Glad For Goodreads: Make An Account And Make More Time To Read

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Conn chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Oh, Goodreads. If you’ve read any of my articles in the past, you’ll certainly recognize the name. Founded in 2007, the site provides readers with a space to organize and track their books, answering the question of how to keep track of what they’re reading, even if they don’t own the physical copy of the book. So, whether they’re from a bookstore haul, library check-out or the form of e-books/audiobooks, Goodreads is there to help you keep track and connect with others in the process.

Why Goodreads?

1. Motivation

At the beginning of every year, Goodreads users can set a reading goal. I’ve seen these range from five all the way up to 100+ books, but it’s all about what fits your life best. As an English and secondary English education major, it’s fun to watch that bar move closer and closer to the finish line as the semesters and summers pass, but regardless of your major, achieving a goal that means you spent time on yourself is a great accomplishment.

2. Connecting with Fellow Readers

One of my favorite features of the app is the ability to comment and like updates made by friends. Not only is this a great way to get some inspiration for what to read next, but it also helps build that book-club-like sense of community around stories. The best way to learn about books is through word-of-mouth, and this is another way to facilitate those ever-so-important conversations.

3. It’s A Digital Reading Journal

I love the fact that I can add everything I read right to my page. Whether it’s reflecting back on favorite high school reads or reviewing my latest literary obsession, I love being able to see what I’ve read over the past few years, and it’s a way to keep track of everything I’d like to read next. Now, my to-be-read (TBR) list may be 96 books long and always growing, but that’s beside the point. I have a designated space to keep track of all of my books and a way to find countless new ones whenever I’m seeking out my next read.

Great! Why Does it Matter?

Why Read?

Hopefully, I’ve convinced you to give Goodreads a shot, but it’s no use if you aren’t doing any reading. Reading has lots of benefits, from helping relieve stress to broadening your vocabulary and strengthening your writing skills.

I know it can be hard to find spare time, especially in college, and deciding how to use those precious extra minutes takes up half of it, but consider picking up a book. Early on in college, I got into the habit of reading a book for fun before bed every night. While my consistency has since ebbed and flowed, I can say that I slept better when I did it and had something to look forward to every evening, which is a delight during busy seasons. Now, I’ll dedicate an hour here and there whenever I can to read for fun, but I also try to make the reading I need to do for my classes equally enjoyable.

Where To Find Books

Books can be expensive, but there are so many ways to access them for free and support local libraries in the process. Apps like Libby and Hoopla are digital services granting access to books through your local library (Storrs students are eligible for library cards through the Mansfield Public Library). Apple Books also has many classics for free, including audiobooks, which I’ll be taking advantage of on my fall walks around campus.

If you can, don’t forget to support your local bookstores, too. My favorite one, Mermaid Books, opened in Milford, Connecticut, this past summer, boasting a wide variety of books in a small space and serving as a community hub for readers in the area.

Goodreads is waiting for you!

I started my Goodreads account in early 2022 and have been a fan ever since. I give it a lot of credit for helping to rekindle (no pun intended) my love of reading for fun. I can’t stress enough what a joy reading can be if you give it some time and energy, so let this be your motivation to create a Goodreads account, grab a book and get to turning the pages of your next favorite story.