The FolioStory Blog
Thoughts on reading, gifting, and talking about books without ruining them for anyone.
ReadingHow to Stop Getting the Same Book Twice
Two well-meaning people, one identical hardcover, and a birthday that now feels slightly awkward. Here's the actual reason it keeps happening — and the two habits that reliably fix it.
Buying BooksWhy Buying Books From Bookshop.org Supports Something Amazon Can't
Same price, same delivery window, same book. The difference is entirely about where the money actually goes once you click "buy."
Book TalkHow to Talk About a Book With Someone Who Isn't Finished Yet
You just want to talk about the ending. They're on chapter six. Here's how to actually have that conversation without either of you walking away annoyed.
Reading Challenges12 Reading Challenge Ideas for 2027 (That Aren't Just "Read More Books")
A page count is a fine goal. It's also the least interesting one available. Some sharper, more specific alternatives worth actually trying.
GiftingWhat to Actually Give a Reader for Christmas
Not another "best books of the year" list. A practical guide to giving a reader something they'll actually want — including the one question you should just ask them directly.
Reading ChallengesHow Many Books Should You Read a Year? A Realistic Way to Set Your Goal
There's no right number, but there is a sensible way to pick one. Turn your actual free time into a goal you'll finish, with the numbers worked out.
Reading ChallengesA 12-Genre Reading Challenge for 2027: One Genre a Month
Twelve genres, twelve months, and no pressure to love all of them. A pick for each month and a few rules that keep it fun.
Reading ChallengesPrintable 2027 Reading Tracker
A free goal sheet, month-by-month tally and 40-book reading log you can print and fill in by hand.
GiftingHow to Ask for Books for Christmas Without Ruining the Surprise
Asking for specific books feels like handing over a shopping list. Here's how to tell people what you want, avoid duplicates and wrong editions, and still be surprised on the day.
GiftingWhat to Buy Someone Who Already Has Too Many Books
They've got shelves of unread books and no room for more. What to give a reader like that — including the gifts that solve the pile rather than adding to it.
GiftingBook Secret Santa: How to Run One That Actually Works
A lovely idea that usually produces one great gift and four misses. How to set the rules, handle anonymity, and make sure everyone gets something they'll read.
Reading ChallengesHow to Track a Reading Challenge (So You Actually Finish It)
Most challenges fail in March, and not because the goal was wrong. Paper, spreadsheet or app — and the one habit that makes any of them work.
Not a post, but worth a read
Free toolBuild Your 2027 Reading Challenge
Pick a challenge, write your books in, and tick them off as you finish. Works without an account, and prints onto a single page.
ComparisonFolioStory vs Goodreads: An Honest Comparison
What Goodreads still does better, where a smaller tracker wins, and how to move your library across with a CSV export.