Let's Talk Readin' Trackers

By: Jourdan

Book trackers have become an essential part of many readers' routines. They help set reading goals, organize towering TBR piles, and offer a digital bookshelf to look back on with pride. But as the book community has evolved, so have the tools we use to track our reading history and goals.

Goodreads

Back in 2007, Goodreads launched as the first major platform dedicated to cataloging what you’ve read and what you plan to read. When Amazon acquired it in 2013, its popularity grew even more. Goodreads became the go-to app for book lovers who wanted to rate, review, and see what their friends were reading. The Goodreads Reading Challenge became a staple in the book community.

However, cracks began to show over time. While the database was vast, the interface remained clunky. New features were few and far between. Readers wanted more than just a giant list of books. They were looking for insight, a more aesthetically pleasing platform, and better control.

Some readers also began to question the ethics of supporting an Amazon-owned platform, particularly in conversations about author treatment, publishing monopolies, and data privacy. Our concerns have grown over the years about Amazon’s dominance in the publishing world. This includes how it impacts independent bookstores, limits author royalties, and influences which books gain visibility.

Many in the book community have also taken issue with the Goodreads Choice Awards. The process has been criticized for lacking diversity, both in the nominated titles and in the final winners. Readers note that the voting process often favors already-popular books with massive marketing budgets rather than amplifying a wide range of voices and stories.

For those of us who care deeply about equity, transparency, and the future of publishing, these issues have made Goodreads feel increasingly disconnected from their values. As a result, many have started seeking out platforms that are more community-driven, inclusive, and independent. We want reading trackers that center the reader experience without compromising ethics.

Bookly

Launched in 2017, Bookly took a different approach. Designed for readers who love a good challenge, Bookly gamifies your reading routine. It lets you time reading sessions, set daily goals, and see your progress through sleek visuals and satisfying stats.

This app isn’t just for traditional readers. It’s also great for audiobook fans and productivity junkies. It includes space to log quotes, thoughts, and milestones. While not as community-focused as Goodreads, Bookly has carved out a space for readers who are motivated by metrics and love the satisfaction of checking things off a list.

Storygraph

In 2020, Storygraph emerged and quickly disrupted the reading tracker space. Created by developer and entrepreneur Nadia Odunayo, this Black-owned indie alternative to Goodreads made an instant impression.

With its clean, modern design and focus on mood tracking, personalized recommendations, and detailed analytics, Storygraph gave readers the tools they’d long been craving.

This tracker doesn’t just tell you what you’ve read, it helps you understand how you read. Were your books mostly fast-paced and emotional? Did your genre preferences shift with the seasons? Storygraph’s graphs and charts make it easy to spot patterns in your reading life.

But it isn’t just about data. Storygraph users deeply appreciate the platform not being tied to Amazon. Many cite ethical concerns as a major reason for switching trackers. As one reader said, “I love how it is Black Woman owned & not owned by Amazon.”

Reading Journals

Not every reading tracker lives in the digital world. Long before apps, there were reading journals, and they’re still going strong today. In fact, the resurgence of reading journals has become a trend in itself.

Readers love the flexibility of journaling, whether it's in a physical notebook, scrapbook style, or using digital tools like tablets and styluses. For the aesthetically minded (especially the iPad girlies), apps like GoodNotes or Notability are packed with Pinterest-worthy templates. Think digital stickers, curated mood boards, book cover inserts, and beautifully formatted layouts to rate, reflect, and even plan themed reading months.

There are also physical options: pre-designed reading log books with prompts and trackers, or DIY bullet journals where readers create custom layouts with washi tape and hand-drawn illustrations. Whether you want to track plot twists, write mini reviews, or color-code genres, journals offer a tactile and creative way to engage with your reading life. In a fast-paced world, these analog and customizable digital journaling methods offer something special. 

What Are Our Readers Using?

To get a pulse on what tracking tools readers are actually using in 2025, Readin' Magazine conducted a reader survey via Google Forms.

The results? About ninety-five percent of our readers reported using Storygraph, while only one percent said they still rely on Goodreads.

Here’s what Storygraph users said they love most about the app:

• The detailed stats and pie charts

• Monthly recaps and reading streaks

• Ability to track .25/.5/.75 star ratings

• Mood and content filtering options

• Transparency around AI and ethical development

• Features like buddy reads, challenges, and personalized recommendations

• Strong community engagement, plus a woman-owned, Black-owned leadership team

A few standout quotes:

• “As a former AP burnout student, I live for the streak counter and monthly stats.”

• “It’s a better ethical option than Goodreads. The graphs alone sold me.”

• “I love that I can actually track different editions of the books I’m reading.”

• “I’m 550 days strong in my reading streak. Thank you, Storygraph!”

However, readers also shared some wish-list items for improvement:

• More robust social interaction (likes, comments, reviews)

• Better user interface design and smoother loading speeds

• Additional monthly wrap-up options and customizable categories

• A searchable review section with filters and upvotes

• A more intuitive “Up Next” feature and clearer visual design

And what about the Goodreads loyalists? They said they stick with the app because:

• “It’s simple and easy to use.”

• “It syncs with my e-reader.”

• “I just want to rate and review. I don’t need a lot of bells and whistles.”

Their main request? Half-star ratings. That’s it.

So which tracker is the best? 

Ultimately, the rise of new platforms isn’t just about better design or cooler charts. It’s about readers reclaiming the way they interact with their books. Goodreads, Bookly, Storygraph, and reading journals each offer a different kind of experience. All reflect a growing desire for more meaningful engagement.

Whether you’re into data, aesthetics, productivity, or pen-and-paper reflection, the best tracker is the one that fits your needs and your values.