I used to keep a list of the books I read. I don’t recall why I filled this little notebook*, because this was back in the ‘90s. I worked at a bookstore, and I was gobbling books up as fast as I could. Month by month, I chronicled the books I read and the ones I half-read.
Somewhere along the way, this practice ended. Perhaps I was more in love with the notebook than the process. I tried to pick it up again but it didn’t stick. One year, I used Goodreads as a place to chronicle my books, but that digital method didn’t light me up.
Now, I use my library reading history and my book group list as a partial way to keep track. I wonder what would help me get back into this practice? As a coach, I would ask:
- What’s important about keeping track of the books you read?
- What values are you honoring when you do this process?
- If it’s important to do this, what would make it easy to record the books you’ve read?
I haven’t answered these questions yet, but I wanted to share them with you for any habits you may have let fall to the wayside. If I were to resume, I would use this notebook, which I found on my shelves while searching the archives.
*I thought that aforementioned little notebook was right there on the shelf. I spent some time looking for it. Then I realized that I waste a LOT of time trying to find images to go along with these boosts. I decided you and I would both rather me spend my time writing and coaching and making things than search for photos. 😵💫
Great topic. Yes, I do! I have let it lapse from time to time, but have been diligent about keeping it this year because I wanted to make sure I read at least 1 book a month. I know that’s small potatoes for you, but I tend to read non-fiction. It’s a helpful resource!
Alyson,
That’s a great way to make sure you’re on track with your monthly reading goal.
I’m inspired to pick my practice back up!
Thanks for commenting.
I still use Goodreads. Most of my reading is done on my Kindle so it updates automatically when I finish. Then I go in later and tag it with the year.
I’d love to keep a ‘book book’ but I know the reality is I would get busy and months would go by in between updates. Then I’d be scrambling trying to remember what I read!
Charlotte,
That’s the genius of an online system – I love that it automatically updates for you! You’re smart to know what works for you and what doesn’t. I know I have lost some of the titles read to not remembering,
Happy reading!
I love the idea of keeping a book in my handwriting of the books I’ve read . . . but I just can’t seem to be disciplined enough to maintain it. Goodreads.com is where I record what I read. It also helps me organize and see what I have so that I don’t buy books a second and third time. I, too try to leave a brief review for each book I’ve read.
Tamara,
So good that you know what works for you! And kudos for writing reviews – those make a huge difference for authors.
I keep two lists: one of books I look forward to reading (Google Doc, so it’s always at the ready!) and an Excel list of books read, with the author’s name and date. It’s a gift to be able to look back and recall what I was reading when—and to rediscover authors to return to.
Thanks for the question, Cynthia.
Maryanne,
Great point about the to-read list! I used to keep one in Evernote, but I guess when I stopped using that, the list fell away.
Now I just order books from the library. It often takes months, so that serves as a sort of to-read list.
Thanks for sharing your systems. Both sound easy to use and that they really work for you. Of course I want to know what you are reading now!
Happy reading!
I used to keep a journal of books I read. It became a chore. I’m a pretty big reader. I threw it away, which was very liberating, and haven’t done any tracking for years. In 2025 though I ran across some cute bookmarks that look like old school library checkout cards (I don’t know the official name). I bought 10 and handed them out to my reader friends. The card allows for 46 titles to be entered. I’ve almost filled all the lines.
Janet,
You’re so smart to know when something has completed its cycle. When anything related to reading becomes a chore – forget it! I love that you felt liberated after getting rid of the journal.
That new method sounds fun! I googled it and there are a bunch of different kinds on Etsy.
It’s so great when we find something that works, and even better, when we allow ourselves to change.
Happy reading!
Yes, I do. I still use Goodreads, but I’m not at consistent as I could be. I’ve started to write a review in my journal each time I finish (or don’t). It’s helped me to remember the book with my thoughts as to why I liked or disliked it.
Diane,
So cool that you write a review! I might take that up. There is plenty of room in my new book of books journal.
Thanks for sharing and happy reading!
Last year, I started listing the books I read on the end pages of my yearly journal. After each entry I’d write a quick review of each book and list the approximate date I finished it. Then I can go back and remember (or wonder) why I thought a certain book was so wonderful. I’m doing the same thing with this year’s journal.
I love this, Anita! All in one handy place by year. So good.
I’ve been keeping a list of books read and movies seen for decades now – all the way back to the 1970’s. I read at least a book a week, and nearly all of them are audiobooks, downloaded from the library to Libby. For the last 20 or so years, the list is all on a Word document and at the end of the year I print it out and paste it into the back of my journal. I also post all books I read on Goodreads, and try/intend to write at least a short review on Goodreads. I am up to nearly 1000 reviews!
This year I’ve been lax about the reviews, but there’s always the intention to write at least a couple of lines.
“. . . at the end of the year I print it out and paste it into the back of my journal.”
Love this!
Paula,
It’s fun to peek into your system. Such a cool integration of digital + analog.
Do write those reviews – they make all the difference for authors! Even a short sentence counts.
Thanks for sharing your process.