Goodreads
Goodreads, Inc.
Goodreads is the world's largest site for readers and book recommendations. Find and share books you love, track your reading, discover new books and connect with fellow readers.
User Sentiments
Top Likes
- Extensive book database and user reviews
- Personalized recommendations
- Reading challenge and tracking features
Top Dislikes
- No dedicated Mac app
- Website interface can be cluttered
- App functionality sometimes lags behind website
Popular Comments
Medium - MacSources
2022-01-18
Goodreads is a great option to catalog your personal library of books and to keep track of ones you hope to read in the future. It can also help keep you on track with the reading goals you set for yourself.
App Store User
2025-01-28
Love it but I've got some ideas... The biggest issue I have is it's not the most new user friendly. I got this app and had so many books and shelves to create for my previous reads but it takes five clicks to add a book to a shelf.
Google Play User
2024
I've used the app / website for 10 years, and I've never had a problem with either one. I've tried other apps like Storygraph and Fable, but it doesn't feel the same. I also really like the idea of achievement bookmarks when you read / finish books. It's honestly a really nice touch, and I always look forward to getting the achievements.
Reddit User
2021-06-05
It isn't an app you can download in an app store but you can save the link to your homepage on your phone and it works just like an app. I don't think I can ever go back to Goodreads now.
apple.com User
2025
Decent book app... Overal it's fun to have a list of books, be able to review them, keep up with your friends readings and get good ideas for more reading.
MacUpdate User
2024
Use it daily to track my reading, find new books and see what my friends are reading. The recommendations are usually spot on.
Detailed Review
Goodreads is a comprehensive online platform for book lovers, accessible on Mac through its website. While there isn't a dedicated macOS application, the website offers a full-featured experience for users to discover, track, and discuss books. Goodreads is known for its extensive database, personalized recommendations, and social features that connect readers worldwide. Mac users can conveniently access all Goodreads functionalities through their web browser, enjoying features similar to its mobile apps. For those desiring a more app-like experience on Mac, third-party solutions like WebCatalog are available to wrap the website into a desktop application.
Standout Features
- Vast Book Database: Access millions of books, including reviews, ratings, and summaries.
- Personalized Recommendations: Receive tailored book suggestions based on your reading history and preferences.
- Reading Tracking: Set reading goals, track progress, and manage virtual bookshelves (Want to Read, Currently Reading, Read).
- Social Networking: Connect with friends, authors, and other readers, join groups, and participate in discussions.
- Reviews and Ratings: Read and write reviews, rate books, and see community opinions.
- Barcode Scanner (via website on mobile browser): Quickly add books to your shelves by scanning ISBN barcodes using your phone's camera accessed through the website in a mobile browser.
Conclusion
Goodreads is a valuable resource for Mac users who are avid readers, despite the absence of a native macOS app. The website provides a robust and feature-rich platform accessible through any web browser on Mac. It's ideal for users who want to organize their reading, discover new books, and engage with a community of readers. While a dedicated Mac app could potentially offer a more integrated desktop experience, the website is well-optimized and provides all core Goodreads functionalities. For users specifically seeking a desktop application, WebCatalog offers a way to encapsulate the Goodreads website as a separate desktop window.
