How I organise my book list (and actually read the books!)

Since I can remember, I’ve been that person that loves books, that buys books, that sit in a big pile next to my bed pleading to be read. Only to be left, with new books added on top, with all the positivity that they will get read, it's a sinister cycle.

For years that nagging problem of so many books I want to read, but the overwhelm of so books TO read.

I have found a way to hack this problem and I am so excited to share it, now I know it actually works for me. I have used this for 18 months now, and have consistently read over that time, chipping away at my book list. It’s meant I can plan, can order from the library or the library app, Libby, or I can ask for certain books for Christmas. I can enjoy and look forward to those books I really want to read and get on a read them.

This hack, is the Goodreads app.

Each year, I go through my book pile and decide which books I am going to prioritise that year and set my reading list within the app. I also set a reading challenge too, last year I set a 20 book goal, I didn’t meet that but I am not disappointed at all, because it kept me on track.

I can see what books are coming next, I can think ahead which ones I might like to save, for holiday for example. Sometimes I’ll see if I can get the book as an ebook form from the library in which I might ‘read’ two books at once, a physical and an ebook- really handy for big cleaning jobs or long drives.

What my Goodreads App looks like at the time of writing.

I can also keep track of what I have read and rate them. I can look back and remember what I enjoyed, summarise the year of reading, but mostly, it's just keeping me on track with goals. I have bought a lot less books since starting this system, as I will add a book to my 'dream list' if I spot a new one and plan it into a future book list or just keep myself aware of a good book idea. I can plan for the future, keeping an eye on the library, joining waiting lists or watching second hand sites too. I know what's coming up and have grouped the books physically if I have a paper copy, on my desk, excited knowing what is coming next- taking a huge amount of decision fatigue away. You can also use the app to find new books, something I personally don't use the app for.

The Goodreads app is also free and easy to use. I am sure there are plenty of other apps you could try, but for me, Goodreads works.

So if you’re looking for a way to tackle your book pile, to stay on track and to love reading again, try the app, set yourself a list and or a challenge, and see if it works for you.

This blog is not sponsored in anyway.