Kindle owners will know how brilliant it is to have a whole library at your fingertips, allowing you to read whatever you want, wherever you are. However, there can be times when you get a little stuck for inspiration. How do you decide what to read next?
You can consult reviews on the Kindle store and download unlimited free book samples to help you decide. One solution you may not have considered is using Goodreads to find your next read. Here’s what it offers and how to use it on your Kindle.
What Is Goodreads?
With over 90 million members at the last count in 2021, Goodreads is the largest and most well-known site for readers and book recommendations. Goodreads offers book lovers a platform to share reviews, discuss books they’ve read, and find their next read. Alongside GoodReads, there are lots of other book recommendation websites you could try.
Goodreads is completely free to use, and since Amazon acquired it, it’s become easy to link your Goodreads account to your Amazon account so you can use it on your Kindle.
Creating a Goodreads Account
If you don’t already have one, the first step is to create a Goodreads account. There are a few ways to do this. On the Goodreads website, there are different ways you can sign up:
- Amazon
- Apple
You can simply click Continue with Amazon and sign in on the next page if you have an Amazon account. When asked, click the Allow button to access your Amazon account. Now you can log in to Goodreads with your Amazon username and password.
Once your Goodreads and Amazon accounts are linked, you’re ready to use Goodreads on your Kindle.
Using Goodreads on Your Kindle
If you have an eligible Kindle device (including all Kindle Paperwhites, Kindle Fire, Voyage, and Oasis) and you’re in a supported marketplace (US, UK and Ireland, Canada, India, and Australia), you should automatically see Goodreads as a menu option on your Kindle e-reader.
Tap the three dots at the top right-hand corner of your Kindle, and select Goodreads from the menu to access the feature.
To add your Amazon books to your Goodreads bookshelf, go to Shelves > Add Amazon Books to Goodreads. You can also rate a book to add it to a shelf.
Here you can also find Updates containing the most recent additions to your Goodreads account. So if you’ve recently marked a book as “want to read,” “currently reading,” or “read,” it’ll be listed here. It’s one of many ways to organize your Kindle.
The Friends section enables you to follow authors and notable readers to follow for news and updates. There is also a Recommendations section, which becomes more personalized to suit your reading preferences as you populate your Goodreads shelves. There are lots of ways Goodreads can help you find new books.
How to Unlink Goodreads From Your Kindle
To unlink Goodreads from your Kindle, you need to unlink your Amazon and Goodreads accounts. You can do this on the Goodreads desktop website. Go to the Person icon in the top right-hand corner and select Account Settings from the drop-down menu. On this page, select the Apps section, and within the Amazon section, click on Unlink Amazon Account.
When you unlink your Amazon and Goodreads accounts, your Kindle reading updates will no longer automatically be added to the Goodreads site.
Use Goodreads to Help You Get the Most From Your Kindle
Amazon Kindle devices are full of extra features you can use to enhance your reading experience. Linking your Goodreads account gives an extra dimension to your digital bookshelf. Use it to organize your library, get recommendations, and stay updated on the latest book releases and news. It’s just one of many tricks and tips to try with your Kindle e-reader.