Beyond the Bookshelf: Fun Ways to Track What You Read

Have you ever finished a fantastic book, only to realize six months later that you can barely remember the plot? Or worse, you’ve picked up a book at the library and gotten halfway through before realizing you’ve already read it?

If you’re an avid reader like me, keeping track of what you’ve read can be surprisingly helpful—and fun. Whether you read a handful of books each year or dozens, having a system lets you look back on favorite stories, discover reading patterns, and even find recommendations for future reads.

I enjoy keeping track of what I’ve read and sharing it on social media!

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Ways to track what you read

Here are several ways to keep track of your reading life.

1. Use Goodreads

One of the most popular options is Goodreads.

Goodreads allows you to:

• Mark books as “Want to Read,” “Currently Reading,” or “Read”
• Rate books using a five-star system
• Write reviews
• Set annual reading goals
• See what your friends are reading
• Get personalized book recommendations

One of the biggest advantages of Goodreads is its enormous catalog. Chances are, if a book exists, you’ll find it there. It’s also easy to look back years later and see exactly when you finished a book and what you thought about it at the time.

You can find me on Goodreads here: Jen Dodrill (Author of Birds Alive!) | Goodreads

2. Create an Instagram Reading Journal

If you enjoy sharing your reading life visually, Instagram can be a great option.

Many readers create dedicated book accounts (often called “Bookstagram” accounts) where they post:

• Book cover photos
• Mini reviews
• Monthly wrap-ups
• Reading challenge updates
• Favorite quotes
• Book haul photos

Even if you don’t want a separate account, you can create a highlight on your personal Instagram profile dedicated to books you’ve read. I do a monthly roundup video on Canva and post it on my IG. You can find me on Instagram here: Instagram

The bonus? You’ll build a visual timeline of your reading journey and connect with fellow readers who enjoy similar genres.

3. Start a Reading Notebook

Sometimes old-fashioned methods are still the most satisfying.

A reading notebook can include:

• Book titles and authors
• Start and finish dates
• Favorite quotes
• Character names
• Plot notes
• Personal reflections

Many readers find that physically writing down thoughts helps them remember books more clearly. Plus, flipping through a completed notebook years later can feel like revisiting old friends. I know people who use their phone’s notes app to do this too.

4. Use a Reading Spreadsheet

If you love organization, a spreadsheet may be your perfect solution.

You can track:

• Title
• Author
• Genre
• Publication year
• Rating
• Format (ebook, audiobook, paperback)
• Number of pages
• Date completed

Spreadsheets are especially useful for readers who enjoy statistics. Want to know how many mysteries you read this year? Or how many books were by debut authors? A spreadsheet can tell you.

Personally, I love spreadsheets, but this one would be a bit over the top for me. I’d love to hear if you use one!

5. Keep a Reading Bullet Journal

Bullet journals combine creativity with organization.

You can create pages for:

• Books read
• Monthly reading goals
• Favorite books of the year
• Reading challenges
• Books to buy
• Series trackers

The beauty of a bullet journal is that it can be as simple or artistic as you’d like. Some readers decorate every page, while others prefer clean lists and checkboxes.

I’m pretty much the opposite of artistic, so this wouldn’t work for me. But, I know lots of readers who love their bullet journals!

6. Use a Reading App

Beyond Goodreads, several reading-focused apps help readers track their books.

Popular options include:

• StoryGraph
• Bookly
• Bookmory

Many of these apps provide detailed statistics, reading streaks, and visual summaries of your reading habits. I’ve heard good things about StoryGraph!

7. Create Monthly Reading Wrap-Ups

At the end of each month, spend a few minutes reviewing what you’ve read.

You might record:

• Total books read
• Favorite book
• Biggest surprise
• Most memorable character
• Best quote
• Books you didn’t finish

These wrap-ups can be posted on a blog, shared on social media, or kept privately in a journal.

Over time, they’ll create a wonderful snapshot of your reading life. This is sort of what I do, but more in-depth. I like the idea of quotes and favorite books.

8. Make a Simple “Books Read” List

Not every tracking method has to be elaborate.

A simple document on your computer or notes app can work perfectly.

Just keep a running list:

• January
  • Book Title
  • Book Title
• February
  • Book Title
  • Book Title

Even a basic list can help prevent accidental rereads and make it easier to recommend books to friends.

Not that rereads are bad… 😉

Why Tracking Your Reading Matters

Books often come into our lives during specific seasons, challenges, celebrations, and transitions. Looking back at your reading history can remind you where you were, what you were feeling, and which stories stayed with you.

Keeping track of your reading isn’t about turning books into homework. It’s about preserving memories.

Whether you prefer Goodreads, Instagram, a notebook, or a color-coded spreadsheet, the best system is the one you’ll actually use.

So choose a method that fits your personality, pour yourself a cup of coffee (or tea), and start recording your reading adventures. Your future book-loving self will thank you.

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Read What is a Cozy Mystery, then follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, and subscribe to my newsletter to keep up with news about my book and any special offers!

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Hi, I’m Jen! I’ve been married for over 40 years, have 5 amazing kids, and have 3 adorable grandkids. I homeschooled our three youngest children and used to blog about homeschooling. I also taught Oral Communication as an adjunct instructor for over 5 years.

Jen Dodrill Writes is born of a passion of mine – to write a novel! My cozy mystery series – The Empty Nesters Cozy Mysteries – is now complete! My romantic suspense novella, SeaBreeze Obsession in Trinity Sands Beach Club, released June 17, 2025! And finally, my first women’s fiction, Finding Ginny, released April 7, 2026!

When I’m not working, you’ll find me writing, spending time with my family, or curled up on the couch reading and drinking a mug of dark roast coffee. (Don’t forget to check out my mug shop – JDMugs!)