Need help keeping track of what you're reading? Check out these 5 FREE options!
I'm just getting into the habit of keeping track of the books I read. I know, shocking, right? I've never been the type to really leave reviews, I don't particularly set reading goals, and once I finished a book it was, well . . . finished. I didn't really have a reason to pick it up again unless I really liked it and wanted to recommend it to someone. (Hint: I'm not much of a re-reader unless I really liked the book either.)
That's all changing for me this year! I bought this planner to help me keep track of stuff and at the beginning of every month it has a page for goals and things currently going on in my life. There's even a section for what I am reading!
I was so excited by it that I decided I wanted to see what everyone else was reading. That was how the #amreading2019 Challenge was born in my Facebook group, Kamery's Krew. Every month, members share what they are reading and earn points to enter to win the grand prize for the month, picked from The Wheel of Prizes.
But it wasn't enough. I was enjoying writing down what I was reading in my planner and sharing with my group, but I needed more. I love making lists, especially ones that give me a sense of satisfaction, like to-do lists I can finish, or, I don't know, books I've read. I started thinking of other places I could share and keep track of what I was reading. A few I already knew about. Others hadn't occurred to me. I actually decided to use quite a few of them. Being the frugal person I am (i.e. Cheapy McCheaperson) the less money something cost, the more excited I was about it.
If you're a book dragon looking for a free way to keep track of all those books you're adding to your hoard, here are Five Free options!
1. Goodreads
This one is probably a no-brainer for most of you. Goodreads is a free site that allows you to create digital shelves and fill them with books you have read, want to read, and any other kind of "shelf" you can think of. There are also many book groups you can join, giveaways you can enter, and so many new books to discover! Plus, you can update through either your web browser or their app. I have a Goodreads account, if you want to add me as a friend ☺
2. Google Sheets
A less fancy and social option is Google Sheets. You can store it in your Google Drive, update it from your computer or phone, and keep track of whatever options you want. Just the title? Check. Organized by author? Check? How many stars you gave it? You betcha. If you're looking for something that is no hassle and is completely under your control, you should check this one out.
3. Bullet Journal
I like this option because it can be either digital or physical, or both if you want! I love paper and writing down what I'm reading every month in my planner. However, I also like not having a bunch of stuff sitting around when I could keep it all digitally and not worry about mess. (Let's be honest. When you have two kids like I do, there's always mess. You just have to do what you can to control parts of it, haha!) If you go the Bullet Journal route, you can keep track of more than just your books as well, which is an added plus.
4. Instagram
Ever heard of #Bookstagram? Of course you have! Instagram is not only a fun way to keep track of what you've read, but an opportunity to reach out to other readers and experience what they are reading as well. It's beautiful, social, and a great community. You also get the chance to flex your own creativity and create photos that are going to reach out to others and share a part of yourself through a venue you many not have normally shared through! I have a bookstagram account myself, mixed with my writing stuff. If you want to follow me there, I'd love to have you!
5. Pinterest
I also have a Pinterest board where I share links to what I'm reading. While it's a lot like Instagram, I like it because the images link straight back to where I got the book from. You can also share whole book covers instead of having to crop them into a square, or, if you aren't into staging your own photos, you can share just the book cover and not have to worry about putting images together. If you'd like to check out my Pinterest account for ideas, I'd love to have you there as well!
So there you have it, five free options to help you keep track of what you are reading. Do you use any of these already? If not, what do you use? I'd love to hear your ideas!
*I used some affiliate links in this post. It won't cost you anything to use them, but I'll make a few dollars if you do ☺
#reading #readingapps #readinghacks #readingtipsandtricks #amreading #amreading2019 #readingtracker #booktracker
