Tracking Reading Without Apps

I've used several book tracking apps in the past, including a brief stint with GoodReads, Storygraph, and others. I'm currently using Hardcover, which I originally loved for its design and features. But now I'm starting to...just not feel it as much. I am curious to see what others can do with its API, but I think I want less noise. Like, by a lot.

Noise for me means social features, reviews, reading challenges, and even in-depth stats. The social features is a big issue for me, as I don't need to see what everyone thinks about a book (reviews here act more as opinions), I don't want everyone to know what I'm reading, and I don't want to make new friends and get distracted by idle chatter or hot takes. Reviews and star ratings are bad enough. I wish I could turn those off, but most platforms see that as defeating the point (yawn).

I do like stats to an extent, but sometimes it's just too much. I just want to be able to see how many books I've read in a year. The simple stuff. Knowing the number of formats (paperback, ebook, etc) I've read does not hold my interest. Reading challenges can be fun, but I don't want that to dictate how I read. I also really think it can be harmful to the reading process, especially if the books don't fall into your usual preferences. Reading beyond that is great, I agree. But in this current culture, where people will force themselves to read a book and then rate it poorly...of course you didn't like the book! You only read it for a chance of winning a $25 Amazon gift card. And then there are challenges where people just try to blitz through as many books as possible by the end of the month, year, or whatever.

Just doesn't sit right with me.

I'm someone who reads for pleasure; always have, always will. Some years, I even set a yearly reading goal for myself. Reaching that goal has been made easier with audiobooks, but I still seek pleasure over rewards. As a kid, I kept a list of books read in my diary. For me, it was nice to see the number go up and marvel at how much I read. And now I'm going back to that simple structure, although with spreadsheets, and not pen and paper.

My current setup allows for the usual: title, author, genre, etc. But what I did differently is eschew the star rating and review system entirely, and instead focus on general impressions. How did this book make me feel? Did I like it? Such a simple concept, but it works for me. It's private and centered more on what matters most. I may tweak it in the future, but I'm in no rush.

Outside of this simple tracker, I already track my reading time with a pomodoro app. Can't directly link the two, nor do I care to do so, but I can add my time to my sheet, if I want the added visuals.

Again, I'm in no big hurry. And do I really need to fixate so much on numbers? I'm going to focus more on my next read, as I finished a book last night. Well. Novella, really. I have a lot of mixed feelings about that one. May write a post to work my way through it, if I'm still struggling later.