New year, new pile of books to read -- and maybe some new book challenges, too. you may find it useful to track your reading this year. I've done this for years because: 1) I like to know what and how much I'm reading; 2) It's easy to see when I've finished something that fits a reading challenge, book club, etc.; 3) I don't much like to re-read (unintentionally), so I can check my reading tracker to see if I've already picked up a particular cozy fantasy; 4) Any other reason! Like: my friend asked me for a book recommendation -- what sci fi did I read last year? (Or: I read that book THREE YEARS AGO and it's still vivid in my mind?!? )
This year, try out one of these suggestions to track your reading trail:
1. Use an app or website: Two of the most popular are Storygraph and Goodreads, both of which are available as websites or phone apps. In either, you create an account then add items by title / author as you finish them. Storygraph does a great job of compiling stats on your reading year for you. Goodreads can be helpful for seeing what other friends of yours are reading (once you add them by username) as well as making 'To read' lists and virtual bookshelves of items read or unread. There are lots of others, too. Some support your writing a full review of the item read; others ask you for a star rating (sometimes both). One of my favorite features: the Reading Challenge in Goodreads where I can set a goal of books to read for the year. As I add titles, Goodreads automatically updated my challenge so I know whether I'm ahead or behind of my goal. And never fear: you can adjust this goal during the year if you find you've made it too tough or easy.
2. Make and / or use a spreadsheet: Try Google Sheets or Excel to build your own reading tracker. Depending on your levels of expertise and interest, you can go with something very simple, like a simple title / author / date read list. Or, if you prefer, you can build something more elaborate that tracks types of reading or author qualities. That way you can keep count of, say, how many mysteries written by women that you read in a given year. If you don't want to build your own, there are some amazing ready-made spreadsheets out there that have VERY elaborate tracking formulas. One of my favorites comes from the Currently Reading podcast, which uses careful formulas to track -- well, nearly everything about your reading. You do need to subscribe to the Currently Reading Patreon for $5 (the cost of one month's access) in order to get access to this mega-spreadsheet. But: Kaytee's done a lot of the work for you.
3. Use a paper reading tracker: Some people take great joy in buying a new reading tracker each year. You can find them on the shelf at indie bookshops or Barnes & Noble. Several prominent podcasters in the book world have their own versions, too (Anne Bogel of What Should I Read Next / Modern Mrs. Darcy publishes one for adults or kids, for example). Some of these come with space to write reviews or track other elements, like whether you read the title for a book club, specific challenge, etc. However, a paper reading tracker doesn't have to cost a lot; a simple notebook will do. We're actually giving away a free NPL notebook with pen to everyone who signs up for the Adult Reading Challenge while supplies last, so get yours today if you haven't. If you like to bullet journal, you can track your reading perfectly in one, whether you choose to write reviews, issue stars, or include mini drawings per book: it's up to you. For many years, I used a plain 'ol Mead notebook that simply listed title, author, and date finished for everything I read.
Whether you've signed up for our 2024 Adult Reading Challenge or our Winter Reading Bingo (or both), or simply want to see where your reading adventures take you this year, keeping track of your reading will help you meet your goals. Follow your path through the pages by tracking your reading this year!