If you’re an avid reader, it’s challenging to keep track of all the books you’ve read so far or the ones you want to read in future. Besides, how many books do you actually go through over a year? Our guess is that they are many because your very presence on this blog suggests that you’re an enthusiastic reader. However, does the task of recollecting your entire library of books seems overwhelming? Well, here are some ways to track the books you’ve read in order to, at the very minimum, be able to avoid the awkwardness of book amnesia.
Maintain a Book Log
The most basic method to keep track of what you read is to keep a book journal or spreadsheet. Every time you go through n book, note the following information: the title of the book; the author’s name, the date of publication as well as the length, genre; the time you began reading the book; and then when you completed the book.
Create a Rating System
Try to create a rating system so that you’re able to keep track of how much you liked the book. You can rate the book on a scale of one to five or duplicate Amazon’s star system. If you’re looking to go further, then rate the book based on different aspects. Here are a few parameters based on which you can develop your rating system:
- Character development
- Book’s pace
- Writing’s quality
- Plot development
- Comment on your satisfaction level while reading the book
Add Additional Information
Alongside the basic tracking data, you can include additional information about every book you’ve read, like the following:
- What inspired you to go through the book?
- What was your mental state like when you first got it?
- Would you like to see additional books by the same writer? If yes, what books?
- Did the book motivate you to learn more about a particular subject?
- Do you know anyone who would be interested in this book?
- What is the author’s country of origin?
- What was the original language that the book was written in?
- Did the book win any prizes?
Write an Overview of Your Book
Another option is to create an overview of each book you’ve gone through. After you’ve finished reading the book, put it down and record what you remember about the book. Include an outline of the plot, or some information about the characters, and the setting, and write down your thoughts about the book. You can set yourself a limit of words such as 400 or up to 750 words.
Make Your Own Amazon Review
If you would like to take it a step further, sign into Amazon and write a review of the book once you’re done reading. Make sure to be as elaborate as you can so that other people can decide whether or not they should purchase the book based on your review. When you’re looking to go back on the books you’ve read, you can check all of your Amazon reviews.
Track Your Books on Goodreads
Goodreads is an excellent platform for those who love books. Goodreads lets you accomplish the following:
- Keep track of the books you’ve read or the ones you are currently reading or would like to read.
- You can rate the books, and even review them, and get suggestions on what you should follow up with.
- You can also read book reviews and news from your friends and leave comments on these reviews and updates.
Take a Shot at Literary Criticism
Keeping a journal should not just be to keep track of the books you’ve read but also to develop your literary critique abilities by writing thorough reviews of your favourite books. Why should you bother writing them? The motive is to help you understand and appreciate the books you’ve read.
Ask yourself questions like the following:
- What’s the story?
- What is the process by which the main character goes through during the story?
- What’s unique in the characters?
- What’s their most significant character fault?
- What are the problems the protagonist has to face?
- Do you have an antagonist?
- Who are the other characters? What is their purpose?
- What’s the significance in the context? What effect does it have on the overall theme or mood of the story? Does the setting represent the state of mind that the protagonists are in?
- What is the primary issue, and how does the story develops? What’s the conclusion?
- Does the writer use foreshadowing? Or does the writer hint readers into what will happen during the story?
- Does the author employ symbolism when objects are intended to represent something or an idea greater than the object in itself?
Get Yourself a Book Journal
To keep track of the books you’ve read, just use the Moleskine or any similar notebook you’ve got around. You can, however, purchase a book journal. Three popular options are available:
- Reading Journal: For Book Lovers
- The Book Lover’s Journal (Reading Journal, Book Journal, Organizer)
- Moleskine Passion Journal
Do Some Research on The Author
Often, the author’s personal life can have a significant influence on their work. Thus, when you’re keeping track of and analyzing the book you’ve read, it’s a great idea to conduct some research about the author.
Create a Book Blog
One method of keeping track of the books you’ve read is to create an online blog. Pick a platform for blogging and then think of a suitable title for the blog and begin posting a review of books. When someone asks you to suggest a book, then refer the person to your site. You never know; you will be able to build your own following. If you want to get some tips on becoming good at book hauls on your blog, check out our tips on a successful book haul.
Create a List of Books to Read
In the back of your notebook or book, make the list of books you’d like to study. Each time you hear about an intriguing book, put it on your list. It’s unlikely you’ll be in a bind, “What should I read next?”
Such a short amount of time, but so many books to read! You don’t want to spend time and effort reading a novel and then forget that you’ve read it or even the subject matter.
We hope that you enjoyed reading about our suggested tips to track the books you’ve read or are going to read, and they will be useful to you. If you wish to be a part of Austin Macauley Publishers, then you’re welcome to share your manuscripts here for review. You can also submit online by filling out this Online Submission Form.
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