How To Use Goodreads Effectively
I have been a Goodreads user on and off for a few years. I have had a love-hate relationship with the app for many reasons, namely the pressure of achieving a reading. As I’ve seen this sentiment grow online, I believe that Goodreads is a great app that every reader should utilize.
What is Goodreads
Goodreads is an app where you keep track of what you read, connect with other readers, and get book recommendations. Anyone who has been in the reading sphere has heard of, or used, Goodreads in the past. Many people who have used the app have complained about its limitations and the pressure to finish a reading challenge. I sympathize with these sentiments because I struggled.
I have felt the pressure of achieving a challenge, of finishing a book, of connecting with other readers. This made me rush through books and give half-baked reviews on books. For those who don’t know how Goodreads work, here is a quick rundown:
- You create an account.
- You pick your preferred genres.
- You set a reading goal.
- You follow influential people.
- You keep track of what you read.
These tools are seemingly innocent; however, these tools are where most people tend to feel pressure. If this is the problem, how do you resolve it?
How to Use Goodreads Effectively
Since I (re)created my Goodreads account, I have developed a method to use the app in a way that is beneficial to the average reader. Here is my 3-step method:
- Use Reading Challenge as a reference, not as a timer.
Using the Reading Challenge as a reference changed my perspective of the app in a fundamental way. Most people view the challenge as a timer, which I understand. (When you set a challenge, it gives you an estimate of books to read/week to achieve) By viewing the challenge as a reference, it can help you see how far you’ve come and how you read leisurely.
2. Set a Moderate Reading Challenge.
I have seen plenty of people who set outrageous reading challenges. I’ve seen 500 books, 1000 books, 250 books. Simply put, there are difficult challenges to achieve. It isn’t practical. Personally, I increase my goal by 5 books every year. For beginners, I recommend 25 books/ year. This is obtainable and pragmatic.
By setting a goal of 10-100 books/year, you can develop a reading habit and obtain a deep understanding of your book. Remember, reading 250 books is impressive; however, if you don’t remember what you read then you’ve missed the point of reading.
3. Review your books
Frankly, if you rate the books on a scale of 1–5 stars, then you can miss out on giving your true opinion of the book. Personally, I rate my books on a scale of 100. I find this to be effective as I can see which books I liked more, give my unadulterated opinion on them (without being bound by 1–5 stars), and I can see my growth as a reader.
Now, I’m not perfect, and many of my books have a simple star rating; however, I decided to change this because I wanted to remember more of what I read. Note: If you like the 5-star system, then use it. Write reviews of the books because they solidify what you have read.
Conclusion
Goodreads is an app that can be used both effectively and in a pragmatic way. Although I have recently implemented my methodology, it has helped me improve as a reader. My methodology may not work for everyone, but I think it may lay a foundation for you, dear reader, to use Goodreads effectively.
Remember to always read deeply.
Do you use Goodreads? Do you like it?
Let me know in the comments below!
