I’m starting off the year well! I read every day this month and completed 12% of my yearly goal! 📚🖤
Best book of the month: My Sister, the Serial Killer- 5⭐️ This was a quick and fun read! At the end of the day, is she really a good sister if she wouldn’t help you hide the body?
Biggest disappointment of the month: Bonds of Hercules- 3⭐️ I’m so sorry… I loved the first half of this book, and then by the end I just dgaf what happened. It unfortunately dragged for me and I found it hard to follow 🥲 it pains me to give it a mid review, but I just had a hard time with this one…
... Read moreIt's so rewarding to look back at the end of the month and see all those reading goals achieved, just like I did in January! Tracking my progress, especially with charts and a structured wrap-up, has become such a motivating part of my reading life. It's not just about the numbers; it's about understanding my habits and celebrating every book completed.
So, why should you start tracking your reading? For me, it's about more than just logging books. Creating 'reading charts' helps me visualize my progress and identify patterns. I can see which 'genres' I gravitate towards, how many 'pages' I read daily, and even my preferred 'reading format' (physical, eBook, audio). This kind of insight is invaluable for setting realistic goals and discovering new literary avenues. Plus, having a clear 'wrap-up graphic' at the end of the month, like the one I shared, is incredibly satisfying and a great way to reflect on your literary journey.
If you're wondering how to get started, there are so many fantastic ways to create your own 'journaling spreads' or digital trackers. I personally love a mix of both! For digital convenience, apps like StoryGraph or Goodreads automatically compile your 'reading stats,' showing you impressive data like your average rating, total pages, and even detailed breakdowns by genre. These are perfect for generating those neat 'wrap-up graphics' without much effort. You can also create a simple spreadsheet to log your books, ratings, and key takeaways.
For those who enjoy a more tactile experience, a dedicated reading journal or a bullet journal 'spread' is a game-changer. You can customize it exactly how you like! Think about dedicating a page for each month, listing all the 'book covers' you read, their ratings, and a few quick thoughts. You could also create a 'calendar tracking' system, marking off each day you read, or even sketching a tiny book on the days you finish one. Seeing those visual streaks really keeps me motivated to pick up a book every single day.
And for anyone who loves sharing their literary adventures, consider becoming an 'Instagram reviewer' or simply sharing your favorite reads visually. It's a wonderful way to connect with the wider book community! My top tip for sharing your 'book covers' on Instagram is good lighting and a cozy backdrop. You don't need fancy equipment; just make your photos inviting. When writing captions, be honest about your experience – share your 'best book' of the month, your 'biggest disappointment,' and ask engaging questions to spark conversation, just like I love to do. Don't forget to use popular hashtags like #bookstagram, #bookwormsoflemon8, #readingcommunity, and even specific genre tags. It helps new readers discover your content.
Ultimately, whether you're meticulously tracking every page or just jotting down your favorite reads, the goal is to enhance your reading experience. These methods have genuinely helped me stay accountable, celebrate my progress, and deepen my appreciation for the stories I discover. Give some of these tracking and sharing ideas a try – you might just find your next favorite way to engage with books!
what did you think of memorials?