We are a list-loving society, and for those of us who adore books, that means keeping some kind of inventory of what books we own, what we want to own, what we’ve read, what we want to read—and how well we liked what we read… Today A Drift of Quills delves into the subject of social cataloging for books—What do we use? What are some other options?
When it comes to social cataloguing for books, I think Goodreads is the *800 pound gorilla in the room. Nearly everyone knows what it is and how to use it. Nearly everyone seems to use it as their go-to option.
It’s easy to keep track of books, including the correct covers and editions if you’re particular about that.
I can put all the candy—er, books onto shelves I can name however I please, thus creating lists of fantasy, single-pov, DNF (Did Not Finish), or whatever I can think of. I am the goddess of my personal online library. Feel the power!
I have fun with the challenges, particularly those sponsored by some of the groups I’ve joined. Face it, I’m not great at socializing. I’m a certified introvert. Also, I just don’t have time to spend socializing on Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter, et cetera, et cetera. You know what’s cool about Goodreads? It’s a collection of people who like books talking about… books. My kind of crowd!
I don’t want to completely dismiss the other social cataloguing options out there in the ether world, though. Here are a few others I’ve tried and participate in now and then:
Social Cataloging Options
- Riffle Books – Profile pages open to two lists: those books I recommend and those I’ve read. One can also create their own lists and name them creatively. You can publish reviews, and I like that comments are allowed on them. You can follow people or be followed. Riffle is less “busy” than Goodreads, and everything is neatly available from a single drop-down menu. I like simplicity.
- Rising Shadow – This gets a thumbs up simply because the site is completely fantasy/science fiction oriented. The front page announces new books, reviews, guest posts. If a book is not in the catalogue, a reader can add it (It must be approved by the admins, but it’s quick!). There’s a forum for socializing. Finding your own page is a little tricky, but everything from there on out is simple. Want to “level up”? Review more books.
LibraryThing – A busy place. You can catalogue your books as well as movies and music. (Overkill for me; I like to focus on the books!) There are forums, news, groups, reviews, and lots of other stuff. This one costs actual money after 200 items (which might be why I drifted away…?).
Rising Shadow is probably my favorite of the three for social cataloging—if only because it focuses on the genre(s) of books I like to read and write.
Now if I could only carve more time out of my week for flagrant, shameless reading!
*Do you know the difference between an 800 pound gorilla and the elephant in the room? That question should come with a punchline, but I’m forever looking up the sources and meanings of things. Read “The 800-pound grammar gorilla” if you want to see the beasties mixing it up. (And try to ignore the Chicago Tribune’s title capitalization faux pas. Apparently grammar ain’t what it used to be!)
P.S. BROADDUS
Author of A Hero’s Curse (The Unseen Chronicles Book 1)
Parker’s website
Goodreads. Pinterest. Facebook. Google+. I’m a relative newcomer to cataloging my reading socially. I saw the option on Facebook years ago, but felt like it was too much work to go through and name all the books I love and like – and then I felt like Facebook itself was too broad – I could detail my favorite books, my favorite movies, my causes, my hobbies – it was all too much, and too invasive!
Only recently, (within the past couple of years), did I discover… (Wait—what did he discover?)
PATRICIA REDING
Author of the Oathtaker Series
Patricia’s website
Patricia is spending some precious time with her extended family. Hopefully, she will be able to join us again next month. Please drop by her site and share some love!
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Do you use a website to catalog your books? Do you like the idea of “social cataloging”?
What’s your favorite site—and why?
Oh cool – I learned new things today! Thanks for sharing Robin. It will be fun to check these out.
I just accidentally found another! This one helps you keep track of your book SERIES: https://www.fictfact.com — I’m definitely going to have to investigate further…