Whether you’ve recently picked up a reading habit or you simply need a shake-up in your everyday reading life, tracking your reading can be beneficial and motivating. Keep track of yearly goals, favorite authors, and least favorite books of the year. Tracking your reading can be a simple and enjoyable way to liven up your reading and discover some trends about yourself. In this post, you’ll learn 3 methods of tracking your reading and find some examples you can try out for yourself. So fasten your seatbelt, get comfortable, and prepare to transform your bookish habits and daily routines.
Online Tracking Platforms
Online tracking platforms are fairly straightforward to use by simply marking when you’ve read something, and easily accessible whether you’re at home or on the go. If you’re looking for a way to keep a list of everything you’ve read, get some interesting no-fuss stats at the end of the year, and connect with your bookish friends to see what they’re reading, then this may be the perfect avenue for you. This is also the option that requires the least amount of effort, so if you’re not sure that a reading tracker is for you or you just don’t have the time for anything more complex, check out one of these great websites to get started.
Goodreads
Alright, the first and probably most popular option when it comes to online tracking is Goodreads. With almost two decades of experience under its belt, this site provides almost everything a reader could want when it comes to keeping track of reading, checking reviews, and connecting with other readers. A straightforward platform that allows you to add books to virtual bookshelves and mark what titles you’d like to read, anything you’re currently reading, and anything you’ve finished. Once completed, you may give a book a star rating out of 5 and leave a review. This is a low-commitment, well-populated platform perfect for any reader, whether you read 2 books a year or 200. (P.S. there are always book giveaways you can enter if you want the chance to get your hands on books for free!)
Goodreads Pros
- Simple to use / minimum work
- Accessible anytime (web or app)
- Connect with readers
- Enter giveaways
- End-of-year reading stats
- Search for books & authors
- Links to buy books
- Find recommendations
- Articles & author interviews
- Authors are part of community
- Kindle integration
Goodreads Cons
- Boring to look at
- Only one reading challenge
- Ads
The StoryGraph
The StoryGraph is a more recently established competitor to Goodreads. Independently owned, this is the “by readers, for readers” go-to for online tracking. This site is user friendly, simple, and has both classic and new features. You have the opportunity to join or create a wide variety of reading challenges, set up buddy reads virtually, and tailor your book reviews more fully. This is a great online alternative for those readers who want a minimum effort method of tracking, but would like to have some more options and control over the experience.
The StoryGraph Pros
- Simple to use / minimum effort
- Accessible anytime (web or app)
- Connect with readers
- Enter giveaways (currently in beta)
- Up-to-date reading stats anytime
- Search for books & authors
- Create & join multiple reading challenges
- Detailed review & content warning options
- Modern / uncluttered look
- No ads
- Option to transfer data from your Goodreads
The StoryGraph Cons
- No links to buy books
- No articles or author interviews
- No Kindle integration
Spreadsheets
If an online community-based platform isn’t your thing, but you still want to go digital, spreadsheets could be the right option for you. Once you decide on this method, there are many different paths you can take. Also feel free to try them all out to see what works best for you! First let’s talk program: Google Sheets vs Microsoft Excel. This is largely based on personal preference. Personally, I use both to keep track of different things. However, if you’re struggling to decide, in simplest terms, Google Sheets will provide the best use for you if you primarily like working online within a browser. However, Microsoft Excel may be the way to go if you prefer working from a downloaded app, especially if you don’t want your list online at all. New school or old school, your book tracking will succeed either way.
Now, you’ve got to decide whether you’d like to use a template (less work) or set up your spreadsheet from scratch (more work, but tailor-made to your needs). Keep in mind that both methods will still give you a highly customizable tracking experience. You could even start out with a template to get a feel for what you actually want in your tracker and then create your own to fit your needs later on.
One great place to find templates for your spreadsheets is on Etsy. If you search up “reading tracker spreadsheet” you get over 1,300 results, so you’re sure to find something to fit your needs.
Spreadsheet Pros
- Highly customizable
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Can be shared or private
- Accessible anywhere
Spreadsheet Cons
- More effort to set up
- No direct access to book stats & information
- No recommendations
- No reading community integration
Reading Journals
If you’d prefer to do away with digital options altogether, a reading journal is the way to go. It’s a classic, popular, tried and true method to keeping track of your reading. Whether you go for a spiral notebook from the dollar section or a fancy leather journal, a black ballpoint pen that may be running out of ink or pretty pens and highlighters, your reading journal is meant to work perfectly for you. So print out some pretty bookish photos or find a backup pen because now is the perfect time to get started on your reading journal.
If you find yourself in need of some inspiration, YouTube and Pinterest are filled with readers sharing their own journals and tips.
Reading Journal Pros
- Highly customizable
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Private
- Unique
- Dedicated tech-free time
Reading Journal Cons
- Requires time & effort
- Cost of supplies
- Only accessible if carried with you
- Difficult to make changes
- No recommendations
- No reading community integration
Now that you have a plan to track your reading this year, go get reading! You’ll feel a lot more organized and more reflective about your reading, especially if you decide to review books online or in your journal. By the end of the year, you’ll be able to analyze your reading habits and feel proud of yourself for all you accomplished in 12 months.
If you have any questions or want to share what your favorite method of tracking your reading is, leave a comment below!
