“You know you’ve read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend.”
Paul Sweeney
This quote rang true for me. In just one sentence, it summarizes the experience every reader has had. I think we can all agree on one thing though. Even if you lose them, those friends were worth making.
But the great thing about books is that you can pick one up and read it again. Not only do you get to revisit those friends among the pages, but all the nostalgia comes flooding back. That time you stayed up the entire night. When you refused to be carsick because the book was that good. Sitting with friends and family, not talking, but all reading the same Harry Potter book. (Yes there is a great story to go along with this sentence). Check it out in the notes.
But sadly, our minds are fallible and we are unable to remember every single book we’ve ever read. Sure a few great ones that imprinted themselves on our minds are easily recalled. But not the rest.
Back before google drive, the internet, and computers for the masses ever existed my mom had this planner. It could be found next to her bed, on the table, or the counter. One time I saw it open to a list. They were book titles! Every time my mom read a book she wrote it down in her planner. (I’m not sure if she still does this, or if she found another place to keep track).
I’ve started doing the same thing. But digitally, using a google sheet so I can access it from my phone. Here’s what mine looks like.
I keep track of the date I read it (as long as I remember to record it right away), the Title, Author, and then some notes. This might be a reminder that the series wasn’t finished when I started it, an amazing book that I highly recommend, or DO NOT RECOMMEND for books that I put down deliberately for inappropriate content.
Anytime someone asks me if I have any book recommendations I can pull this up and instantly recall all the old friends I left behind.
Feel free to copy this idea using whatever medium works for you. But write down the books you read. Remember those old friend. It’s okay to go back and put in books you’ve already finished, you don’t have to start from today.
There are also several apps that you can use to keep track of the books you’ve read, or even the books you own. I just downloaded one called Bookshelf that seems to have all the features I need. I linked the apps at the bottom if you’re interested. Find something that works for you.
Now I want to hear some book recommendations from you? Who are your story friends? I’d love to hear what your favorite books/book series are!
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Since this book is all about finding lost friends. Here’s a few more book recommendations than normal.
Book Recommendations:
- Mistborn: Brandon Sanderson (Trilogy) – My introduction to Brandon Sanderson. Phenomenal author
- The Paladin Prophecy: Mark Frost (Trilogy) – Set in modern times great young adult read
- Wheel of Time: Robert Jordan/Brandon Sanderson (14 Book series) – Probably my favorite series of all time.
- Kings Dark Tidings: Kel Kade – (4 Book series) I REALLY want someone to read this! If you’ve already read them, send me a message, I’d love to chat about them.
Quote
“Sometimes you just need to lay on the couch and read for a couple of years.”
Author Unknown
More Words
- Bookshelf – Personal Library/Reading list recording app: Download for Android – Download for Apple
- Harry Potter – Read the full story (it’s really not that long)
If you download the app, here’s my Bookshelf.