How I Track My Reading as a Cozy Reader

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Reading has always been one of my favorite parts of life. And like many readers, I love keeping track of the books I want to read, am reading, and have read. 

I like to keep my system simple and low pressure.

For me, tracking is less about stats and more about remembering the stories I’ve read and loved. 

Here’s how I keep it simple but satisfying. 

Goodreads for Reading History

I will unwillingly admit that I still use Goodreads as my main reading log. It’s easy to search, keeps a running tally of books I’ve read each year, and lets me easily set (and adjust) a reading goal. 

I like the simplicity and historical data of what I’ve read in the past. 

Though Goodreads is not the best app, its owned by Amazon, and I’d rather support an indie developer or a small business with a functional book tracking app. 

But I’ve been using Goodreads for a long time now, so eventually I know a better option will pop up.

A Google Sheet for Personal Notes

I do have a personal Google Sheet where I like to keep track of more detail. 

I don’t always like to put everything on Goodreads. 

I have a sheet with yearly tabs, and I keep it simple like title, author, star rating, notes, and if I’ve posted it on the blog. 

This setup is super simple and sometimes preferable to Goodreads. 

The downside is I’m not a Google Sheets expert, so that’s where the stats come in with Goodreads. 

This is more for myself than anything else. While Goodreads is the more public way to track my reading, my Google Sheet is definitely the more personal way.

Why I Keep It Simple

While I love a good chart and deep reading stats, sometimes the tracking aspect is best left simple. 

Because I do post reviews here, I don’t feel the need to leave long reviews on Goodreads or in my book tracking sheet. 

As long as it doesn’t begin to feel like another task that “needs to be kept up with,” then it works just fine. 

Between Goodreads and the Google Sheet, I know exactly what I’ve read, can pull notes for reviews, and still have space for the magic of reading to just…be. 

How it Helps With Blogging

The little checkbox on my Google Sheet has been a lifesaver. 

If I finish a book and want to post a review on here, I can glance at my sheet and see if I have already shared it. 

It also helped a lot with wrap-ups and seasonal reading posts. 

Goodreads is great for end-of-year stats and curating specific lists. Like books I rated highly or books within a certain genre.

My Google Sheet is great for adding personal thoughts and touches to those lists and stats.

Final Thoughts

Tracking reading doesn’t need to be fancy or come with a monthly subscription. It just has to work. 

A mix of Goodreads and my Google Sheet has been the perfect balance. 

Though I would like to find another app. I have tried apps like Storygraph, but it felt a bit overwhelming. Like there was a bit too much info. 

So, I am definitely open to book tracking recs! 

I’d also love to know how do you track your reading? 

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