Book Tracking Programs
I have tried so many tracking apps to see how many books I read per year, which ones I actually liked, and challenge myself to read more than I did last year. The main issue is that there are SO MANY different types of programs to use out there. A few auto populate and sync up with certain reading things, but most you have to manually enter the book that you are reading at the time.
Which typically is not a big deal, but apparently I keep forgetting to add my books to anything. Especially when I re-read a book.
Opps...
The Rise of App Tracking
Even in this crazy digital era, good ol' reading still rocks! But hey, forget about those dusty old bookmarks, we're going high-tech now! Say hello to app tracking systems - the cool new way to stalk... I mean, track your reading habits! No more paper clutter, just smooth sailing through your reading history. Perfect for the busy bees out there!
The benefits of app tracking are numerous. For one, it allows you to easily keep track of the books you've read and those you plan to read. It also provides a platform to write reviews and ratings, creating a personal library of experiences and reflections for future reference. Additionally, these apps often come with a community of readers, providing a space to share recommendations and discuss favorite reads.
Here a few of the App tracking ones that I have used or like.
Everyone knows Goodreads. I used to be a huge user of it back when it first started. I loved the tracking, the challenges, and the community to find authors and new book recommendations. You could even get into a virtual book club with people who liked the same genre as you.
I would rate every single book so I would remember which ones I loved and which ones I hated or did not finish.
Then, they linked up with Kindle (Amazon). So every book I read on my Kindle automatically synced up to that I was currently reading it to when I finished it. BEST DAY EVERY!!
However....I would forget to update my physical books. That was completely my own fault.
Over the years Goodreads has not really updated their interface, and it still looks and feels clunky. I am not particularly a fan of it anymore. I use it with my Kindle to track books, but I don't go on their physical site much anymore.
I find that I get enough book recommendations from my Kindle and the Silent Book Club that I go to.
I am just discovering Libi, and I love it. It is a cataloging cloud based system. It is not a community, it is just to keep track of what you have.
I use it currently for all of my physical books, CD's, DVD's, and VHS's. (yes...I am that old...). It really helps me keep track of everything, and what I have. From the app you just scan the bar code of whatever you wan to keep track, and it will automatically log it.
You can also create tags, notes, groups, reviews, and more to help you keep track of the books. I like to use the group section for books that are in series. Tags I use for keeping track of books that are of a certain genre. So when I'm in a certain mood to read a book, I can search via a tag.
If you have the ISBN or if you scanned it, it will auto populate the title, author, cover art, and more.
It also keep track if you have the physical book vs. if you have the ebook version. OR if you have both.
This has been nice because some times I can't remember which version I have the book in. So then...I buy it again...
I have been able to keep track if I have the Audible version of the book as well. Which has been really nice.
Con:
I have to manually add all of my ebooks. This has been somewhat of a pain in the butt. I can export my Goodreads and import it there, but some of it doesn't transfer over. And I forget to do the ones I am currently reading, instead of doing a dump once a month of all the books I read.
I really feel like that is the only Con for Libi. I love it, and will probably continue to use it for a long time.
If you pay for the Pro plan, you can even keep track of the books you loan out. Which would be super helpful. Because of the years people have borrowed books from me....and never given them back.
Social like Goodreads, but doesn't sync with your kindle, and it manual entry like Libi. However, it is more of a book community that gives you suggestions based off of your reading, and you can join book clubs.
It will suggest books based on your mood and genre that you read. I find the suggestions are better than the ones Amazon would do. They even have you do a really neat survey to help cultivate book suggestions.
All of this is manual entry as well.
I love the interface of it. It is easy to use and looks amazing. The graphs are fabulous as well on the Stats page.
However.....to be able to find the actual list of all the books that I have read, is hard to find or at least I a can't find it.
I like the idea of that you can do a book club read along through the site and see everyone's comments and where they are in the book. I also like the journal entry section of it as well, where I can make comments along the way of my reading. Date I made the entry, what my thoughts are, and what page I was on at the time.
I need to play with this more, but I don't this is for me. I am not super into the community part of the book tracking program. I just want something to track my books.
I currently use Notion for tracking other aspects of my daily life. It keeps me organized, keep all my notes, calendar, and other items. They have a very good user friendly app, along with amazing templates
While I was poking around one day I saw that the had a template for Reading List. It said that I could customize it to fit what I wanted to see....
WHAT?!
I can literally have it look anyway that I want, and track things how I want?! SOLD!
It is basically a fantastic spreadsheet where you can have the data show any way you want.
I have mine as follows:
Their system is growing an changing a lot. Sor far I love it.
The Charm of Pen and Paper
Who needs fancy app tracking when you can go old school with pen and paper? Embrace the charm of crossing off a book from your list or scribbling random thoughts in the margins of your notebook. It's like a throwback to the good ol' days of analog fun!
For the old school reader, this method offers a tangible connection to their reading journey. It allows them to hold their reading history in their hands and see their progress through the filled pages of their notebook.
I have used just a simple note book and have even started using a tablet where I write my books down. I sometimes forget to write it down in the notebook, or I don't have the notebook or tablet with me.
Choosing the Right Method for You
So, how do you choose between digital tracking and the traditional pen to paper method? The answer lies in understanding your personal reading habits and preferences.
You should ask yourself some of these questions:
Do you like to have a community or a place that gives you suggestions on books? Then GoodReads and StoryGraph are for you.
Do you like statistics and trying to beat your score from last year or last month? Then Notion and Libi might be fore you.
Ultimately, the best book tracking system is the one that enhances your reading experience and fits seamlessly into your lifestyle. Whether you choose to go digital or stick with the traditional method, the most important thing is that you continue to foster your love for reading.
Alright, folks! When it comes to keeping tabs on your books, whether you're a tech wizard with an app or a good ol' pen-and-paper enthusiast, it's all about finding your groove. Embrace your inner bookworm and pick the method that speaks to you, elevating your reading game to new heights!
Until next time, happy reading!
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