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Post by crimsoncat05 on Nov 19, 2024 15:57:25 GMT
I read strictly for pleasure and relaxing. Reading isn't something I would ever set a goal for. same haven't read the entire thread, but this is where I am, on pretty much everything I do hobby-related. The minute I put a goal / deadline on something, whatever it is, it turns my 'want to' feeling into 'have to' and sucks the pleasure right out of it. After 30+ years of career and free time, I've realized and accepted that my hobbies and interests ebb and flow dependent on whatever else is going on in my/our lives at the time. I love to read, got my first library card when I was probably 5 yrs old, and went to the library pretty much weekly while I was growing up-- I'd cart a huge pile of books home every week. But as an adult, other things do sometimes take precedence, so I won't go to the library for a month or two. Then I will again... it's a cycle. Just like my stitching and other hobbies. I don't keep any sort of a list of books read, either- I tried to use Goodreads for that, but again- it turned into a chore for me mentally. I have favorite authors that I'm on the lookout for, and I have a couple genres that I will gravitate towards-- so I might put some of their books on my interlibrary loan list-- but that's as much list-keeping as I can keep up with. |
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Post by melanell on Nov 19, 2024 15:58:51 GMT
Anyone who has used Goodreads and Storygraph want to share a comparison? I have used GR for so long and connected to ppl there, but open to switch if it offers a similar experience and I can recreate my history... Also jeremysgirl - I am sorry for your creep out experience. I would probably feel same. I hope you get clarity with your sister. We would miss you terribly if you left. You can import your Goodreads history to Storygraph. It gives you more statistics and graphs about your reading (and not just at the end of the year.) You can also set reading goals other than # of books to read and add challenges (if someone posted one, like the Buzzword challenge). I don't know how the community part compares, I'm not friends with anyone on there. I don't use the community portion of either site. I only occasionally look at the graphs occasionally on Storygraph. And I really *want* to like Storygraph better of the two, so I can stop using a Bezos owned site, but I still feel that it's easier for me to always find the edition/cover/format of the book I am reading on Goodreads, unfortunately. For now I enter my books on both sites, and I hope in time I'll each a point that I find the usability of Storygraph to work for me equally well or close to as well as Goodreads so I can use it exclusively. |
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Post by littlemama on Nov 19, 2024 16:09:37 GMT
Im only setting a goal if I get a Pizza Hut pizza. 😂😂
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Post by Linda on Nov 19, 2024 16:12:03 GMT
Anyone who has used Goodreads and Storygraph want to share a comparison? I have used GR for so long and connected to ppl there, but open to switch if it offers a similar experience and I can recreate my history... I love the graphs and the challenges and the ease of use of Storygraph. I love being able to tell what types of books I'm reading at a glance be it fiction vs non-fiction, different genres, short, medium, or long, print vs digital vs audio and so on. I can set my own challenges or find one I want to take on - but I don't have to if I don't want to. I like the streak aspect (it'll show how many days in a row you've logged reading at least one page) but I can turn that off if I'm finding it discouraging. The end of year wrap-up is amazing and they've recently added a monthly wrapup as well. Community wise - I actively disliked Goodreads community and barely use Storygraphs - I have a few friends I follow and I can see what they are reading/reviewing which gives me ideas on what to add to my TBR list. I imported my Goodreads history when I switched several years ago - it was pretty easy tbh - and I've never looked back. |
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Post by leftturnonly on Nov 19, 2024 16:16:13 GMT
I mostly use Goodreads to keep track of books that I have read. That's what I use it for, and also to see what people think of a book I'm deciding on whether to read or not. I like to read a few 5 and a few 1 star reviews to get an idea. Doing that has greatly improved the quality of the books I've read. You can import your Goodreads history to Storygraph. It gives you more statistics and graphs about your reading (and not just at the end of the year.) You can also set reading goals other than # of books to read and add challenges (if someone posted one, like the Buzzword challenge). I don't know how the community part compares, I'm not friends with anyone on there. I've never heard of Storygraph before this thread. Graphs and statistics don't sound like fun to me right now and I don't have any reason to switch. Jeff Bezos owns Amazon, too, so I'm not getting the particular dis on Goodreads. |
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Post by leftturnonly on Nov 19, 2024 16:21:58 GMT
I don't keep any sort of a list of books read, either- I tried to use Goodreads for that, but again- it turned into a chore for me mentally. It's funny that this is one chore I am very good at doing. I simply search for the book, tag it for the year I read it, whether it was audio or book, and pick from a whole bunch of other tags I've created. I also give it a rating. Takes 2 minutes tops from the time I get to the site until I'm done. A lot of my tags are states, which is really helpful in pricking my memory. I will remember where a story is set longer than I will remember all the details or even the plot. |
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breetheflea
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,581 
Location: PNW
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Post by breetheflea on Nov 19, 2024 16:26:47 GMT
I mostly use Goodreads to keep track of books that I have read. That's what I use it for, and also to see what people think of a book I'm deciding on whether to read or not. I like to read a few 5 and a few 1 star reviews to get an idea. Doing that has greatly improved the quality of the books I've read. You can import your Goodreads history to Storygraph. It gives you more statistics and graphs about your reading (and not just at the end of the year.) You can also set reading goals other than # of books to read and add challenges (if someone posted one, like the Buzzword challenge). I don't know how the community part compares, I'm not friends with anyone on there. I've never heard of Storygraph before this thread. Graphs and statistics don't sound like fun to me right now and I don't have any reason to switch. Jeff Bezos owns Amazon, too, so I'm not getting the particular dis on Goodreads. I didn't dis anything. I was answering a question. |
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Post by Ellie on Nov 19, 2024 16:37:58 GMT
I set a goal but I wouldn’t rush books at the end to meet it. I really use it just for tracking and for fun. I listen to a lot of audiobooks and I count them towards my goal. I could have written this all, including the bit about audiobooks. I listen to audiobooks while I'm doing other things like cooking, folding laundry, driving, etc. Maybe 15% of my reading is through audiobooks. I only set a goal for fun, and I usually set a very realistic one. Last year, I tried to be ambitious for the heck of it and set a goal of 150. I was close, but didn't quite make the goal. I went back to a goal I can easily crush this year. For me, it's not *really* a goal I think much about but I enjoy the tracking. I've been using Goodreads for many years, but just started trying out StoryGraph, |
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Post by scrapcat on Nov 19, 2024 16:46:34 GMT
I don't set a goal, but I also keep a log - mainly because if I don't I may reread something I read years ago! I've been keeping that since 2009. And I do scrapbook about books I've read & include quotes in my documenting.
I did do a reading challenge for the first time last year, which was fun because I read so many different things I wouldn't normally pick up. It introduced me to all kinds of different authors and genres. The challenge was "overeducated cat ladies" if anyone is interested.
I know some young people who are doing the goal thing, and I think for them it's a way to get off of devices and not scroll so much.
I also mainly listen to audiobooks now and for a while felt guilty like it's not reading, but it's what my life has room for right now. I also always used to finish everything I read until a couple years ago. If it's not serving, I put it aside & don't second guess. I've had to learn that I generally don't like what everyone says is the best book the hard way a few times!
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Post by scrapcat on Nov 19, 2024 16:48:29 GMT
I'm just wondering if anyone here keeps a TBR (To Be Read)/ BTR (Books To Read) list? That seems like such a good idea. (Too bad I can't seem to follow one myself.) Yes, mostly in the Libby app for the library. Can tag different titles, which makes it easy and also set up notifications when books become available. I imagine most reading/library apps may have something similar? |
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Post by leftturnonly on Nov 19, 2024 16:49:07 GMT
I didn't dis anything. I was answering a question. That's what I get for trying to do this from my phone. I apologize for how that read. I mean that in general, this thread is the very first time I've even heard that people have a problem with Goodreads, not that you or other posters are out here dissing them. |
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Post by ScrapbookMyLife on Nov 19, 2024 17:09:42 GMT
After reading through the replies, I thought I would comment again.
I do keep track of books I read, only to avoid checking out the same ebook more than once (been there, done that) from the Library, because I forgot I already read it.
I use index cards, by Author. Currently I have two index card boxes (about ready to expand to three).
Each series, by an Author get it's own index card (or two). Stand alone books are listed on the same index card.
Once I've read a book, I highlight it with my highlighter marker.
The cards are stored alphabetically by Author. The books that are on my "to read" list....I keep those index cards at the front of the box. Makes it easy to decide on what to read next.
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Post by ntsf on Nov 19, 2024 17:34:39 GMT
I am a fast and dedicated reader.. always have been. learned to read before kindergarten (hello dick and jane). I never record anything about reading except I have a few notes on my phone of books people have suggested to me.
I read fiction, historical biographies and non fiction. I like taking really big long books on vacation. and my house is bursting with books. but I also reread books. things like the hornblower series.. I've probably read it 20 times.
when my kids had to do AR in middle school, I thought it was soul sucking. they were all big readers then, and in their mid thirties, they are still big readers.
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christinec68
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Post by christinec68 on Nov 19, 2024 17:41:20 GMT
After reading through the replies, I thought I would comment again. I do keep track of books I read, only to avoid checking out the same ebook more than once (been there, done that) from the Library, because I forgot I already read it. I use index cards, by Author. Currently I have two index card boxes (about ready to expand to three). Each series, by an Author get it's own index card (or two). Stand alone books are listed on the same index card. Once I've read a book, I highlight it with my highlighter marker. The cards are stored alphabetically by Author. The books that are on my "to read" list....I keep those index cards at the front of the box. Makes it easy to decide on what to read next. I love your index card system. I am terrible at remembering what I read and wanted a simple way to keep track that's not online. I might be stealing this idea  |
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Post by ScrapbookMyLife on Nov 19, 2024 18:08:55 GMT
After reading through the replies, I thought I would comment again. I do keep track of books I read, only to avoid checking out the same ebook more than once (been there, done that) from the Library, because I forgot I already read it. I use index cards, by Author. Currently I have two index card boxes (about ready to expand to three). Each series, by an Author get it's own index card (or two). Stand alone books are listed on the same index card. Once I've read a book, I highlight it with my highlighter marker. The cards are stored alphabetically by Author. The books that are on my "to read" list....I keep those index cards at the front of the box. Makes it easy to decide on what to read next. I love your index card system. I am terrible at remembering what I read and wanted a simple way to keep track that's not online. I might be stealing this idea It is a great way for me to keep track. I also have an index card box for "new to me" Authors (that I've never read) that have been recommended or I read the book reviews on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc... >> "if you you like this book, then you may like this book, these books, etc...", plus all the book recommendations here on this message board, and by social media influencers.....it's a never ending road of Author and book recommendations. I love it! |
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Post by snugglebutter on Nov 19, 2024 18:24:31 GMT
I didn't dis anything. I was answering a question. That's what I get for trying to do this from my phone. I apologize for how that read. I mean that in general, this thread is the very first time I've even heard that people have a problem with Goodreads, not that you or other posters are out here dissing them.
I have only noticed this since the election on BookTok, which tends to be left leaning. There are people boycotting Amazon and that would include Goodreads.
Personally, I added Storygraph to my phone at the beginning of the year but never got around to using it. I have a few friends I follow on Goodreads and unless they move I will stay put.
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Post by melanell on Nov 19, 2024 18:48:32 GMT
After reading through the replies, I thought I would comment again. I do keep track of books I read, only to avoid checking out the same ebook more than once (been there, done that) from the Library, because I forgot I already read it. I use index cards, by Author. Currently I have two index card boxes (about ready to expand to three). Each series, by an Author get it's own index card (or two). Stand alone books are listed on the same index card. Once I've read a book, I highlight it with my highlighter marker. The cards are stored alphabetically by Author. The books that are on my "to read" list....I keep those index cards at the front of the box. Makes it easy to decide on what to read next. I love this idea! I used to keep a notepad, but since it wasn't alphabetical, but simply a running list, it did nothing to help me avoid checking out the same book more than once. The only thing I might personally miss with this solution is is the ability to see a photo of the book as I look at the list. Sometimes I'm trying to think of the name of a book and all I can picture is the cover. So then I scroll through my list of books online looking for the cover I'm remembering. But I very much like the tactile element of this idea and to be able to read, then actually write down the info, as opposed to reading, then going to the internet. |
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Post by leftturnonly on Nov 19, 2024 19:27:31 GMT
all I can picture is the cover. That's a really big thing that I liked about the videos I linked - they print out the covers and include them in their lists. You could do that and put the photos on the index cards. |
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Post by lesserknownpea on Nov 20, 2024 11:09:35 GMT
No goals, no lists. If I don't like a book that isn't for my book club, I don't continue. Reading is for enjoyment and enrichment. Since I get almost everything from the library, I do have time limit but I don't rush through books even ones I love. Those especially I want to last. Right? I remember years ago, reading the excellent The History of Love by Nicole Strauss, and I savored each sentence on the page. The way you would a rich, rich, chocolate mousse. |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Nov 20, 2024 12:57:50 GMT
That is odd. Hopefully it is a coincidence and there js another explanation but I get feeling unsettled by it. Jeremysgirl - Maybe the timing is coincidental. You've been a reader for years and Goodreads is a natural tie-in. It's not a big leap for a sister to make. But for goodness sakes sister, if you are here, tell Becki because now it's become a thing.and it doesn't need to be. If you both have Goodreads, it probably sent her an email trying to get her to "friend" you. I don't use my account anymore, but haven't deleted it, and get messages like that all the time. By the way, Storygraph is awesome... Also jeremysgirl - I am sorry for your creep out experience. I would probably feel same. I hope you get clarity with your sister. We would miss you terribly if you left. I lightly questioned her about it. My sister is not a reader so I know Goodreads did not try to friend her. Her response was that she read about it in one of her groups and she knows how I feel about Amazon (pretty much I use it as a very last resort because of my opinions on consumption, sustainability, unchecked capitalism, etc.) so she wanted me to know there was an alternative. So, truthfully I'm not sure what to think. My sister is not one who would lie. But I just figured I have to make peace with whatever is happening. I want to enjoy my time here (and let's face it, this is not the first time I've felt creeped out about something related to being here) so after talking about it with Jeremy, I've decided I'm not going to be run off. |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Nov 20, 2024 13:01:27 GMT
ecvnj58 said: So here’s the problem. I have done that for years. Then this year I find zodiac academy which is a zillion pages each book and I’m sucked in. Im on book 8.5. and now I’m 8 books behind schedule and it’s kind of driving me nuts. I’m still not altering my reading style but I hate that these books have made me take a noticeable hit. Usually by now I have met my goal I'm not picking on you but this is exactly the mentality I'm talking about that would bother *me* about setting a reading goal. I can see myself being driven nuts by this and it being more discouraging than motivating. Sounds like you are struggling with this too. It’s the first year it’s done this. Next year I may switch to page count. Truthfully it bugs me that it bugs me. I 100% don’t think it’s the behavior from my reading that I want. I started reading so much to stop scrolling and set a good example for my kids. I didn’t start reading to be the best at it or whatever is in my head. I know you aren’t picking on me. It’s been interesting to reflect on this as the year is coming to an end. I identify as a reader so some of this is tied up in who I am which can be hard sometimes to reconcile my thoughts with. I think this goal thing is very tied into my personality. I’m an engineer and super competitive with myself and goal focused. Also you totally can be a reader and not do this behavior. My goal is 75 books. Does it really matter if I end at 70? I know in my brain it does not. I should fail this purposely to prove it’s all ok and that my life will not fall apart. I know it’s all very silly. For some of these book tokers it’s probably also very tied to personality and $$$. So on surface we know it’s silly but it can feel otherwise. Thank you for your honest reply. I will tell you the absolute truth and that is that I would be in this very state if I set a book goal that I was not able to reach. In real life, I seem like a very laid back person, but truthfully, the reason I can be laid back about many things is because I set myself up in a way that I make it very clear in my head what is important enough for me to actively pursue and what is not. And I just would be dancing in a minefield with a book goal. You're not alone. |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Nov 20, 2024 13:04:40 GMT
Im only setting a goal if I get a Pizza Hut pizza. They are building a Pizza Hut on my side of town right now and Jeremy is fully in support of us celebrating every book I read with a pepperoni pizza. LOL! With that said, it doesn't really fit with my plant based eating...haha... |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Nov 20, 2024 13:09:45 GMT
leftturnonly: I was able to get into several of those videos yesterday. I really enjoyed you sharing them.
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huskergal
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,429
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Post by huskergal on Nov 20, 2024 14:23:31 GMT
I set a goal on GoodReads every year. Last year I made it. Usually I don't. I set a goal to keep me motivated. I belong to a book club at the library. I doubled up this summer. I have had a few long books that have gotten me behind on my goal. I am slogging through one right now. I have been reading it for 2 months. I have 2 shorter books that I hope to finish by the end of the year. One is a book club book.
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Post by leftturnonly on Nov 20, 2024 15:20:03 GMT
leftturnonly: I was able to get into several of those videos yesterday. I really enjoyed you sharing them. Yay! I was able to watch a few also. I may do something like that just because it looks like fun and I love seeing the book covers later. Also, at least some of these books are fairly short (per the poster) and probably not adult but YA based on her age and the goal of reading 2 very long books that year - a goal she did not meet. I don't know about you, but I'm not reading a lot of short fluff these days. A goal needs to reflect the difficulty of the task. The harder it is to achieve, the more important the steps are along the way. A timed goal may require you to take shortcuts you wouldn't otherwise make. In reading, that could be a good thing (finding something good you would have missed) or bad (using the time you wanted to spend on a more challenging book). I'm arguing both sides of this. ecvnj58 Ah! The only time in my life I've identified myself that way has been on this board, and that's only because that's how the threads are often labeled. Very much like I don't identify as a breather. It's just something I do. |
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Post by crimsoncat05 on Nov 20, 2024 15:38:40 GMT
just have to say I'm going to steal / adopt the 'index card per author' way of keeping track... not for goals or anything, but I do like reading particular authors and particular series of books. But I don't like tracking electronically. I don't mind re-reading books (I have a few authors and books that I deliberately 'revisit' every year or two- Louisa May Alcott and Jennifer Chiaverini / Elm Creek Quilters are two) but if I'm reading a series, I have a tough time keeping track of which one is next. The index card method sounds like a great solution!! thanks, ScrapbookMyLife! (I never 'read books for pizza' as a kid, but now I want pizza, lol) |
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Post by Zee on Nov 20, 2024 18:15:30 GMT
I set a reading goal mostly because it helps me to not completely get sucked into TV & the internet. My reading goals were too big initially, and now they're a more reasonable 15 per year... and I may drop it to 12 in 2025. I don't force myself to finish a book that I don't enjoy just because of the goal. I've found that while I used to be a fast and voracious reader, I've let myself get into bad habits, and I'm trying to reverse that. While I genuinely enjoy reading, it's also a worthwhile skill to maintain. so I do think it's important to read at least a little bit every day. So the goal I set at Goodreads isn't meant as pressure; it's a guideline to help me check in with myself. I have nothing to add since I don't set reading goals, I just wanted to say nice to see you here. I hadn't remembered seeing you for quite a while and was just wondering about you the other day! |
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Post by SnoopyFan on Nov 20, 2024 18:44:55 GMT
I set a reading goal every year. Some years (2023) I make my goal; some years (2022 and 2024) I don't. It's not a huge deal to me if I don't make my goal, but it does make me think about how I am using my time because the goals I set for myself when it comes to reading should be very doable for me. I know exactly why I'm not going to meet my goal this year. It's because I have spent way too much time on Reddit and YouTube.
I do keep track of what I have read on Goodreads. Sometimes I remember to rate the books I've read; sometimes I don't.
What I love is my reading journal. This is my second year keeping a reading journal and it brings me such a huge amount of joy. No one has seen it except for my boyfriend, and I never mention it to anyone. It's just something for me because it makes me happy.
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Rhondito
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Post by Rhondito on Nov 20, 2024 20:58:58 GMT
I set a goal to keep myself engaged in reading. Sometimes I make my goal, sometimes I don't. It doesn't bother me if I miss my goal though.
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Post by Texas Scrap on Nov 20, 2024 23:18:55 GMT
Thank you for your honest reply. I will tell you the absolute truth and that is that I would be in this very state if I set a book goal that I was not able to reach. In real life, I seem like a very laid back person, but truthfully, the reason I can be laid back about many things is because I set myself up in a way that I make it very clear in my head what is important enough for me to actively pursue and what is not. And I just would be dancing in a minefield with a book goal. There is so much wisdom in approaching life this way. Pretty sure I need a sticky note on my MAC and my planner with this on it: "the reason I can be laid back about many things is because I set myself up in a way that I make it very clear in my head what is important enough for me to actively pursue and what is not." I definitely am a work in progress on sorting through what to pursue and what to let go of/eliminate. I think it is easy to unknowing or unintentionally set one's self up for pursuing "all the things" and the chaos that results. It all seems so "good", reading, exercise, eating healthy, relationships, hobbies, etc, but it all takes something from us, costs something. I feel like in my 50s I am finally coming to understand this. Slow learner . Someone has probably written a book about this? LOL |
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