Are there other apps like Goodreads?

Alternative Apps
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I’m looking for recommendations for apps similar to Goodreads. I enjoy discovering books, reviewing them, and connecting with other readers, but I’m exploring alternatives to expand my options. What are some good platforms like it?

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1. LibraryThing

Homepage Link: https://www.librarything.com

  • Pros:

    • Detailed cataloging features ideal for serious bibliophiles.
    • Allows importing/exporting book data easily (ideal for larger collections).
    • Active community features like group discussions and book recommendations.
    • Integration with public library catalogs via OCLC, Library of Congress, etc.

  • Cons:

    • UI feels dated and not as visually polished as some newer apps.
    • Mobile app is limited compared to the web version.

  • Features:

    • Extensive metadata for categorizing books (tags, physical details, editions).
    • Access to global library database for rare/unique items.
    • Support for private and public book collections.

  • User Reviews:

    • Many users love the app’s versatility for cataloging but complain about the steep learning curve for beginners.

  • Verdict:

    • If you’re looking for a Goodreads alternative centered on serious book categorization and don’t mind a clunky interface, LibraryThing is one of the best bets.

2. The StoryGraph

Homepage Link: https://app.thestorygraph.com

  • Pros:

    • Focuses on personalized book recommendations and reading stats.
    • Ad-free experience, with both free and subscription-based tiers.
    • Clean and modern UI compared to Goodreads.

  • Cons:

    • Not as large of a community as Goodreads (yet).
    • Some advanced features are gated behind the subscription plan ($4.99/month).

  • Features:

    • Generate personalized recommendations based on mood, pace, and themes.
    • Goal setting for reading challenges, with detailed analytics (pages read, genres, etc.).
    • Options for importing Goodread’s data easily.

  • User Reviews:

    • Users rave about the recommendation system, saying it feels more tailored and detailed than Goodreads. However, some complain about the limited social interaction.

  • Verdict:

    • Perfect for readers who are data-driven and want mood-based book discovery—modern, smooth, and worth giving a shot if you’re drifting away from Goodreads.

3. BookSloth

Homepage Link: https://www.booksloth.com

  • Pros:

    • Social media-centered, making it easier to connect with other readers.
    • Gamified experience with rewards (badges) for participation.
    • Eye-catching design and seamless user interface.

  • Cons:

    • Smaller book and user database compared to Goodreads.
    • Still lacking in some advanced book categorization features.

  • Features:

    • Customizable user profiles for highlighting favorite genres/moods.
    • Community polls, discussions, and book clubs.
    • Easy to create and share lists of recommended reads.

  • User Reviews:

    • Most praise its vibrant, friendly vibes and design, but consider it more supplemental to Goodreads than a full alternative.

  • Verdict:

    • A refreshing social experience for younger readers and casual book lovers, but not ideal for those with massive collections.

4. Litsy

Homepage Link: https://www.litsy.com

  • Pros:

    • Combines Instagram-style photo sharing with book recommendations.
    • Focuses on concise reviews and creative content around books, making it less overwhelming.
    • Regular community events like readathons or review prompts.

  • Cons:

    • Smaller user base, so it may be harder to discover niche recommendations.
    • Not suitable for long-form or in-depth reviews.

  • Features:

    • Photo-sharing features similar to Instagram.
    • Brief reviews called “blurb” for bite-sized recommendations.
    • Track your reading journey easily, with options to add books as “read,” “reading,” or “to be read.”

  • User Reviews:

    • People who enjoy visual media adore it, while some complain it’s ‘style over substance.’

  • Verdict:

    • Great for creative expression and visual-minded readers, but probably not robust enough for Goodreads power users.

5. Booklikes

Homepage Link: http://booklikes.com

  • Pros:

    • Mix of a book-tracking platform and blogging tool—perfect if you like reviewing books extensively.
    • Allows linking with Goodreads data.
    • Interaction with authors is more frequent than newer platforms.

  • Cons:

    • Limited development in recent years; glitches are common.
    • Clunky design compared to sleek modern alternatives.

  • Features:

    • Personal book blog creation (your reviews can double as blog posts).
    • Ratings and traditional tracking features with deeper customization.
    • Embedded widgets to display book collection on external websites.

  • User Reviews:

    • Beloved by some for blogging, but others criticize it for persistent bugs and slow updates.

  • Verdict:

    • A niche option for writer-reviewers, but its stagnant evolution might frustrate casual users.

6. Read This Twice

Homepage Link: https://www.readthistwice.com

  • Pros:

    • Focuses on book recommendations from famous personalities.
    • Helps discover books via curated lists by influential authors, CEOs, celebrities, etc.
    • Clean and simple-to-navigate layout.

  • Cons:

    • Lack of a strong social or community-driven element.
    • Does not provide in-depth organizational features for personal libraries.

  • Features:

    • Curated book lists from notable figures.
    • Simple bookmarking feature for future reading.

  • User Reviews:

    • Ideal for those seeking meaningful recommendations; feels less cluttered than Goodreads.

  • Verdict:

    • Best for those burnt out from algorithmic suggestions and want human-curated lists.

7. Bookshelf

Homepage Link: https://www.bookshelf.app

  • Pros:

    • Sleek and beautiful UI designed for quick cataloging.
    • Can upload e-books and documents.
    • Lightweight and optimized for mobile users.

  • Cons:

    • Still growing its community, so less interaction compared to established apps.

  • Features:

    • Shelf management with cover uploads and drag/drop sorting.
    • Focus on personalization in mini-recommendations.

  • User Reviews:

    • Strongly rated for its UX but often criticized for the lack of depth in discovery tools.

  • Verdict:

    • Good choice for light cataloging and casual readers wanting simplicity.

8. Epic Reads

Homepage Link: https://www.epicreads.com

  • Pros:

    • Amazing YA book discovery focused on new releases.
    • Vibrant community and strong publisher-backed tools.
    • Editorial content including author interviews and quizzes.

  • Cons:

    • Geared almost exclusively towards YA genres.
    • Not ideal for logging existing reads or non-YA-focused tracking.

  • Features:

    • Dynamic quizzes to find next reads.
    • Discussion hubs and exclusive author Q&As.

  • User Reviews:

    • YA fans often call this their home base for browsing and tracking.

  • Verdict:

    • The ultimate Goodreads replacement if you’re focused purely on YA books!

9. BookTrib

Homepage Link: https://booktrib.com

  • Pros:

    • Blends social trends with traditional book news.
    • Diverse genres covered with regular updates.
    • Frequent giveaways and event info (for US users).

  • Cons:

    • Works more like a newsletter hub than a personalized app.

  • Features:

    • Author interviews, trending releases, and genre exploration.
    • Newsletter-like discovery feature tailored to interests.

  • User Reviews:

    • Higher praise for news content, mixed reactions for library tools.

  • Verdict:

    • Best for readers more into trends and community-driven updates.

10. Riffle

Homepage Link: https://www.rifflebooks.com

  • Pros:

    • Tailored lists based on staff/editor recommendations.
    • Better at helping readers build curated lists than Goodreads.

  • Cons:

    • Lacks robust tracking or metadata features.
    • Limited growth since initial buzz.

  • Features:

    • Categorized recommendation lists.
    • Social bookmarking-esque feel.

  • User Reviews:

    • Praised for simplicity, but some users seek deeper tracking options.

  • Verdict:

    • A lightweight, recommendation-heavy alternative that younger readers may enjoy.

The final takeaway? Based on personal preference, I’d prioritize The StoryGraph for its aesthetics and recs, or LibraryThing for deep categorization. What you prefer may depend on how much you value community, cataloging, or discovery tools.