My reading goal for 2024 was 50 books and I competed it by reading 51 books. I was able to review all except 6, and hope to get them reviewed the earlier part of next year.
Aside from tracking my reading progress in a notebook, I also track it on a spreadsheet. Here’s part of the spreadsheet showing books read (completed), books I didn’t finish (DNF), books that need to be reviewed (completed in red with number is the order I’ll be reviewing in), and one book I’m hoping to finish today (highlighted in yellow). This spreadsheet doesn’t include all the books I have but haven’t gotten to yet (these are mostly Amazon free downloads and Goodreads giveaway wins…I know, I feel guilty not getting to these!). That is it’s own spreadsheet.
Books that I didn’t finish (DNF) are either badly written, have a terrible storyline, or for some reason, I just couldn’t get into it at the time. For the books I couldn’t get into on first try, sometimes, I will give it a second try or a third. So, if your book is on this list as a DNF, don’t worry, I might give it another try. I’ve found that sometimes on the second or even the third try, I’ll end up enjoying it.
I don’t like sharing my star-ratings because this is a subjective area. I don’t want anyone not reading a certain book because I didn’t like the storyline or the writing. We all enjoy different types of books and I think a star-rating can sometimes ruin a book that someone might actually enjoy.
In column C in the spreadsheet is the method I receive books. You’ll see that a lot of them say Amazon Free DL or Prime Borrowed. I get these books free as an Amazon Prime Member. I’ve had multiple authors tell me that they have their books on KU (Kindle Unlimited) and for me to join KU so that I can read their books for free. I know how KU works. It’s not free. You have to pay a subscription and the author gets payment for a percentage read. Since I’m reviewing books for free, I find it odd that an author would tell me to “pay them” to read their book. I don’t find any sincerity in having to pay them when I’m reading out of my own time and not getting paid for it. So, keep that in mind.
I get books to read and review multiple ways. Besides Amazon Prime (which includes First Reads, Amazon Free Downloads, Prime Reading, and Prime Borrowing), I borrow from my local library through the Libby app (I borrow ebooks and audio books, and will occasionally borrow a physical book). I also get book requests from Goodreads as well as on Instagram. I’ve also asked authors if I could read and review their books if they’re willing to send me a copy. This only happens if I’m intrigued by the cover and/or blurb. And then, I will buy books too. However, I try not to buy too many because I currently have a bookshelf wall full of books that I have yet gotten to that I’ve purchased within the last few years. They are literally collecting dust on the bookshelf.
How often do you read? Do you also have books that you haven’t gotten to that are collecting dust?
From My Corner of the Universe 
Leave a comment