Where the readers are!
True or false: Goodreads is only useful for sorting books into “to-read,” “currently reading” and “read” categories.
Two weeks ago, I’d have said “true.” And then, then one blogger’s review of The Perks of Being a Wallflower led me not only to devour that book (purely with my eyes and mind, mind you; actually eating my iPad would’ve been painful and ill advised) but to search out similar books to read. Sure, I have a hundred unread books on my bookshelf, but none of them was just right for my mood.
I perused Goodreads for recommendations, which the site offers based on your personal catalogue of books. It also allows your friends to directly recommend you books they think you’ll enjoy.
As I explored, I found that there are a multitude of book groups. I joined a couple of general groups, one YA group, a horror group, and an author’s group. I quickly discovered there are “books of the month,” in which a group is invited to experience the same book and discuss it as they go during a given month, and “buddy reads,” which allow smaller groups of people to read and discuss a book together over several weeks.
I immediately signed up for a few book of the month reads (Thirteen Reasons Why, Beautiful Creatures, Saving CeeCee Honeycutt) and a few buddy reads (Afraid, The End of Your Life Book Club). In two weeks, I’ve read some to all of each of these books. I’ve engaged in conversations about them, and delighted to know that no matter what book I’m reading, someone somewhere there will be able to discuss it with me.
It is, in a word, glorious.
I’ve moved from slowly meandering through one book at a time to reading five books at a time, selecting the particular one fit to any given mood and reading from it as long as it suits my mood.
I also decided to try out an author giveaway. My second novel should be out later this year, and I want to be prepared to do that release right straight out of the gate.
If you’ve been here a while, you’ve seen me do giveaways here before. I promoted them largely on Facebook, which, as I once wrote, made me “feel like I was selling same-day ballet tickets outside a football game.”
This time, I wanted to try a giveaway where the readers are–and, more particularly, where YA paranormal readers might be better equipped to find it. And wouldn’t you know, over the course of the 2.5 days of the giveaway so far, more than 300 people have entered to win a copy of The Monster’s Daughter. Bunches of folks have marked it ”to-read” apart from that, gaining it much greater exposure within its target audience.
If you’re a reader looking for likeminded readers for book discussion, from a single question to philosophical inquiry, or an indie author trying to find readers for your book, Goodreads is an excellent place for you. Heck, they even provide handy author widgets like the one below!
Goodreads Book Giveaway
The Monster’s Daughter
by Deborah Bryan
Giveaway ends March 01, 2013.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.
As for my starting question? Goodreads is only useful for sorting books into “to-read,” “currently reading” and “read” categories.
False. It’s for sharing good reads with good folks.
And halfway-decent ones. Like me.
Nudge, nudge.
** E.L. Farris is also doing a Goodreads giveaway! See bottom of this post for details.
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Recent Posts I Dug
I really need to read more.
Between the two of my kiddos I am running ragged and feel I need to slow down a bit. Its hard though with a 3.5 year old and an 11month old that is walking now. For you thoughI vow to read at bedtime now…just to stimulate my mind and relax my soul. I think I shall re-read The Monsters Daughter. Hope you have a wonderdul day!
Reading is definitely my slow-down time! Once in a while I’m able to use TV that way, but usually that just turns into early sleep time.
I’m sold! It may be the motivation I need to read through the pile of books collecting dust in the corner. (No way to treat my books, I know)! Thank you for the recommendation.
It’s proven so useful on so many friends. I think the best thing that’s come from my two weeks actively using it is the comfort I’ve developed reading multiple books at once. I always felt that was taboo; now, it means I spend more time reading instead of looking at a particular book and thinking, “But I don’t want to read that one!” before opting not to read at all.
Love love love Goodreads. So grateful you’re showing me (and others) the ropes!
I love seeing your updates there, and I’m also looking forward to reading your Gift of Fear recommendation! Probably next month? Good luck with your own giveaway, my friend! ♥
You have the best timing. I just finished an awesome book and realized I am out of things to read. Need some Goodreads in my life ASAP!
It is so, so awesome! If you take 10-15 minutes cataloguing your favorites so far, it’ll generate recommendations for you. If you join, pretty please send me an invite?!
How great that you signed up for this, Deb. I was really getting concerned about you having absolutely nothing going on in your life and needing something to do to pass the time.
This made me LOL when I read it last night, and I’m chuckling again now! I’m trying to find a way to make sure I use the social parts in a sustainable way, not like I used to use Facebook. I was thinking maybe 10-15 minutes per day for discussion, on days where I feel game for it. After all, much as I love the discussion, it cuts into my reading time!
I enjoyed this post, Anka, and it is making me rethink Goodreads. Q: Did you read the 13 reasons Why–book, yet? It is fabulous–and I met the author at a reading (back when we had a book store in SB, I mean!) and Jay Asher is a very nice gentleman.
I did! I enjoyed the book overall, but I the characters weren’t emotionally accessible to me even though their actions and words made me think a bunch. I ended up rating it 3.5 stars, a fact I’m told means I’m implicitly lacking in compassion. SMH.
I received British book Undone yesterday. In that book, a girl receives a set of letters from a friend who killed himself a month before. So far, that’s hitting both my heart and my head, and I hope it keeps up!
Oh no! Are we going to lose you to Goodreads and the like? I’m with Peg, I was really getting concerned about you having nothing to do.
It’s my intention not to be around as much, but that’s not because of Goodreads! I’m actually trying to make sure I limit my Goodreads use so I can make that (like blogging!) something sustainable for the long haul.
Thank you so much for this. I have completely misunderstood what Goodreads was about! You’ve lit a fire under me to check it out!
I’m glad it’s not just me! After I discovered it was much, much more than I’d initially imagined, I couldn’t help but thinking of my journey to budgeting. In 2007, I started a spreadsheet to help ensure I made monthly payments on time. By 2008, it had taken on aspects of a budget. By 2009, I was firmly entrenched in budgeting, and would think of my original “checklist” with a smile.
I need to engage more in Goodreads, I do now and then but not near enough. I have books from my baby publishing company I need to have read and reviewed. I am running out of books to read (that I want to read).
By the way I finished The Room, loved it. Though it was hard to start.
Did you read any reviews of Room? I was startled how many people docked it points for being too immature given its subject matter and the like. (Obviously you know how I feel about this in light of my post on the book!)
I just finished reading The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. It’s a beautiful, quick read, with some similar themes although it’s about two boys living at a German concentration camp. The author explains his reason to address Auschwitz through the encounters of two young boys on either side of its fences in a way that makes me want to share his words with Room naysayers.
I’d highly recommend that book as well. Here’s my review, if you’re on the fence. As it were.
I am currently reading a five book series on Arthur, actually his sister Morgan by Fay Sampson. I have always loved the story of Arthur, but this is a fabulous set of books, a wonderful telling. Easy reading, full of a different light a woman’s view.
I will look at your recommendation next I think, my faith in you is absolute.
I read and watched the movie The Perks of Being a Wallflower. If you haven’t seen it, do yourself a favor and watch it. It was amazing!
I haven’t watched the movie yet, but Anthony has heard about once daily the last week that we’ve got to watch it soon!
I’ve never investigated Goodreads — I normally just peruse the shelf of my local bookstores. But since bookstores are going out of business with record speed, this might just be the place to go to find my next stack. I’m sure I can find room for another few hundred …
Thanks Deb!
I love visiting bookstores, especially ones that mix old and new books. I haven’t done a very good job integrating the books I’ve taken home from the bookstore with Goodreads, but that will inevitably change as I read and review more of them.
I discovered the book that inspired this morning’s post via Goodreads. For that alone, I am thankful!
Color me motivated to get over to Goodreads! I’ve peeked at the sight, but not yet taken the plunge. I am now encourage, especially because I’ve been released from my guilt over all the unread books in our home library It’s nice to know I am not alone!