Goodreads.com a Reader's Perspective

Today I have Julie talking about Goodreads.com. I've asked her to specifically mention her view on authors networking on this website.

Welcome, Julie!
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Hi everyone, it's great to be here.

I love Goodreads.com. It is a great forum for people to share their love of books and the writers who bring them to us. Goodreads.com gives you the ability to create different bookshelves to catalog all of the books you have already read, want to read, and are currently reading. You can also categorize the books further into any bookshelf you like. It is completely unique to your personality. The site also allows you to add friends and share your bookshelves so you and your friends can see what you are reading along with all the books you have already read. It can be as interactive as you like it to be. You can share books and swap books. There are so many ways to use the site.


There are a lot of authors out there you can follow and keep up with. It gives you the chance to have a closer relationship with them. I am not familiar with the marketing aspect. I have never come across an author trying to peddle their book to me. I like the idea that the authors on the site are available to me.


Goodreads.com is a great place to go for reviews. The reviews range from simple, the reader either likes the book or did not like the book, to very in depth and insightful. There are also spoiler alerts to let you know so you do not read something that will ruin the book for you. It is also a great place to post reviews. The reviews stay a part of your page so years later when you have forgotten what the book was like you have a record of your thoughts! I love this aspect. It is journaling for your books!


I also want to mention the giveaways. There are tons of giveaways. You just sign up and wait until you are notified. I have won two books from Goodreads.com. Both of the books came in the mail in about 2 weeks. There are no strings attached. They may ask that you review the book after you have read it but it is not necessary.


If you are interested in discussions, there are tons of groups you can join on Goodreads.com. There is a group for anything! Most of them anyone can join. It is a great way to share your thoughts and ideas, to hear what others think, and to ask any questions you may have about what ever it is you are interested in.


All in all, I feel that Goodreads.com is an awesome place to share my love of reading.


Julie