Track Your Reading: Personal Tips & Book Recommendations

Hi Bookish Besties! I know how easy it is to lose track of all the wonderful books you want to read—or have already read—especially when life gets busy. Over the years, I’ve experimented with different methods, and I’m excited to share my top 5 ways to track your reading. These personal tips have truly improved my reading life, and I hope they inspire you, too, so you can build and sustain a reading routine. Plus, I’ll sprinkle in some book recommendations along the way!

5 Ways to Track Your Reading

1. Reading Tracking Websites

One of the most popular ways to track your reading is by using digital book tracking apps like Goodreads, The StoryGraph, or Bookly. Personally, I started with Goodreads when I was first exploring my reading habits. I love how you can scan barcodes, update your TBR list, mark books as “read,” and even set yearly reading challenges.

• Goodreads is fantastic for joining a vibrant book community, even though its interface can sometimes be a bit clunky.
• The StoryGraph offers a cleaner design, detailed statistics, and personalized recommendations based on your mood and reading pace—which I find incredibly motivating!
• Bookly is great for book lovers who want to be motivated to read more consistently.

2. Wish Lists on Online Bookstores

Another simple yet effective method is to use your wish lists on online bookstores like Amazon, or Bookshop. I personally love curating my wish list for future reads because it keeps all my must-read titles in one easily accessible place. Whenever I come across a recommendation or see a beautiful cover online, I quickly add it to my wish list.

This method not only helps you keep track of books you’re excited to read but also gives you insight into upcoming releases and special editions.

3. Spreadsheets

If you’re a data person like me, creating a spreadsheet in Excel or Google Sheets can be a game changer. I use spreadsheets to log details such as:

• Title and Author
• Date Added (so you remember when you discovered the book)
• Source/Recommendation (who or what sparked your interest)
• Brief Summary (to jog your memory later)
• Rating (your personal review, 1-5 stars, etc.)

Spreadsheets allow you to track both your TBR list and the books you’ve read. Over time, you’ll be amazed at how much you can learn about your reading habits and preferences.

4. Physical Journals

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic and satisfying about using a physical reading journal to track your reading. I love the tactile experience of jotting down my thoughts, noting down quotes, and doodling little scribbles next to my favorite books. With a physical journal, you can:

• Write down the title, author, and your personal notes.
• Organize your reading lists by genres or themes.
• Create unique layouts like reading charts, book shelves, and even custom drawings of your current TBR list.

I’ve tried several preprinted reading journals and bullet journals, and my favorites include the Bibliophile Reader’s Journal and the Scribble & Dot® Bullet Dotted Journal.

My Recommended Journaling Supplies

My recommended preprinted reading journals:

• Bibliophile Reader’s Journal
• Reading Journal: For the Love of Books
• Book Club: A Journal

My recommended bullet journal and must-have supplies:

• Scribble & Dot® Bullet Dotted Journal
• Sharpie S-Gel Pens
• Tombow Dual Brush Pen, Black
• Tombow Dual Brush Pen Art Markers, Tropical, 10-Pack
• Tombow MONO Permanent Adhesive Applicator, 1/3-Inch
• Westcott 8ths 12-Inch Beveled Transparent Ruler

5. A Combination of Methods

Why settle for just one method when you can combine them? My favorite approach is mixing digital and physical tracking. Here are some combinations you might try:

• Digital + Physical: Use Goodreads or The StoryGraph for tracking your completed reads, while using a physical journal for your TBR list and personal reflections.
• Online Wish Lists + Spreadsheets: Maintain your wish list on an online bookstore and log your completed reads and ratings in a spreadsheet.
• Dual Journaling: Use a physical journal to jot down immediate thoughts and quotes while reading, and update a digital tracker weekly to monitor your overall progress.

This hybrid approach gives you the best of both worlds: the convenience and analytics of digital tools and the personal touch of traditional journaling.

What’s Your Reading Tracking Method?

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to tracking your reading—what matters is finding the method that makes you excited to pick up your next book! Whether you’re digitally savvy, love the charm of pen and paper, or enjoy a blend of both, I hope these reading tips can help you build a richer and more rewarding reading life.

I’d love to hear about your favorite ways to track your reading. Do you have any specific tips or favorite apps you can’t live without? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s keep the conversation going!