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Quick answer: The easiest ways to track your reading are with an app like Goodreads or The StoryGraph, a paper reading journal, or a simple spreadsheet. Record the title, author, dates and a quick rating for each book. Choose the method you’ll actually keep up with, since a simple system used consistently beats a fancy one you abandon.
Quick facts
Most popular apps: Goodreads, The StoryGraph
Best for creativity: a paper reading journal
Best for data lovers: a spreadsheet
Minimum to track: title, author, date finished, rating
Tracking your reading isn’t just for people chasing big yearly goals. It helps you remember what you’ve read, spot patterns in your taste, find recommendations and feel proud of your progress. Many readers say that seeing their list grow motivates them to read more. Here are seven easy methods, from apps to old-fashioned notebooks.
Table of Contents
7 Ways to Track Your Reading
1. Goodreads
Goodreads, owned by Amazon, is the biggest book-tracking site. You can shelve books as read, currently reading or want to read, set a yearly reading challenge, write reviews and see what friends are reading. It also connects with Kindle.
2. The StoryGraph
The StoryGraph is a popular alternative with detailed statistics: charts of genres, moods, pace and page counts. Its recommendations are based on the moods and themes you enjoy.
3. A Paper Reading Journal
A dedicated reading journal gives you space for ratings, favorite quotes and reflections. Many include prompts and pages for yearly stats. It’s a lovely keepsake and screen-free.
4. A Bullet Journal
If you already use a bullet journal, add a reading log page, a bookshelf drawing you color in, or a monthly reading tracker. A dotted notebook works well.
5. A Spreadsheet
Google Sheets or Excel let you track anything: pages, genres, authors’ nationalities, format, ratings and more. Formulas can calculate totals and averages automatically.
6. Your Kindle or Library App
Your Kindle library and reading insights keep track of ebooks you’ve read. Library apps like Libby can also keep a history of borrowed titles if you turn the setting on.
7. A Simple Notes App
For minimalists, a running list in your phone’s notes app with the title, author and month finished is enough.
What Should You Track?
| Essentials | Extras |
|---|---|
| Title and author | Genre and format |
| Date finished | Page count |
| Rating | Favorite quote |
| One-line thought | Who recommended it |
Tips for Sticking With It
- Keep it quick: logging a book should take less than a minute.
- Log as soon as you finish, before you start the next book.
- Track DNFs too: noting books you quit helps you learn your taste.
- Review monthly: look back at what you read and what you loved.
- Set flexible goals: a reading challenge should motivate you, not stress you out.
Should You Set a Yearly Reading Goal?
A yearly goal can be motivating, especially if you choose a realistic number. If it starts making you rush or avoid long books, try a time-based goal, like reading 20 minutes a day, instead.
Related: how many pages should you read a day and how to annotate a book.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best app to track reading?
Goodreads is the most widely used, while The StoryGraph offers more detailed statistics and mood-based recommendations. Both are free to start.
How do I start a reading journal?
Use a notebook or a dedicated reading journal. For each book, record the title, author, dates, rating, favorite quote and a few thoughts.
Should I track books I didn’t finish?
Yes. Tracking DNFs and noting why you stopped helps you understand your taste and choose better books in the future.