Plotting Your Progress: Fun Ways to Track Your Reading Journey

In today’s digital age, we live in a world that thrives on constant comparison. From social media updates to fitness challenges, it often feels like there's always something to measure against. One area where this comparison has become particularly prominent is reading. The rise of reading challenges, yearly goals, and social sharing platforms like Goodreads, Fable, and StoryGraph has made it easier than ever to track how many books we read. While this can be motivating for some, it has also led to the notion that reading a lot of books is a competition. The way I see it, I am only in competition with myself from the previous year and how I can make a healthier, happier, and knowledgeable version of myself going forward. Knowledge is power. Well, according to Cersei Lannister, "Power is Power." 

Here's another take that I really appreciate:

(CREDIT)

I know, I know, I know, my previous post was me sharing that I listened to 402 books in 2024. That was me sharing my reignited passion for reading, (and possibly making up for lost time while being focused on living and surviving). Too many books, too little time, with a dash of undiagnosed ADHD and a listening speed of 2.5X to 3.0X. Because of this chaotic combination, I now have so many authors that I can recommend and anticipate new books from, as well as a TBR that is constantly growing and never-ending.

I saw this chart in one of the book communities I am in on Facebook and it is not to shame or make anyone feel bad, rather, I hope this makes you proud of the progress you have made with your reads and/or encourages someone to start their reading journey and fall in love with books as I have. I think about how rich my life is now with all the knowledge I have acquired from the books I have been exposed to. Everyone has their own reasons for reading, and those reasons can vary widely from person to person. I hope you find your reason(s) and niche. Some read to escape reality, others to learn, and some for the pure love of stories. For me, it's all three! 

(CREDIT)

If you're an avid reader like me, keeping track of the books you read can enhance your reading experience. Tracking your journey not only helps you remember what you've read but also allows you to set goals, analyze your reading habits, and discover new books that match your interests. Whether you're diving into fiction or exploring thought-provoking nonfiction, here are some practical ways to document and celebrate your reading journey.

1. Keep a Reading Journal
A reading journal is a timeless method for tracking your books. You can jot down titles, authors, dates finished, and personal thoughts. Here’s how to get started:

• Create a dedicated notebook or use a digital note-taking app.

• Record basic details like the book title, author, and genre.

• Add your favorite quotes, memorable moments, and personal reviews.

• Reflect on themes and your emotional response to the story.

2. Use Book Tracking Apps
Apps make tracking effortless and fun. Platforms like StoryGraph, Fable, and Goodreads are popular among readers:

• StoryGraph (Founder: Nadia Odunayo - Black-Owned Business): Offers mood-based recommendations, detailed reading stats (such as average page length, reading pace, and favorite genres), and customizable reading challenges and goals. You can filter books by specific themes, triggers, or content warnings, which helps you find books that align with your values and preferences, as well as ensuring you avoid books that might not be suitable for your needs. It doesn’t overwhelm users with ads or distraction, as it is ad-free, providing a distraction-free experience.

• Fable (Founder: Padmasree Warrior - Indian-Owned Business): Focuses on creating a more social and interactive reading experience, offering a variety of benefits for book lovers. Users to join or create book clubs where they can read and discuss books together in real time. This social aspect enhances the reading experience, as you can share thoughts, questions, and reflections with fellow readers. In book clubs, you can participate in live chats with fellow readers, discussing chapters and characters as you go along. This creates a dynamic, real-time conversation around books. able offers personalized book recommendations based on your reading history and preferences. You can discover new books through curated lists, ensuring that your reading experience stays fresh and relevant. Fable also has a large library of ebooks, including bestsellers, contemporary works, and more niche titles. As a subscription-based service, it gives you access to a variety of titles at a flat fee, which can be more affordable than purchasing books individually. One of the main disadvantages of using Fable as a reading platform is the lack of audiobook support. While the platform offers a wide range of ebooks and focuses on providing a great digital reading experience, it does not yet support audiobooks. Here's hoping it happens sooner rather than later!

• Goodreads: Provides a social platform to share your progress, join book clubs, and set annual reading goals. (MY TAKE on Goodreads - I won't elaborate too much into Goodreads because I am not a fan of the monopoly Amazon has become thanks to Jeff Bezos and his greed. While I do use Amazon for shopping, I try my hardest to buy most of my books off Amazon. I know it's easy to use Goodreads if you read on a kindle and/or buy books on Amazon, but Bezos is rich enough. )

These apps also allow you to categorize books as “Want to Read,” “Currently Reading,” or “Read,” making organization a breeze. You can also categorize as "Did Not Finish" (DNF) for books that you just couldn't get into or "Re-Read" for those stories that were too good to only read once! 

One advantage of StoryGraph and Fable is that they offer the ability to import data from Goodreads, which comes with several advantages for users transitioning or integrating their reading experiences across platforms. Both StoryGraph and Fable allow for a quick setup by importing your Goodreads data, which eliminates the need to manually add books you've read and reviews you've written. This can be especially beneficial for avid readers with large libraries.  Importing from Goodreads ensures that none of your reading history, ratings, or reviews are lost. Whether you're transitioning to a new platform or looking to back up your data, it guarantees continuity. Both platforms provide personalized recommendations and insights, which become more accurate with your Goodreads history. Your preferences, reading stats, and trends can be used to generate book suggestions tailored to your tastes. By importing your Goodreads data, you can maintain connections with friends and fellow readers, ensuring that your social reading experience continues seamlessly, whether on StoryGraph or Fable.

Added bonus -- If you don't want to support and keep making a corrupt billionaire richer year after year, StoryGraph and Fable are the way to go! BIPOC and woman-owned/operated = a win/win for everyone!

3. Create a Spreadsheet
If you love customizing data, a spreadsheet might be your perfect tool. Use columns for:

• Title, author, and genre

• Date started and finished

• Star rating

• Key themes or takeaways

Spreadsheets allow you to filter and sort data, making it easy to analyze your reading habits over time.

If you don't want to create one, I was fortunate to to find ONE made by a fellow book lover when I first began my reading journey in October 2023. I wish I could tag her for credit, but it's been so long since I last had access to her video. Make sure to make a copy of the spreadsheet before you do anything else to ensure the template works for anyone else accessing the link after you. 

DISCLAIMER: Do keep in mind that this spreadsheet is on Google Drive and you should have working knowledge on how to add additional columns/rows, edit options, use formulas, and how to create/edit charts and graphs. Also, this creator of the spreadsheet's genre of choice is romance, so if that's not your forte, knowing how to maneuver in spreadsheets is a MUST! If you don't, Google/YouTube will be your best friend, like they are mine.

4. Participate in Reading Challenges
Joining challenges can motivate you to track your progress and stay consistent. Examples include:

• The annual Goodreads Reading Challenge

• "Read Around the World" challenges focusing on diverse authors

• Genre-specific goals, like reading a certain number of mysteries or memoirs

Track your progress in a journal, app, or social media post to stay accountable.

5. Annotate Your Books
For physical book lovers, annotating directly in the margins can be a great way to track your thoughts and progress. Use sticky notes, highlighters, or even a pencil to:

• Highlight meaningful passages

• Add notes about your reactions or insights

• Mark questions or topics for further exploration

6. Join a Book Community
Online book communities offer a space to share and track your reading journey with others. Platforms like Reddit (“/r/books”), Instagram (Bookstagram), Tik Tok (BookTok) or Facebook groups can inspire you to:

• Share your reading goals

• Discover new books

• Discuss your thoughts with like-minded readers

7. Use Visual Aids
If you’re a visual learner, tracking your reading journey with visuals can be exciting:

• Bullet Journals: Incorporate creative trackers like bookshelf drawings, habit trackers, or pie charts.

• Digital Infographics: Use tools like Canva to create appealing reading summaries.

• Wall Displays: Dedicate a space in your home for a reading wall where you display book covers or quotes.

8. Reflect and Adjust
At the end of each month or year, review your reading log. Ask yourself:

• What genres did I enjoy the most?

• Did I meet my reading goals?

• What did I learn from these books?

Use this reflection to refine your goals and improve your tracking methods.

Tracking your reading journey is more than just a list of books; it’s a way to deepen your connection to the stories and ideas that shape your world. Whether you choose a traditional journal, a high-tech app, or a creative visual aid, the key is finding a method that fits your style. Start tracking today and discover the joy of looking back on your literary adventures.

What book tracking method do you prefer and why?

Until next time...

Sharon