How many books did you read last year? 5? 20? Like most busy people, maybe you’re not even sure… Between work, family commitments and endless to-do lists, reading for pleasure can be something that we try to squeeze into our week, rather than prioritize. That’s where free reading tracker apps like Fable or Goodreads can make a real difference. These tools aren’t just for kids or college students, they’re actually powerful resources for adults who want to be more intentional about reading.
Why read? In addition to the pleasure you get from a really great story, according to experts in the recent Very Well Health article 7 Health Benefits of Reading Every Day, “Reading has many positive health benefits. Reading every day may lead to a longer life, slower cognitive decline, improved sleep, reduced stress, and more.” Sign me up!
Make Reading Feel Like an Accomplishment
One of the biggest benefits of using a reading tracker is visibility. When you log the books you’ve finished, your reading starts feeling like an achievement. Watching your list grow over time is so motivating!
With most apps, you can set monthly or yearly goals, track pages read and even celebrate milestones. Whether your goal is 10 books a year or 100, seeing steady progress can help you better prioritize reading. Even on weeks when life feels overwhelming, logging just a few pages can be a reminder that you’re still making space for something important.
For many adults, the hardest part of reading more is consistency. A tracker creates accountability… without guilt. Instead of feeling like you should be reading, you can see your habits and make adjustments.
And, because everything is stored in one place, you don’t need paper logs or Post-it notes. A quick check-in on your phone will remind you of how close you are to reaching your goal and what book is next on your must-read list.
Make Reading More Social
Apps like Fable and Goodreads also offer optional social features. And this is exactly what excited me most when my daughters introduced me to Fable! You can follow friends and family, join reading challenges and see what others are reading. For example, my girls and I trade recommendations and keep wish lists (which also gives me great ideas for holiday gift giving!).
Seeing someone else’s latest read might also inspire you to try something new (or finally pick up that book everyone’s been talking about). For me it was People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry, which was able finish just in time for the film!
If you’ve had a great experience with reading apps (or if you have some great book recommendations for me!) please share in the comments.
In addition to her work as Editor of Susan Said… WHAT?!, Susan Conforte McNeill is a lifelong reader and reading advocate. In 2002, she co-founded the literacy organization Success Won’t Wait! with her longtime friend Vincenza Carrieri-Russo. The pair have passionately promoted literacy and facilitated the collection and distribution of well over 1 million books to communities, schools and non-profit organizations. This reach extends far beyond just Delaware or the tri-state region, and includes locations across the nation and even around the globe. Click here to learn more about Success Won’t Wait!
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