Online book communities are sites that you join and then look for books. It sounds like a no brainer when simplified to that degree but its true. You type in what genre, author, subject, or even type of book you are looking for and it can search over 700 different sources to find them for you. You can create book shelves to house your wish list for books, keep track of books you are currently reading (what- you mean everyone isn't currently reading 5 different novels of various age groups?), and list what books you have already read. You can even write and read reviews of the books you have read. I like to find people who have similar tastes as me and read their reviews to help guide in the direction of the shall we say more stellar works of literature. I didn't want to flat out say stay away from bad books because hopefully every book was liked by at least one person.
Behold- the book communities I have recently joined along with a few pics of my shelves on each. Hopefully this can help you find an online book community that's right for you.
Library Things- I did NOT like this site. Sorry to flat out dis a site like that but better to do it like a band aid then pussy foot around the truth. I found it hard to use and the layout was very business like. I had a hard time finding books and authors that I wanted to read and when I wanted to add books to my wish list I tried the "add book" button. This led me to a list of books that matched my search. I could then click on the title and it would add it to my list- sometimes. Other times it made look for the books again. When I went to the list of books they had recommended for me the same thing happened- click on a book, go to search, click on the book. Why couldn't I simply click the "add book" feature? I got frustrated fast. Not to mention one of my favorite authors- Sophie Jordan had several of books listed but only in the German version- um what??? Definitely not the site for me. Here's my book shelves:
Good Reads- This site was fun to use. It had a nice layout- reminded me of Barnes and Noble's site. The books were easy to find. I searched by author and genre. Again I could shelf books I wanted to read, had read, and were currently reading. The one thing I didn't care too much for was that I had to review 20 books to get the site to recommend some for me to read. I kind of felt a little used, like "we'll withhold our literature unless you do this first." you're a book community- give me my books!!! Here's my book shelf
Biblionasium- What a fun site! So perfect for school use! This site is so easy to use and completely appeals to the younger user. Books were super easy to find and the shelving process was available on every books- just click Wishlist, I Own it, I have read it , and/ or Its a favorite. You have the option of rating books but it's not required. There is even the option to go straight to Amazon and buy the books. One and only complaint is this, say I look up Harry Potter and I get a list of all the the different Harry Potter Book. I click on Prisoner of Azkaban (obviously the best one) add it to my shelf. If I want to select the rest there is no "back to results" button on site. I used the one on my screen but it didn't always work right away. I still really liked it, I can see myself using this at school as well as with my 5 year old son. A look at my shelf:
Book Like- This is a really good site. It was easy to use, had a nice friendly layout, the books were easy to find. It's your one stop site to find, rate, review books. I have no complaints and was really close to saying "I'm home". There was only one thing that turned me off- the blog. I have a blog- obviously! I don't feel the need to keep adding more and more. My thoughts aren't always gems, they only need to be put out there once. Yet this site forced me to make one before I could look for books. P.S.- mine says that there is nothing there and it will probably stay that way. Here's my book shelf-
Shelfari- I LOVE this site! It is my new bestie and we will get tether everyday to discuss our other friends (the books). Who has gotten big, who isn't popular any more, who has been seen where. It will be magic. Take all the great things about the other sites and put them here. Ease of use, large selection, rating system, you name it. Plus it's powered by Amazon- my other BFF. I also preferred their version of the book shelf- one that swiveled as opposed to scrolling down the page. Rating the books was easy cheesy, they use a 5 star rating system and you just click how many stars you'd give it. You can add comments but it's not required. This will be my own personal book community. My shelf:
School/ Student Use- Biblionasium
I love your blog and its appearance. I love blue, Gators at heart and it's my boys school color. I just have to comment ....not exactly on your posts, but in the entire site itself. I love how you introduce each tool. You really sound like you are enjoying each tool. I am too, but the way you describe the apps is awesome! I bet your readers are loving your site. Awesome job!
ReplyDeleteI agree that Biblionasium would be great for use in schools - especially at the elementary level. I registered on Biblionasium as a parent and I added my daughter. It's a great tool and I will be getting her to use it with me. It'll be a great way to keep track of her AR reading.
ReplyDeleteI also LOVED Shelfari as well and HATED LibraryThing. LibraryThing was not user friendly or attractive at all. I am now using Shelfari to create my personal bookshelves.
ReplyDeleteYou did a good job of explaining what you liked and did not like about these sites. Funny how Booklikes made you make a blog. I wonder if your (only) post is a link to your blog?
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