Marcia Strykowski

How to Use Goodreads

           I’ve never reblogged before, but since this post on the fabulous Writers’ Rumpus Blog was written by me, I thought I’d give it a try.

WRITERS' RUMPUS

Goodreads is the best method I’ve found to keep track of my reading. This site can also help you discover new books to read. There’ll always be a few naysayers for any online program, and yes, sometimes a few bad apples spoil the fun, but overall I feel Goodreads (ages 13 & up) is the most user-friendly way to log books whether you’re an avid reader or an author yourself (or both!). I only check in every other week or so, therefore I’m not an expert by any means, but here are a few basic steps for those of you who are ready to join the crowd. First, it’s very easy to sign up for Goodreads, just type in your name (or a nickname if you’d like to remain private), add in your email (this will also be kept private), and lastly, make up a password.
To start your book…

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37 Comments

  1. Marcia, thank you for this. Very interesting ! and good to know. 🙂

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    • I’m so glad it was useful to you, Lynne, thanks for letting me know!

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  2. A great summary of Goodreads for those unfamiliar with the site.

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    • Thanks, Darlene! (Did you happen to zoom in on that stack of books at the top of the post? 🙂 )

      Liked by 1 person

      • OMG! Amanda on the Danube is on that stack of books, along with some other great reads like Amy’s Choice. I feel honoured to have a book included. Thanks for having me look harder.

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  3. clarehelenwelsh

    Thanks Marcia, have always found Goodreads a mind field!

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  4. Colleen

    Thank you, Marcia! What a good idea! I see “Call me Amy” near the top of the stack!!!

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    • I grabbed a variety of random books off my shelves and then was surprised at how well the titles showed up (that’s my story and I’m sticking to it!) 🙂

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  5. Stacey Newman

    Very very helpful. I just signed up for goodreads. Thank you!!

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  6. Good Marcia– you did such a good job of giving such a helpful, detailed guide!! You know I’m always looking for new books/authors. That’s one reason I love your blog! Hope you having a relaxing weekend after your travels!! hugs!

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  7. Wow, thanks for this Marcia! This is very interesting and informative. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.😍😘

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    • You’re welcome, Lilly. Great to hear from you. I hope you’re having a wonderful weekend, too!

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Great article and thorough, Marcia. I don’t use Goodreads as much as I should, but it is a great place for readers and writers.

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    • Thanks, Diana. It’s nice to know Goodreads is there holding information about every title even if we don’t take advantage of all it has to offer. There doesn’t seem to be as much pressure as other social media options.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. This is very helpful, and extremely interesting for a newbie to this (me). Thank you, Marcia.

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    • Great, good to know you got something out of the post, Jennie. I think some people don’t realize how many children’s books are on the site, too. Probably half of my reviews are of picture books. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      • This is all foreign territory for me, Marcia. So, I can post a review?

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  10. I have only recently joined Goodreads but it has proved a valuable site for connecting to other readers and to keep track of my books. (Even though I also have an electronic library 🙂

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    • I enjoy being part of it, too. Unlike Facebook, Twitter, and other social platforms, there’s no pressure to keep up. Sometimes I’ll add several recent reads at once just because I haven’t logged in for over a month. Nobody notices or cares whether you’re on there often or not. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Sharon!

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  11. This is such a helpful post Marcia, thank you. I’ve got a Goodreads account, but I don’t really use it because I didn’t know how – I have a much clearer idea now though.
    I don’t suppose you know anything about Instagram? I would like to use it but my phone is not up to taking photos, and I would like to upload them from my PC. I’ve searched the Internet but as far as I can see it’s impossible – so no Instagram for me. 🙂

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    • For Goodreads, I think if you just click on a few book titles and then rate and review them, the process will become even clearer. You can always go in and make corrections if you change your mind or find a mistake.
      I don’t know much about Instagram, but I guess they do have a couple of apps available that let you send pictures from your PC. Otherwise they mostly want you to stick to mobile. Good luck figuring out how to get around it. Your gorgeous photographs are worth showing off on there!

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      • Thanks Marcia, I will keep searching and let you know if I work it out.

        Liked by 1 person

  12. Deborah Nolan

    Marcia am going to check this out…I had never heard of it. Sounds like a great way to keep track of my reading. Didn’t use to have trouble remembering if I had read a certain book but now unfortunately I bring something home from the library and within a few pages discover I had read it before – now that can’t have anything to do with age!! :)!!

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    • Ha ha, you’d be surprised how many library patrons come back a day or two later because they checked out a repeat book. I like how Goodreads quickly gives a cover visual and all relevant information, along with my own thoughts on each book. And most of it shows up without even having to log in!

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  13. RBH

    Thanks for sharing this.

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  14. Ashley

    I’m thinking of joining Goodreads now that I know how useful it is!

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    • Wonderful! I hope to ‘see’ you on there and anyone else who would like to be Goodreads friends. 🙂

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  15. Great post- makes sense to share what you wrote on the other site via reblogging.

    Liked by 1 person

    • It’s an easy way to get an extra post in since they sometimes take more time than I have available. Thanks, Sheryl!

      Liked by 1 person

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