How We Read 100+ Books a Year: Our Secret Tips, Tools & TBR Hacks!

[@lenafagan-nelson5238]

I too usually have 3 different books going, one on each medium. I love when I finish them all close to the same time it’s such a satisfying moment haha.

[@indigo149]

I left Goodreads for The Storygraph - LOVE how it tracks your data. Also you can filter your TBR by mood, genre, etc.. so when I'm at the store I can easily find books I want to read in different sections. Definitely recommend!

[@Krisandmads]

We hear such good things about storygraph!

[@BigIceWolf90]

Margaret has singlehandedly made me spend money on books I never would have looked at. She's a true gem

[@Krisandmads]

She's honestly the best! Doing the Lord's work and all the heavy lifting!

[@Lexie810-b5r]

This video is nerdy reader heaven, all of us readers have so much in common 😊

[@Krisandmads]

There's so much that connects us truly!

[@texmax888]

You can also send your kindle highlights in a pdf format to your email address. I use Goodnotes a lot and I have a folder labeled kindle notes and I keep them all in there by year. You will never lose your highlights. You can also print them out and have them physically.

[@Krisandmads]

Woah this is really helpful information! Thank you for commenting and letting us know!

[@LaurenMilla]

I'm like Kristen in just about every way 😅 was just about to find ambience on KZbin before stumbling into this video too. Currently curled up on my couch (fave place) with a fur blanket, slippers, candle, and cat

[@Krisandmads]

Twin flames!

[@SuperRiley26]

These long, chill videos are honestly my favourite thing ever. They feel so comforting! I could listen to you both just talk about anything😅 please make them a regular thing!!

[@Krisandmads]

Thanks so much for watching. We're grateful for the feedback. We are down to do more chill long-form conversations for sure!

[@Tiffany_chan-nel]

Maddie, I really appreciate you sharing your book buying process. We see so many content creators who buy every single book they read and that isn’t a great representation of most book readers. As a mom of 2 I’m trying to save money anywhere I can. I borrow books from the library or buy on kindle if it’s cheaper or read on KU. I’m like you where when I really really enjoy a book I will buy it the physical copy. I also buy the books that I think my boys would enjoy when they get older that I can pass down to them.

[@Krisandmads]

Buying books we know our kids will love someday is definitely something we keep in mind too! Everyone has their own process and comfort with buying books for sure!

[@Max_TriesToRead]

I’ve never seen a booktube channel with two people before! Such a cool concept

[@Krisandmads]

Sisters :)

[@SaraKat886]

Regarding kindle highlights, there’s actually a file/folder on the kindle titled “your clippings” and it lists all your highlights in order. Shows the book,page, and when it was added. I refer to it for book clubs a lot. Super helpful! Also, just found your videos and now subscribed. Loving them!

[@Krisandmads]

Thanks so much for subscribing and for this tip! You're the best!!!

[@charlenegriffith7391]

Storygraph is great replacement for good reads

[@Krisandmads]

We definitely need to play with storygraph more!! We created accounts but didn’t fully transition over!

[@lisapeterson2800]

I second Storygraph!

[@greebooki]

i love storygraph! they recently added a monthly personalised reading statistics infograph that you can generate - it's been so lovely

[@oldschoolny]

I listen to audio books while working. I work from home so that helps. It also helps with the tedium of my job and even helps me focus better. Win win 😊

[@Krisandmads]

Love this! What an amazing reading habit.

[@ValentineNgo]

I've been a silent subscriber/follower for a long time now, but I can't help but comment on this when you guys were talking about neck pain with reading! I'm a physical therapist, and while a neck brace and being mindful of posture might help, going to PT for your pain would be a lot more beneficial long term. PT can help you to strengthen your neck and postural muscles so that you wouldn't have to rely on a brace or frequent adjustments! Your body is resilient, so you can train your body and muscles to handle lots of load if you strengthen them properly. Hope you (Kristen) and everyone else considers this if you're having pain with reading for a long time!

[@charlottebuskin4344]

Does this advice also apply to wrist pain? I’m an artist and my wrist has had problems for over a year and no one can figure out what’s going on with it.

[@Krisandmads]

Thanks so much for the info! The pain is pretty brutal, so physical therapy may be just the ticket!

[@ValentineNgo]

@@charlottebuskin4344 yes definitely! If no one can figure it out, it may actually also be caused by other issues at the elbow/shoulder. Seeing a good PT can help you to figure out the root cause and address it!

[@rhemafaithh]

I really, really enjoyed this! I can feel y'alls energy through the screen and it's so pleasant 🥰 I'm on track to read 13 books this year and I'm ok with that but I would like to feel more immersed in the stories..which I think would result in me reading more. there's just so many distractions (phone, Netflix, etc etc lol). When I was younger, I could be curled up with a book for hours and my brain never wandered. I appreciate the tips for setting the mood!! That should help!

[@Krisandmads]

13 books is fantastic and we have been there too! Wishing you a year full of more good reading in 2025!

[@shethewriter]

YES it will safe library highlights! It saves to a file on your kindle as well

[@Krisandmads]

Best news ever!

[@pmc1191]

I have a rotation of different ambience cozy backgrounds on KZbin that I use everytime I read😅 it makes reading even more of an experience!

[@Krisandmads]

This is the way to do it!

[@emilyeholbrook]

Goodreads keeps all your kindle highlights! I’m like Kristen and have all 3 books on 3 different formats

[@Krisandmads]

This is the confirmation we need! Thanks for fact-checking us emily!

[@JocelynnRPittman]

Love the tips about having multiple mediums! I always wonder how people read different books at one time but this physical cue is so helpful! Also appreciate your POV about in person book clubs, definitely inspired me to check one out ❤️

[@Krisandmads]

Yay! Thanks so much for watching. Hope the tips help.

[@lindsayreads]

Yes your highlights 100% stay in Goodreads even after you don't have the book! I do it with Libby ebooks and KU books all the time!

[@Krisandmads]

Thank you for confirming! This is a game-changer!

[@pattysergent5751]

Maddie, would you ever share an outline of your tracking spreadsheet to Patreon? I love the idea of keeping up on more info for each book though I could see it being a lot of upkeep.

[@Krisandmads]

Oh! For sure! I can do some playing around and see how tough it would be to make my spreadsheet a template for Patreon! Great idea!

[@tabbathalux3806]

I love the way you curate your libraries. I do mine the same way. I only want to own books I love. Also, ambiance + reading! YES! I thought I was the only one who did this! 🙌🏼

[@Krisandmads]

We are twin flames! You get us!

[@katbrask]

I’ve been using Goodreads & Storygraph simultaneously 😂

[@Krisandmads]

We may do this for awhile to see if we want to switch.

[@lindsayrh26]

I absolutely love owning the book. It’s expensive 😂 I do appreciate my Kindle, but dang, there is something about holding and smelling that book! I’m also particular about hardback vs soft for different genres. Kristen, yes to setting the reading scene! I have an ambience playing all day, every day. Give me cozy socks, candle, fuzzy blanket, sweats, comfy chair, and my book 😍

[@Krisandmads]

You are just like us! Twin flames!

[@racheliannazzo]

I’m totally with Kristen when it comes to the synopsis on the back of the book! I think part of the reason why I read more now is because I stopped reading the synopsis… I find that the synopsis usually turns me off of a book for some reason. It just never makes me think wow I want to read that book. Now that I better understand what I like in a book and whose book recommendations I trust, I just go off of that!

[@Krisandmads]

This is such a hot take! Love it!

[@Sara-pb6lj]

I average 125ish books a year. Reading has always been my favorite hobby and has been a constant in my life since childhood. I rarely watch movies/we don’t have tv hooked up. My husband winds down at night gaming and I read. I read on the Kindle app during my work breaks. I read when waiting at appointments. I read when my family is doing stuff-I come along but I’m usually reading while they’re doing whatever. Perfect example is that they ski/snowboard, I go along but will hang out at the lodge with a book and a bag of snacks lol. ETA: I’m not on any social media platforms. That frees up a lot of time for reading 😂

[@Krisandmads]

Love that our hobby can go with us! These were great ideas for anyone looking to read more 🩷

[@lyndzzzzz5976]

Storygraph has changed my TBR game, the customizable tags are elite for tracking and stats

[@Krisandmads]

Ok this is AMAZING! We have to check it out.

[@prettyunicorn5921]

StoryGraph’s my favorite for stats and you can create your own tags. I also like to write notes as I read and I track the page with a note. You can also change the edition.

[@Krisandmads]

These are big selling points!

[@GottaLoveYou2]

Who are your auto buy authors?? I’d love to know!

[@Krisandmads]

Oh great question! We should make a video about this! Here's the short list: M.L. Wang Pierce Brown Olivie Blake John Gwynne Fonda Lee Robin Hobb

[@cherietuck3528]

I loved this concept, Kris! 🎉

[@Krisandmads]

THANK YOU!!! It's was so fun to record for ya'll. Thanks for the feedback.

[@KathyArriola]

Kristen what kind of puzzles do you make and what size?

[@Krisandmads]

We both love 500-1000 piece puzzles!

[@melissahastings3568]

I’m currently ready four books at a time. My husband thinks I’m weird. I just told him I’m a book nerd.

[@Krisandmads]

We can confirm this is totally normal and reasonable behavior. lol.

[@nevaehlynam9414]

So funny that Maddie told Kristen she looks like Gollum when she reads, all my siblings tell me I look like Gollum when I read too 😭😂

[@Krisandmads]

just little hunched gremlins obsessing over our favorite things lol

[@sydthekidful]

I also need your tea recommendations please !! I am a new tea drinker and I want the good stuff !! 😂

[@Krisandmads]

You can't go wrong with a good organic loose leaf peppermint. It's our go-to! For something special, you can support a small business we love called Chapters Tea. They do a beautiful blend called At the Waterfront inspired by Little Women and it's DELICIOUS!

[@jaynehunter-ar]

Would you mind sharing links for the video creators you mentioned? I wasn't successful in doing a general search.

[@Krisandmads]

Many of them are on tiktok. Sure thing! margaret: www.tiktok.com/@mm.stormblessed?lang=en jonah: www.tiktok.com/@jonahevarts?lang=en Kiara: www.tiktok.com/@kiarasbookobsession?lang=en

[@samrisna5890]

Do you ever buy special editions for additional intros or annotations being included? It’s on my mind because one of my favorite books is being added to Penguin Classics, and I’m debating whether or not to get it.

[@Krisandmads]

We have a couple of books that we own in multiple editions for this reason, but we usually try to pick just one edition that we love most.

[@morgynvg]

I'm soo here for the sword as a mic stand!! 😂

[@Krisandmads]

We love a good improvisation

Need to see Maddie’s spreadsheet 😂

[@GottaLoveYou2]

Yes!!

[@Krisandmads]

Haha. Guys it's way too vulnerable. My deepest darkest unfiltered thoughts on every book I read are in there. It's like more intimate than my journal. bahaha.

[@unY0UsuaL2988]

I found an awesome spaceship ambience while reading Red Rising *chefs kiss* I do not understand how people read without ambience - candles, fan, KZbin background - SOMETHING!

[@Krisandmads]

No way! Can't wait for my next Sci-Fi read to try out a spaceship ambience! Brilliant!

[@heartofpink]

StoryGraph! 31:43

[@Krisandmads]

Love that so many of you enjoy this platform!

[@chandrabenner6257]

I am same same but different but still same. I do audio books for when I’m on the go, trad book for at home and kindle for the cabin. I also love audio books for chilling and playing cozy games on switch. I’m a mood reader so I usually have 3-4 books at a time. I listen to the Reading playlist on iTunes by Natz (it’s epic and he updates it and adds once a month) and some fantasy playlists for fantasy specific. I have an electric fire and I do play the ambiance background on a tv or tablet.

[@Krisandmads]

Ok these are all amazing habits. We may have to steal some. Reading playlists on itunes could be a whole new world for us!

[@lindseytubbleville7670]

Firstly: where did you get that necklace, Maddie - it is so cute!

[@Krisandmads]

It's from katie waltman jewelers!

[@greebooki]

I read a lot on my kindle because it's cheaper - I very often browse amazon deals and try to get the books that I'm interested in for much much cheaper - but I miss reading physical books more, there's just something about it. I can get some books in English from a library, but the fancy libraries are out of my way and in general they don't have every book that I'd like to read, so I have to do with my kindle or buy physical copies secondhand ;-; but once I'm more financially stable, our local bookstore that primarily sells works in English is gonna have a field day cause I plan on ~purchasing~ a lot 😁 but if I loved the book, either on kindle or audio, I will always eventually purchase a physical copy for my personal collection/rereading. I also sell books who do not represent me as a reader so that I don't need to feel like Kristen in her dining room looking at books she didn't love, cause same 😄 a question for Maddie (and anyone else in the comments who also internationally ships from Blackwells) - have any of your books ever come damaged? I was so tempted to order from them but a few of my friends discouraged me, saying that they've seen on the internet how damaged Blackwells' books come in the post. but I've never heard anyone with first hand experience talk about it. and if you guys ever switch away from goodreads... you know I'm following after you hehe. i love GR but without the people i follow it wouldn't be the same. i would prefer storygraph over fable i think - it's just so great for stats - but fable is very aesthetically pleasing.

[@Krisandmads]

This makes total sense! The kindle is so convenient and often affordable! It's just so nice. As far as ordering from Blackwells, I have not had any issues personally. I've ordered maybe 10 books so far, and they have come in good condition. I did have a book missing from my order once, but I just emailed them, and they sent it right away. So I have had great experiences so far!

[@Smitty1423]

Def gonna take some of these tips lol

[@Krisandmads]

We're telling you, cozy ambiance is a game changer!

[@kcowan97]

What is your format for buddy reading? How do you stay updated with the person you’re reading with? Do you have a go-to schedule for staying in touch?

[@Krisandmads]

We typically use Instagram DM or text. Maddie reads basically every day with Kiara, and we just tell each other how far we got before sharing thoughts. With other buddies, we sometimes have a reading goal, and just get to that spot before discussing. Really every buddy is different!

[@Trisaratops_94]

Audio books were the game changer for me! I read almost everything split between ebook and audio. It makes me more motivated for chores when I can pick up and continue my story. (I too have an extensive spreadsheet, Maddie. I love compiling data 😂)

[@Trisaratops_94]

PS I would say probably 85% of my TBR comes from you two 🥰

[@Krisandmads]

So honored to help you build your TBR! And yes, audiobooks are such a game changer. Yay! Spreadsheet nerds unite!

[@brittaniroudy]

We couldn’t be more opposite, I can’t stop buying books 😅

[@Krisandmads]

Buying books and building a collections is its own hobby for sure! We have friends who have gorgeous collections and they just love the book buying process. This is amazing for the industry, and we love how much support this gives authors and the publishing industry, so no shade! We love this for you!

[@estherpyle2566]

Anyone know who Margaret is?

[@Krisandmads]

Margaret makes killer book content on tiktok! Her handle is @mm.stormblessed on tiktok!

[@amoreenagodoy7106]

video game music is meant to help you focus! try listening to some Minecraft music it’s my go to when reading

[@Krisandmads]

No way! This sounds incredible here we got to find all the Minecraft playlists on spotify!

[@Fiddler4mySavior]

Cries in my new mom era

[@Krisandmads]

Good books will be good forever! There's no rush! We did not read like this when we were new moms! Soak up that newborn time, and enjoy! Books will be there later!

[@Fiddler4mySavior]

@ ♥️ how old were your kids when you were able to finally starting really reading again?

[@Krisandmads]

@@Fiddler4mySavior It became much easier once they were in school honestly, but nap times are also a great time to get some reading in.