I can't believe it's taken me this long to mention, highlight, and, in general, rave about one of my very favorite social networking sites: Goodreads.

The premise: it's an interactive site for people to share what they're reading, what they've read, and organize their books.

Can you say "Sarah is jumping up and down"? Because reading is one of my favorite things, I'm a total techie-organize-for-fun-geek-type, and I love talking books.

Obviously, the people at Goodreads had me in mind.

I've been on it for a few years, and I don't use it much for the social networking side of things. I do like to poke around and see what people are reading and what they recommend when I have the time.

If you love to read, you might enjoy Goodreads, too.

What I like:

  • The ability to interact when I want to (without the feeling that I must interact)
  • Apps (both iOS and Android)
  • The groups and discussions that take place (though I rarely make time to participate)--for example, there is a group of Catholic Readers

How I use it:

  • To organize my books, especially now that the kids in my life are reading books I want to read, too
    • I have mutually exclusive shelves (meaning a book can only be listed on one of these) for: books I've read, books I'm currently reading, books I want to read, books my oldest daughter wants to get from the library, my own books, books on my review shelf, books I'm going to pick back up again later
    • I have additional shelves for each year (i.e., 2012 books I've read) and also for books I want to get from the library
  • To check out what some of my favorite readers and reviewers are reading
  • To see what other people have to say about books I'm dabbling in (reading, considering reading, or evaluating)

You might love Goodreads if:

  • You love reading
  • You want to organize books you've read or books you want to read (or something else related to books)
  • You want to connect with other people who love to read
  • You're looking for a good book
If you're on Goodreads, find me there.

Read more of our Tech Talk columns.

Copyright 2012 Sarah Reinhard

About the Author

Sarah Reinhard

Sarah Reinhard

When she’s not chasing kids, chugging coffee, or juggling work, Sarah Reinhard’s usually trying to stay up read just one … more … chapter. She writes and works in the midst of rural farm life with little ones underfoot. She is part of the team for the award-winning Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion, as well as the author of a number of books. Follow her writing at Snoring Scholar.