The Problem
I wanted one place to log books I've read and queue what's next — ratings, notes, dates — without an account or a subscription tying that history to someone else's app.
The Approach
A static HTML/CSS/JS front end backed by a PHP script and a JSON file, same pattern as my Habit Tracker, so it's reachable from any device. A Dashboard tab shows quick stats and a fast add form; a History tab holds the full searchable, filterable list, collapsed to a compact row per book that expands on click for genres, dates, and notes. Cover art auto-fetches from Open Library and is stored directly in the data file, so the page never depends on an outside link staying alive. The current view exports to CSV, Markdown, or a printable PDF.
The History tab — a compact row per book, cover art, rating, and status at a glance.
Click any row to expand it — genres, dates, and notes, without leaving the list.
The Result
A reading tracker that's mine end to end — no account, no subscription, and a history that will still be there whether or not the original book-cover source is.