What is Goodreads?

Goodreads is the world's largest platform for book lovers, with more than 125 million members. It is a social network built specifically for readers, where you can discover books, keep track of what you read, read and write reviews, and connect with other readers. Owned by Amazon since 2013, Goodreads remains the go-to place for anyone who is serious about reading.

Whether you are a voracious reader who gets through 50 books a year or someone who would like to read more, Goodreads helps you reach your reading goals and enrich your reading experience. It is the perfect tool to organize your reading life and discover new favorite books.

Getting started with Goodreads

Setting up your Goodreads account is easy and free. Follow these steps to get started.

Step 1: Download the app or visit the website

Download the Goodreads app from the App Store or Google Play Store. You can also use the full website at goodreads.com. The app is ideal on the go, while the website offers more features.

Step 2: Create an account

Sign up with your email address or log in with Facebook, Google or Amazon. Your account syncs across all your devices, so you always have access to your book collection.

Step 3: Add your first books

Goodreads asks you to add books you have read. This helps the platform make personalized recommendations. Search by title or author and click to add books to your "Read" shelf.

Step 4: Set your reading goal

The Reading Challenge is a popular feature. Set a goal for how many books you want to read this year. Goodreads tracks your progress and motivates you to hit your goal.

Organizing your books with shelves

The heart of Goodreads is the shelf system you use to organize your books.

The three default shelves

Every account has three default shelves: "Read" for books you have read, "Currently Reading" for books you are reading now, and "Want to Read" for books you want to read. Every book has to be on at least one of these shelves.

Creating custom shelves

You can create an unlimited number of your own shelves for extra organization. Popular options are "Favorites", "To-Buy", "Books I Own", or shelves per genre such as "Science Fiction" or "Non-Fiction". This helps you structure your collection the way you want.

Adding and managing books

Find a book with the search bar, scan the barcode with the in-app scanner, or browse through recommendations. Click "Want to Read" to add the book, or select a different shelf. You can put a book on multiple shelves (except the three default shelves, which are exclusive).

Discovering books

One of the best features of Goodreads is how it helps you discover your next favorite book.

Personalized recommendations

Based on your reading history and ratings, Goodreads gives you personalized recommendations. The more books you add and rate, the better the suggestions get.

Lists and awards

Goodreads members create countless lists such as "Best Books of 2024" or "Best Fantasy Books of All Time". The annual Goodreads Choice Awards show which books are most popular with readers.

Read reviews from other readers

Every book page contains reviews from other readers. This gives you an honest picture of what to expect, unlike marketing material from publishers. Look for the reviews with the most "likes" for the most useful insights.

Follow authors

You can follow your favorite authors to get updates on new books, events and blog posts. This makes sure you never miss a new release.

Reviews and ratings

Writing and reading reviews is a core part of the Goodreads experience.

Rating books

Give every book you read a rating of 1 to 5 stars. This not only helps your own record keeping, it also contributes to the community ratings that help other readers. You don't have to write a review to leave a rating.

Writing reviews

A review can be as short or as long as you like. Share what you thought of the book, who it is suitable for, and what its strengths and weaknesses are. Your reviews help other readers and can start discussions.

Reading reviews strategically

When reading reviews, check both positive and negative ones. Also look at the reviewer's profile to see whether your tastes match. A reviewer who rates the same books highly as you do is a better guide to your next book.

Social features

Goodreads is a social network for readers with various ways to connect.

Adding friends

Add friends to see what they are reading and how they rate books, and to get recommendations based on your shared taste. You can find friends via email, Facebook or by searching by name.

Joining groups

There are thousands of Goodreads groups for every genre or topic you can think of, from book clubs that read together to discussion groups about specific authors. This is a great way to find like-minded readers.

Updates feed

Your homepage shows updates from friends: what they are reading, their reviews and their progress. This inspires you and gives you ideas for your own reading list.

The Reading Challenge

The annual Reading Challenge is a popular motivation tool.

How it works

At the start of the year, you set a goal for how many books you want to read. Goodreads automatically tracks how many books you have marked as "Read" this year and calculates whether you are on schedule.

Setting realistic goals

Start modestly if you don't know how much you read. 12 books a year is one per month, which is achievable for most people. You can always adjust your goal during the year.

Staying motivated

The visual progress bar and the notifications when you fall behind motivate you to keep reading. Sharing your progress with friends adds social motivation.

Handy tips for using Goodreads

Get more out of Goodreads with these tips.

Use the barcode scanner

The app has a barcode scanner that lets you add physical books quickly. Scan the barcode on the back of the book and it is found right away.

Export your data

You can export your entire Goodreads library as a CSV file. This is handy as a backup or if you want to analyze your data.

Send books to your Kindle

Because Goodreads is owned by Amazon, you can often send a sample straight to your Kindle or buy the book from within Goodreads.

Use the widget

Goodreads offers widgets you can place on your blog or website to show your current reading list. Nice for book bloggers or anyone who wants to share what they are reading.

Alternatives and add-ons

Although Goodreads is the biggest, there are alternatives.

StoryGraph

A newer option with better charts and analyses of your reading habits. Popular among readers who want to avoid Goodreads' Amazon connection.

Libby/OverDrive

For borrowing ebooks and audiobooks through your library. Works well alongside Goodreads for actually reading books.

Conclusion: start tracking your reading journey

Goodreads turns reading from a solitary activity into a shared passion. By tracking your books, reading and writing reviews, and connecting with other readers, you enrich your reading experience enormously. Download the app, add your favorite books, and discover how much more rewarding reading can be when you are part of a community of book lovers. Your next favorite book is waiting to be discovered.

Frequently asked questions

Is Goodreads free to use?

Yes, Goodreads is completely free. You can add unlimited books, write reviews, make friends and use all features without paying. There are no premium versions or hidden costs.

How do I find new books to read on Goodreads?

Goodreads offers personalized recommendations based on your reading history and ratings. You can also browse lists created by other members, check out the annual Choice Awards, read reviews, or see what your friends are reading for inspiration.

Yes, because Goodreads is owned by Amazon, you can link your accounts. You can then send samples straight to your Kindle, buy books from within Goodreads, and your Kindle reading progress syncs automatically with Goodreads.

How does the Reading Challenge work?

At the start of the year, you set a goal for how many books you want to read. Every book you mark as 'Read' with a date in the current year counts toward it. Goodreads shows your progress and whether you are on schedule to reach your goal.

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