, author and date completed, and I also track with The StoryGraph (for the stats, and to stash my TBR)!
I track mine with a bookish spreadsheet! I care less about the number of books I read, but really like diving into the things that are important to me: audience, genre, format, diversity, etc. In fact, I talked about it on my Get Lit(erate). podcast this week if you'd like to take a listen! Here's the link to my spreadsheet to download, too: https://stephanie-affinito-0cab.mykajabi.com/myreadinglife
This is such a great spreadsheet, Stephanie! I agree, I care less about numbers and more about the other data that helps me understand my reading life on a bigger picture.
StoryGraph for data and reviews (I have a reading streak of 1120 days and that is very motivating for me to read *something* every day) and a book journal for overall stats and reading challenge trackers. It feels like a reading scrapbook in a way—it’s not really necessary for my tracking but I love it as a creative outlet and having it to look back on!
Wow, what an impressive reading streak! And I love that the journal feels like a scrapbook and a creative outlet. That’s so nice to do things that just feel fun and good for you.
I still use Goodreads, I tried Storygraph a few years ago so maybe it's time to try it again. I've also heard about Copper Books recently, another new tracking app. A few times a year I'll copy one of those Instagram stories templates with "books I read this month" and try to keep it up to date, but I'm not very consistent. I love the idea of a physical journal, but I read so many different ways so many different places, I feel like I'd have to keep the journal on me at all times. I love the Goodnotes app on my ipad for taking notes for work, so I could probably find a notebook or template for Goodnotes to use, but again then I always have to have it with me. (You can update goodnotes on your phone, so this isn't technically true, but I find that clunky.) I've also only recently created collections on my Kindle to keep books in. I like that on Goodreads I can create categories for where I found the book (New York Times recommendations, Belletrist picks, NetGalley downloads, audiobooks, etc.). I'm sure I could do that in another app. So basically I also am completely at sea. Would love an update later in the year if you try anything new.
I've been tracking my reading mostly through Goodreads and Storygraph, but I also have to google sheets that are for other purposes. One is for my reading project of getting through the 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time and another is an overview of all my unread books in my shelves - I usually check them out there first, before buying a new book
I’m still using Goodreads but only update it every other month or so! I keep a list of my reads in the notes app and really like how simple it is! And I get excited to add a new book every time I finish one! 😂
Hi Michelle! I track my books in a few different ways. First and most importantly, I use a notebook to log the date completed, title, and author. I have been doing this since 1996 and have a remarkable record of all the books I have read over the past 28 years.
Second, I keep a spreadsheet on Google Sheets. The main reason for this is that when I am out shopping for books, I can easily look on my phone and see both my TBR and my list of read books. I have also made this list public for my readers to see. Link is below.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vSTzSak4n3b4YNIF1-bN4PpAkLovoMiRa-DQmCsVsCE1R_vVpy2YkdLyMDHtRML37Rg0-b4eidmlzXA/pubhtml
Third, I just started using StoryGraph. I used Goodreads for years but got tired of some of the drama surrounding that site. I imported everything to StoryGraph to see what I think. I don't use it for much other than the stats section which I think is fascinating to observe trends in reading.
I am looking forward to hearing what others use.
How incredible that you have a record of what you've read since 1996! If I remember correctly, I believe I saw your reading spreadsheet via a post that Petya shared on A Reading Life and I continued to be impressed by your system. I love how we, as readers, love to track and analyze our reading in such customizable ways.
Hello! I always start the year by tracking then stop haha but at the very least I have a notes list on my phone with the books I want to read.
Sometimes simple is best!
I am using Goodreads still, as well as my custom Google form tracker. I’m trying to be much more intentional with my reading this year, and having the data to keep me on track is really important to me. I’m also toying with doing something more visual, like printing pictures of my favorite book covers and putting them somewhere I can see all the time. TBD on that!
Oh, I love the visual idea! I'm still using Goodreads as well and a spreadsheet but I just wish I could condense everything into one perfect spot. Alas, perhaps someday!
I like to track my readings on the StoryGraph. I love the design of both the app and the website, the end of the month/year stats are my favourites, I also like that's an independent startup so the recommendations I get are not influenced by commercial trends. It's the only way I track the books I read, but I also like to journal about them. I don't do it about every single book I read, just the ones that make me think the most, wether good or bad.
I love that they are independent and the stats they offer, too! I sadly found the user interface too clunky and too much for my tastes but I know they are a popular Goodreads alternative!
I get what you mean! I have to admit that in the last few months the interface has improved 🙂
Ohh, maybe I'll have to revisit!
Without getting caught up in any drama, I log my books into Goodreads; however, I do export my book file on the first of every month just in case. Next to me is my spiral notebook full of facts and thoughts about my reading. I did try StoryGraph, but found it somewhat tedious entering all that information about my reading. At 78, reading time is very precious to me.
Extracting your list is such a good idea! Thanks for this. I will do that.
Such a good idea, Marcia! I like that you keep an analog record as well. And to your point about reading time being precious, I think that's part of why I'm thinking about how to track. It can be easy to get caught up in a complicated system but I want to spend more time actually reading then tracking and organizing.
Hello! I've been using StoryGraph for two years now, and I'm obsessed with it! I did the January pages challenge in 2024 and just kept logging my reading everyday after the challenge ended. Some folks find it tedious, but it actually motivates me to read on days when I'm really busy or tired. Because of that, I had a 365 day reading streak and record year for number of books read-- 71, when my previous record was in the low 40s! I'm keeping it up again this year to hopefully keep up the streak :)
That's incredible about your reading streak! I love that it's motivating you -- that means it's the tool for you!
Still Goodreads - I know there are better alternatives, but my biggest problem is the past. I am a creature of habit and I like to gather everything in one place. I need a place for the actual tracking - I need to know if I read the book in the past, as it is getting blurry sometimes. I don't use any other features. I can't imagine keeping any analog tracker, I bet I will forget about it quickly, also dragging all these notebooks with me everywhere would be a nuisance. I guess I could export everything and load into other app, maybe that's something to consider.
I have been using Goodreads since 2011 and I still use it as well! I've tried other apps in tandem but I agree, Goodreads isn't the best, but it's the most robust and having a system that works for you is key.
I just use a Pinterest board to track what I've read each year and books I want to read!
That sounds like such a fun way to track! Also seems satisfying to have a visual reminder of what you’ve read.
Oh, I love this! I'm a visual person, so I can only imagine how lovely it is to look at a board with all the beautiful book covers.
same!!
I do a mix of things! I have a little notebook in my bedside book basket where each time I finish a book I note the title, author and 1, 2 or 3 stars. The small amount of info to write (and super general rating system) always keeps it doable. For my TBR, I have book lists tagged in Libby of books I want to read by season and then at the start of each season I make a list in my notes app of specific books I want to read that season.
I love this! It sounds simple and streamlined. That's so great.
Love this! Excited to hear everyone’s process.
I just use a notebook and the Goodreads website. Simple and classic - works for me!
I love simple and classic! My thinking about my own tracking is stemming from a place that desires a simple routine, while still capturing the info I care about, but it definitely has to be easy otherwise I don't keep up with it!
Oh! This was my favorite subject of 2024 because I discovered the Bookshelf app! It’s totally private, no social interaction, just for myself. It’s an organizational system meant, I think, for people with a large private library, but I use it to keep track of what I read and where recommendations come from (mostly Substack writers).
It’s got “shelves” (which you can title the way you want, I organize into “Read in 2025”, “Read in 2024”or “TBR”, etc), and tags (who recommended) and notes (what they said about the book). This way I know who’s recommendations I’ve resonated with, etc.
Bookshelf has altered my reading life in the best ways possible!
I love how it lets you keep track of where recommendations came from! I constantly add books to my list but then forget why. I would love to start tracking where the recs come from. I imagine this is helpful in then realizing over time where you get the best recs from ◡̈
I use a mix of notebooks, goodreads, Google spreadsheets and StoryGraph.
Hahaha you sound like me! Lots of things. Do you like tracking across a few different places? I find that each tool is *almost* exactly what I want but missing one feature. Thus why I've ended up tracking in so many spots.
I do and each one has a different aspect that the others don't have. For example, in my Google sheets I have a chart where I have organized my TBR list into seasons and I started creating my own personal library list of books that I will be keeping. Goodreads helps me see a favorite author's catalog of books they have written so I can read more of their work. Storygraph is new to me, but so far I like using it to see the stats of my reading.
In the past, I’ve kept a running list of “books completed” in the final pages of my Hobonichi planner, noting date finished and 1-5 star rating, but I’m thinking of cataloging my reading with more detail this year in a separate paper journal. What is the reading journal you pictured in this post (Papier?), and do you like it?
I love that you track in an analog way! I started tracking my reading in a reading journal in the second half of 2024 and I really enjoyed it. Yes, the notebook is from Papier. I really liked it, but it only has enough room for ~30 books. And as an avid reader, I'd have to use 3+ notebooks a year to track all my reading which would be too expensive!
I use StoryGraph, my notes app, and a wonderful google sheets template from
Aubreiktemplates on Etsy!
Off to Google that! I love the custom Google Sheets and Notion templates I see. I just always get intimidated setting them up. How did you find this one?
It’s sooooo easy to use!! I think I saw a bookstagrammer recommend a couple years ago (this is my third year using) and I actually just found out the creator is also a book content creator that I’ve watched for so long! Very cool and in the community
I created my own spreadsheet, that I’ve been slowly making it better every year!
I love that for you! That's so great. What are some of the things you love tracking with it that you don't find in any of the sites?
Oh I've got quite a few! I like to track international reads (and I have a separate tab with the list of countries and I add the books I read from each country,a s I try to read from all, slowly); if they're spicy and how spicy; for romance novels what tropes they are; if I bought them, borrowed from the library, or were a gift; also who recommended it to me; if they were from my TBR. I also have tabs to track my TBR and how I progress it year to year on the numbers :D It's doing dome heavy lifting. I think of all apps I've used, the Storygraph would be one I could most closely track the same things by using their tags system, but I love how much faster a spreadsheet is to check and sort.
Oh, I love that you track romance spiciness and tropes! I bet that’s fun to look back on and identify what works and doesn’t for you. I also love that you track where you get recommendations from. That’s something I want to do this year.
I use Goodreads because I’ve been on the site since 2009, Storygraph for the charts, a spreadsheet for specific data, and a reading journal for fun and creativity.
This sounds similar to the mix I use! I like that you have a clearly defined use for each one.
I primarily keep track of the books I've read in 2 places: the BookCatalogue app on my phone and as a monthly note in Evernote (although this year, I'm trying to move the Evernote notes to my written Reading Journal).
I can't imagine being without BookCatalogue. I have thousands of books in my personal library, not to mention the hundreds of public library books I've read. BookCatalogue lets me keep track of reading start and end dates, ratings (on a 5-star scale with half-stars), a variety of information about the book, and (a lifesaver) where the physical book is located.
My monthly journal notes contain title, author, month completed, format, number of pages, and quotes.
My reading journal (other than the monthly log) is limited to notes on and quotes from my Substack group reads (this year, I'm reading with 7 different groups). The reading/posting schedule for each group read is also in that journal.
My TBR used to be in Goodreads (and still is for entries before 2024), but starting last year, I moved my list of recommended books into my bullet journal, where I record title, author, recommendation source, recommendation date, whether either of libraries I belong to has a copy, and whether I own it.
And as if this isn't enough book-related tracking, I belong to the Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club, and during our New Year meeting, I heard a lot of other things I might want to do, either in my bullet journal or Evernote, such as lists of authors I want to be a completionist on, book projects like books in a particular genre, and reading challenges.
Whew! Given that I work full-time and also have a couple of other hobbies besides reading, I'll probably fall behind or have to give up, but it's always nice to dream!
It is always nice to aspire! And your inspiring me! I love that you track where the recommendations come from. That's something I want to do this year so I can remember why I want to read something and also look back and see where/who I got the best recommendations from.
I’m pretty simple and just keep a note on my phone with the books I’ve read. I also list books I DNF, because I’ve usually spent at least some time with them too.
That's so smart. I track my DNF books, too, because I find it helpful to realize what kinds of things might not be for me.
I use Storygraph and I adore it!
I know many people who love it! I found the user interface too clunky for my taste but I do love the amount of data they can give you.
I use an app on my iPhone simply called Book Tracker. I like the convenience. It also has a desktop version available when I want a larger view. I used to use Bookly but was frustrated because I couldn’t export my booklist. No setup is perfect but Book Tracker is meeting my needs.
That's perfect! I always appreciate when a site has a desktop and mobile version. I like being able to access on my computer so I'm not always hunched over my phone ◡̈
i've been tracking the books i've read on pinterest in 2012. it was all the rage then you know! what a time...
each year i make a new board so i can see at a glance what i've read. having the covers visually all lined make it easy to remember as sometimes the titles can run together, plus it looks a little like a collage. once i started my book substack i began taking more detailed notes on the books just in my iphone notes app as its so easily searchable.
I love this method so much!
I keep a simple log in a notebook with the book title, author and date completed, and I also track with The StoryGraph (for the stats, and to stash my TBR)!
Simple is truly sometimes the best ◡̈
I track mine with a bookish spreadsheet! I care less about the number of books I read, but really like diving into the things that are important to me: audience, genre, format, diversity, etc. In fact, I talked about it on my Get Lit(erate). podcast this week if you'd like to take a listen! Here's the link to my spreadsheet to download, too: https://stephanie-affinito-0cab.mykajabi.com/myreadinglife
This is such a great spreadsheet, Stephanie! I agree, I care less about numbers and more about the other data that helps me understand my reading life on a bigger picture.
Goodreads has been working great for me these past couple years!
StoryGraph for data and reviews (I have a reading streak of 1120 days and that is very motivating for me to read *something* every day) and a book journal for overall stats and reading challenge trackers. It feels like a reading scrapbook in a way—it’s not really necessary for my tracking but I love it as a creative outlet and having it to look back on!
Wow, what an impressive reading streak! And I love that the journal feels like a scrapbook and a creative outlet. That’s so nice to do things that just feel fun and good for you.
I still use Goodreads, I tried Storygraph a few years ago so maybe it's time to try it again. I've also heard about Copper Books recently, another new tracking app. A few times a year I'll copy one of those Instagram stories templates with "books I read this month" and try to keep it up to date, but I'm not very consistent. I love the idea of a physical journal, but I read so many different ways so many different places, I feel like I'd have to keep the journal on me at all times. I love the Goodnotes app on my ipad for taking notes for work, so I could probably find a notebook or template for Goodnotes to use, but again then I always have to have it with me. (You can update goodnotes on your phone, so this isn't technically true, but I find that clunky.) I've also only recently created collections on my Kindle to keep books in. I like that on Goodreads I can create categories for where I found the book (New York Times recommendations, Belletrist picks, NetGalley downloads, audiobooks, etc.). I'm sure I could do that in another app. So basically I also am completely at sea. Would love an update later in the year if you try anything new.
I've been tracking my reading mostly through Goodreads and Storygraph, but I also have to google sheets that are for other purposes. One is for my reading project of getting through the 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time and another is an overview of all my unread books in my shelves - I usually check them out there first, before buying a new book
I’m still using Goodreads but only update it every other month or so! I keep a list of my reads in the notes app and really like how simple it is! And I get excited to add a new book every time I finish one! 😂
I love the simplicity of that, Megan!