Let’s be honest: I read a lot. Between advanced reader copies (ARCs), books I’ve bought, and the ones that somehow sneak into my life without warning (looking at you, library holds), it can be a lot to manage.

Over the years, I’ve figured out a system that helps me stay on top of everything without taking the joy out of reading. It’s part structure, part chaos—and 100% mine. Here’s how I keep my reading life organized.

My Primary Reading Tracker

At the center of my system is a massive spreadsheet that tracks everything I read, plan to read, and acquire throughout the year. I’ve refined it over time to match my habits.

And yes, it’s colour-coded, formula-filled, and beautifully overwhelming.

Some of the key tabs in my tracker include:

📖 Read: Every book I finish is logged with dates, ratings, author identity tags, format, genre, where I got it from, and more.

📥 ARCs: I keep a running list of every ARC I’ve received, whether I’ve read/reviewed it, and what platform it came through.

🗂 TBR: This helps me track what’s still waiting on my shelves and what I’ve recently acquired. (No, I don’t want to talk about how long that list is.)

📊 Yearly Stats: Automatically pulls data from the rest of the sheet so I can track metrics like total pages, reading time, average ratings, author demographics, and more.

In 2025 so far, I’ve read 53 books, totaling 6,460 pages and over 432 hours of reading—across multiple genres, age categories, and formats.

This spreadsheet is how I make sense of it all. It helps me set goals, spot patterns, and keep myself accountable—especially when I want to spotlight underrepresented voices or focus on Canadian SFF.

Digital Tools I Use Every Day

In addition to the spreadsheet, I use:

The StoryGraph: I track my reading progress here and love that it shows content warnings, mood, pace, and rep tags. I mostly use it to monitor what I feel like reading next and to build recommendations.

Be my friend on StoryGraph!

Google Calendar (lightly): If there’s a book with a firm review date, blog tour, or ARC deadline, it’s in here. I like to visually see my “review due” weeks so I can spread them out.

My Book Journal

While my spreadsheet holds the hard data, my book journal is for the feelings. I use it to:

• Jot down quotes I love
• Record my emotional reactions in real time
• Keep lists of tropes, vibes, and aesthetic details I want to remember
• Brainstorm review points (especially if I’m reading more than one book at once)

It’s messier than my spreadsheet—but way more personal.

How I Manage My Reading Time

People often ask how I read so much, and the answer is: I make time for it, but I also track it.

I log my reading time daily (to the minute) in my tracker.

I often read in “transition moments” like before bed, during lunch, or while waiting for a meeting to start.

Audiobooks help me read while doing things like dishes, driving, or walking, so a lot of that 430+ hours is multitasked.

But I’m also really intentional. If I’m tired, I don’t force it. If I’m not into a book, I DNF. If I’m overwhelmed, I pause all reading commitments. My spreadsheet tracks the goals, but it doesn’t rule me.

The Chaos: My TBR

Yes, I have a TBR list. No, I’m not following it exactly.

I use it more like a “books I could reach for” pile than a strict schedule. Some I’ve bought. Some are from publishers. Some have been on the list since 2021 and just keep vibing there. But having it all listed in one place helps me rotate between genres, formats, and priority reads—without forgetting about the ones I was excited for months ago.

Tips for Organizing Your Own Reading Life

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, here’s what I recommend:

• Start simple. Track only what matters to you: pages, ratings, authors, or whatever you want to know at the end of the year.
• Keep a low-pressure TBR list. Think of it as “books I’m interested in,” not “books I must read now.”
• Use categories (genre, format, rep) to diversify what you’re picking up.
• Make time, but don’t make it a chore. Reading is supposed to add to your life not feel like another productivity metric.