What is Goodreads?
Goodreads describes itself as the world's largest site for readers and book recommendations. Launched in 2007 and now owned by Amazon, it lets you keep shelves of books you have read, are reading and want to read.
You can rate and review books, read other people's reviews, follow friends to see what they are reading, and get personalised recommendations. The annual Reading Challenge lets you set a goal for the year, and the Goodreads Choice Awards let readers vote for the best books. There is a website plus iOS and Android apps, and using it is free.
Main Features
- Read, Currently Reading and Want to Read shelves
- Ratings and reviews from millions of readers
- Personalised book recommendations
- Yearly Reading Challenge
- Goodreads Choice Awards
- Friends, groups and author pages
How to Get Started with Goodreads
- Sign up free at goodreads.com.
- Search for books you have read and add them to shelves.
- Rate a few books to improve recommendations.
- Set a goal in the Reading Challenge.
Goodreads Pricing
Goodreads is free to use. It is supported by Amazon and advertising, and has no paid membership.
Who Should Use It?
- Avid readers tracking their books
- Book clubs
- Students looking for reviews
- Authors connecting with readers
- Anyone wanting their next book
Goodreads Alternatives
- SoBrief: Book summaries you can read in minutes.
- BookAbout: AI tool that answers questions about books.
- Khan Academy: Free lessons and practice in maths, science and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Goodreads free?
Yes. Creating an account and using shelves, reviews and challenges is free.
Who owns Goodreads?
Goodreads has been owned by Amazon since 2013.
Can I read books on Goodreads?
Mostly no. It is for tracking, reviewing and discovering books, though some free excerpts are available.