This could change how you read
The tracker’s standout features are customizable reading projects, detailed reading statistics, and a world map that suggests books from countries you haven’t read.
- Import your library with a CSV, then check and correct metadata such as original language and publication year.
- Use the Read the World map to explore countries you haven’t read from and browse reader-rated book suggestions.
- Create or join reading projects, then turn off unwanted stats and tailor goals and monthly recap graphics.
The feature tour and setup caveats are covered in these notes; no detailed tutorial is shown. · Best for: Readers who want customizable tracking, reading projects, or global reading recommendations.
The creator introduces Life on Books, a free book tracker, and tours its library, social feed, statistics, reading projects, and customization options. The site is in early development, and imported book data may need corrections.
Importing books and core tracker features0:00
- Import an existing library from a tracker’s exported CSV file.
- The home page shows current reading and community reading; My Books organizes books by reading status.
- Book activity can appear in the social feed, but automatic feed posts can be toggled off.
Author lists and reading history3:45
- Browse authors and translators you have read, and sort authors by number of books read.
- Use the timeline to find when you read a book.
Statistics and Read the World map6:46
- Filter statistics by year or all time, and view data such as genres, languages, publishers, and publication periods.
- The map shows books by country; selecting an unread country displays reader-rated suggestions.
- Click a statistic to see the books in that category.
Reading projects11:37
- Choose presets such as award winners, books you own, or an alphabet-by-title challenge, or make a custom project.
- Set an optional end date and choose whether previously read books count or to start fresh.
- Find and join projects created by other users.
Customization and monthly recaps14:45
- Hide individual statistics and switch reading goals off, or set goals for books, reading time, or pages on daily-to-yearly schedules.
- Customize monthly recap graphics and download them in square or vertical formats.
Early-stage data and maintenance16:42
- Imported metadata may be incomplete or incorrect, including original language and publication year; correct it to improve your statistics.
- The creator says the site is still being refined and invites users to provide feedback.
Step by step
- Export your library as a CSV from your current book tracker and import it into Life on Books.
- Review imported book details, correcting errors such as original language or publication year.
- Choose how you want to track reading: browse stats, create or join a reading project, or set optional goals.
- Customize displayed statistics, feed activity, and monthly recap graphics to suit your preferences.
Tools & resources mentioned
- Life on Books (lifeonbooks.com) — free book-tracking site discussed in the video.
- CSV export/import — used to transfer a library from another tracker.
- Read the World Map — visualizes books by country and suggests books for unread countries.
- Reading project presets — options include award winners, books you own, and the alphabet-by-title challenge.
- Monthly recap graphics — customizable reading summaries available in square and vertical formats.
Notes are AI-generated from the video's transcript and may miss nuance.