In today's busy world, finding time to read can be tough. But tracking your progress can keep you motivated and accountable.
How to Track Books Read?
This article explores effective ways to track reading. From traditional methods to the latest book tracker apps, we'll help you find the perfect fit for your needs.
Create a Bullet Journal
Consider starting a bullet journal if you like a hands-on way to track your reading. This customizable system lets you create pages for your reading goals, progress, and notes. You can include a reading list, books you've read, favorite quotes, and more.
Plus, writing things down can be both satisfying and motivating. All you need is a notebook and some pens or markers to get started.
Use Apps to Track Your Progress
Apps are the most convenient way to track your reading progress. And the most functional
way with lots of settings. Here are the apps that will help you with this.
Book Breeze: If setting reading goals and tracking your progress is your aim, Book Breeze is worth a try. This app offers statistics, predictions, and visual representations of your reading habits.
Italic Type: Though basic in design, Italic Type is effective for tracking your books, notes, and progress, while also providing recommendations. It also has a social component for those who enjoy discussing books.
Bookly: Bookly is a paid app that allows you to set reading goals.
BookSloth: This free app offers a smaller library of books but excels in recommendations and social interactions. It's ideal for those who want to discover new books and chat about them with others.
Candl: Candl is a straightforward app for staying organized with your reading. It lacks social features but offers a simple way to catalog your books and set reading goals.
Just keep in mind that installing apps is a potential risk. Hackers can remotely spy on someone's phone, including ours through apps. You should be especially careful when installing apps. You should also learn how to detect phone spying from VeePN's expert research. This will help protect you from surveillance and more accurately identify potentially dangerous apps.
Activate Services for Keep Track of Books
Tracking your reading progress is key to achieving your reading goals. I've always used Goodreads to monitor my reading, and a few years ago, I started a Bookstagram to find a reading community for inspiration and accountability. This year, I also got a book journal to log my reads physically. Here are some ways to track your progress:
Goodreads: The classic tracker where you can create a TBR list, monitor your progress, and connect with fellow readers.
italictype: A small-business alternative that lets you track progress, create wishlists, and set goals.
Notion: An excellent digital notebook with templates to make tracking your reading progress easier.
Create a Bookish Social Account: Share your reading journey on Instagram’s #bookstagram, TikTok’s #booktok, or Youtube’s #booktube to join the bookish community.
Spreadsheets
For those who like organization, spreadsheets are a fantastic way to keep track of your reading progress. Here’s a quick guide to setting one up:
1. Choose Your Tool: Open Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.
2. Set Up Columns:
a. Column 1: Book Titles
b. Column 2: Authors
c. Column 3: Genres
d. Column 4: Date Finished
e. Column 5: Personal Ratings
3. Log Your Reads: Enter the book details as you finish each one.
4. Automate Your Stats: Use formulas to calculate how many books you’ve read each month or year.
5. Customize to Fit You: Modify the spreadsheet according to your reading preferences and goals.
Pinterest Board
Pinterest is a fantastic tool for tracking your reading list. Many users create boards like “To Be Read,” “Currently Reading,” and “Read.” If you're already spending time on Pinterest, it's perfect for organizing your books.
Browser Extension : Pin books from anywhere online, whether from blogs, Amazon, or Pinterest itself.
Visual Appeal : Pinterest’s visual nature lets you enjoy beautifully curated boards, helping you see your reading progress at a glance.
Join a Book Club
Joining a book club is a fantastic way to read more and stay accountable. Whether you opt for a local group, a virtual club, or a subscription service like Book of the Month, having a “required” book each month keeps you motivated and helps you reach your reading goals. With experience in both in-person and virtual book clubs, as well as being a longtime BOTM member, I can confidently say these options are excellent for any book lover.
Conclusion
For those who carry their planners everywhere, tracking your reading in them is a no-brainer. It offers full flexibility with no set format and allows for creativity with doodles and color. If your planner has grid pages, you can create a tracking system for reading goals. With plain or lined pages, simply list the books you've read.
Alternatively, consider starting a reading journal. Many enjoy writing down their finished books and thoughts. While I prefer digital tracking for its searchability, journaling can be great for the mind and is worth trying if you're an avid reader.
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