I never seem to have enough hours to read all the books I want to read. What I can do though is make sure my to read list never runs out. I use GoodReads and I highly recommend it as a simple way to track the books you have read and the books you want to read. It’s accessible via your computer desktop or via your iphone. I use it both ways but mostly I use it on my phone. They have released a new update to their app a few months back which is a much more streamlined interface and makes tracking your reading even easier. They have 80 million members and reviews and over 2.3 billion books have been added.
One of my favourite features is the ability to scan books barcodes and then automatically add them to your lists. I can often be found at the airport bookstores scanning the tops reads.
So many books, so little time.
–Frank Zappa
According to my profile I joined back in May 2008. I’d love to say that I have tracked conscientiously every book I have read over the last decade but sadly I haven’t. The last three years have been consistent though as my account is linked to my kindle and my amazon account so I am prompted to mark a book as read. I also don’t add any of the physical books I read – though I really should.
Why have a goodreads account?
- See what books your friends are reading
- Track the books you’re reading, have read, and want to read
- Have your own personalised book recommendations
- Read a community reviews before you dive into a book
How to get started on goodreads
I would recommend starting your account on your computer first ( you don’t have to but I find it easier )
- Create your account – you can sign in via facebook
- Follow the prompts – add in your favourite genres and you’ll receive recommendations to add to your lits
- Join a list – there is a list for everyone!
- Add your friends – that way you’ll see what they read or what they want to read and you’ll be able to add those books to your own lists
How to make the most out of your goodreads account
- Add the app to your phone – you’ll always have it with you if a friend says you should read – or you see a fabulous book
- Create your own list names – mine are simple want to read and read! But you can get fancy and have as many ‘bookshelves’ as you want
- Read the goodreads blog regularly – they have some great articles and inevitably there are recommendations and reviews for books that you can add to your shelves straight from the article
- Ask your favourite authors questions
- Set yourself a reading challenge
- Hook your amazon account/kindle up to goodreads so it automatically prompts you to add to your lists or write a review
- Like and share your favourite book quotes
Are you already on goodreads? Let me know so I can add you as a friend and stalk what you are reading!
