S. Worthen | Weblog

I'm keeping track this year, although I'm struggling with the question of whether to add books that I've gutted for research. The fiction is much easier, although I've never done it before. In terms of record-keeping, though, I suppose one could say I've kept a record of every book I've read and used for academic purposes, because I've taken notes. Generally on paper, which then sometimes makes its way into notebooks. But I'm in a period of revision of my research habits, and am trying to start taking notes in Word -- even though I think that the action of hands on keyboard is not nearly as helpful to me -- I don't touch-type, so I don't see the notes coming out as I write. I think my mental and memory processes are very much connected to the physical mechanics of writing, so I tend to fall back on pen and paper. I'm also struggling with the idea that I do not have to read everything ever written in its entirety before I start writing...

I have a notebook where I write down every book I buy, noting the date, and then note the date I read each one (the first time).

I also have a cumulative list, broken down by month (April 2007 etc.), which I've kept for over 20 years. It includes library books, and re-reads. It makes much more sense - I use the other to remind myself of the TBR pile (which I try to ignore more often than not).

I used to keep a list on my laptop of all the academic books I found that could be useful and had a smiley face next to those I finished...but that hasn't be updated in quite some time ;P

But only since last year, using my vox journal which has a facility that makes logging books easy, providing they're on Amazon.

The thought of keeping track of books I read had never even really occurred to me! I think the only time I ever did this was in elementary school so I could get free books for RIF. I guess it could be nice to see what I've read over time but don't really see what purpose it would serve.

I had never considered keeping a record until this post :-)

...still, even with the way-to-many-to-count number I've read over the years I don't think I would do, as this way I can have the pleasure of recognising I've read it mid-way through (and continuing anyway, I re-read books a _lot_)

Not keeping track of the books I read has certain unpleasant consequences, like ... buying the same book more than once. oh well - I tell myself that at least its good to know that my tastes are so consistent!