I use Goodreads. To some reading this blog that may have created visceral reactions that I don’t understand because Goodreads (as it is with most giant conglomerate type things these days) creates those responses. I’ve used it because it’s the easiest ways to set my hopeful goals of “books read” and track what I’ve done. I can use a Kindle and mark quotes and then they show up on those notes and I can easily access them.

So… there is also the issue of “counting books.” I need to track my reading, but then I get into this competitive mode and looking at the huge numbers others have read. I see some folks post over a hundred books in a year.

I’m a slacker.

I determine I will read more slowly… take better notes… and then I get competitive… ARGH!

This article wants to make the case for slowing down.

One issue I get into is quitting books. I am better at it now. If there is a book I’m not getting into… I just quit.

But then… I see that list of 100 plus books…

Or, I try to get into some “classic” book… my worst category. The guilt heaped on readers if they don’t read “the classics.” And. I. Just. Can’t. Do. It.

One caveat: I did some work on Hemingway, learning his style and his life story through a Ken Burns documentary, and I’ve enjoyed some of his books on Audible. (Yes, Audible counts as “reading.” Deal with it.)

But we then get into… “I read 40 books.” Okay… and what length was each one? What do you remember?

On and on it goes.

Here’s the thing: I do like to read. I am slowly settling into simply reading what I like and if I get bogged down, I will set it aside and not worry about that “counting.”

But also… how do you track your reading if you don’t use Goodreads?

Help me out with some fresh ideas.