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12 Books You Should’ve Read (But Thankfully There's a TV Version!)
Posted by Hayley Igarashi on April 03, 2015
Discover more to watch and read with these book-to-screen Listopias: Popular Books Made into TV Shows and Books That Are Becoming TV Shows and Movies. What television adaptation is your favorite?
Posted by Hayley Igarashi on April 03, 2015
Everyone’s read it, or at least everyone says they've read it. You have every intention of reading it, too, but somehow Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall hasn’t moved off your to-read shelf. But have no fear; the BBC is here! This Sunday, the six-part series following Thomas Cromwell’s rise to power in Henry VIII’s court premieres on PBS.
So, to read or to watch? It’s certainly not a new dilemma, especially in the word of British TV adaptations. We’re equally in love with the book and the television version of The Forsyte Saga, and reading P.G. Wodehouse isn’t complete without watching Stephen Fry’s Jeeves and Hugh Laurie’s Wooster.
These, of course, are just the tip of the British drama iceberg. Check out some more should-read books that we're glad were adapted for the small screen.
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Discover more to watch and read with these book-to-screen Listopias: Popular Books Made into TV Shows and Books That Are Becoming TV Shows and Movies. What television adaptation is your favorite?
Announcing KINDLR, the New Goodreads Dating App!
Posted by Otis Chandler on April 01, 2015
Have you ever fallen in love with someone's Favorites shelf? Or felt a flicker of kinship over the fact that you both have the same books on your To-Read list? Literary lonely hearts, you're in luck! Goodreads is pleased to announce the release of KINDLR, an exciting new dating app exclusively for Goodreads members.
Like everything else we do at Goodreads, KINDLR was a passion project from start to finish. Several members of the Goodreads team are single and dating in San Francisco, and they were getting a little too familiar with profile photos of girls in fake mustaches and guys cradling baby tigers or dancing shirtless at Burning Man. "We realized that we'd need to either change our lifestyles, or change the way that we date," says Project Manager Andreas Ernst.
Are you ready to change the way that you date?
With the red-hot new Goodreads dating app, KINDLR, your love matches are based on your book choices. Once you download the app, which is currently available on all Android and iOS devices, you will be matched with other book lovers in your area with the help of our proprietary algorithm that has already helped connect millions of Goodreads members with their next great book.
You will be shown a potential match and, based on their bookshelves, you can swipe right on the heart icon to indicate your interest, or swipe left on the 'x' icon to move on to the next person. If you are both interested, you will be connected within the KINDLR app and shown a photo of your potential library-mate. You also have the ability to message one another.
Tips: Tap on a shelf name to scroll through the books on that shelf. The icons at the top right of the bookshelves box are another way to get some insight on a potential love. For example, Davy F. has 182 books shelved, 33 books in common with Jocelyn, and a 42% book match percentage.
KINDLR is currently stoking bookish flames in three beta cities: San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York. Do you want KINDLR to come to your city? Tell us where! Which book would make you think that you'd found your literary soulmate? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Posted by Otis Chandler on April 01, 2015
Have you ever fallen in love with someone's Favorites shelf? Or felt a flicker of kinship over the fact that you both have the same books on your To-Read list? Literary lonely hearts, you're in luck! Goodreads is pleased to announce the release of KINDLR, an exciting new dating app exclusively for Goodreads members.
Like everything else we do at Goodreads, KINDLR was a passion project from start to finish. Several members of the Goodreads team are single and dating in San Francisco, and they were getting a little too familiar with profile photos of girls in fake mustaches and guys cradling baby tigers or dancing shirtless at Burning Man. "We realized that we'd need to either change our lifestyles, or change the way that we date," says Project Manager Andreas Ernst.
Are you ready to change the way that you date?
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With the red-hot new Goodreads dating app, KINDLR, your love matches are based on your book choices. Once you download the app, which is currently available on all Android and iOS devices, you will be matched with other book lovers in your area with the help of our proprietary algorithm that has already helped connect millions of Goodreads members with their next great book.
You will be shown a potential match and, based on their bookshelves, you can swipe right on the heart icon to indicate your interest, or swipe left on the 'x' icon to move on to the next person. If you are both interested, you will be connected within the KINDLR app and shown a photo of your potential library-mate. You also have the ability to message one another.
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Tips: Tap on a shelf name to scroll through the books on that shelf. The icons at the top right of the bookshelves box are another way to get some insight on a potential love. For example, Davy F. has 182 books shelved, 33 books in common with Jocelyn, and a 42% book match percentage.
KINDLR is currently stoking bookish flames in three beta cities: San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York. Do you want KINDLR to come to your city? Tell us where! Which book would make you think that you'd found your literary soulmate? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Meet Our Redesigned Android App!
Posted by Libby on March 31, 2015
Android app lovers – we heard you! We’ve just released a major update to our Android app’s design. The app now features an easy-to-use navigation that puts your favorite features at your fingertips, and a cleaner design to help you discover great books and share your reading with friends.
Now you can immediately discover new books your friends are reading, and still check your shelves on the go with just one tap. We’ve also included a fun new touch, a literary quote on the home screen while the app opens.
Download the updated app from the Google Play Store or Amazon App Store and tell us what you think!
Posted by Libby on March 31, 2015
Android app lovers – we heard you! We’ve just released a major update to our Android app’s design. The app now features an easy-to-use navigation that puts your favorite features at your fingertips, and a cleaner design to help you discover great books and share your reading with friends.
Now you can immediately discover new books your friends are reading, and still check your shelves on the go with just one tap. We’ve also included a fun new touch, a literary quote on the home screen while the app opens.
Download the updated app from the Google Play Store or Amazon App Store and tell us what you think!
Top Five Outlander Quotes on Goodreads
Posted by jade on March 25, 2015
Just ten more days before the return of Outlander, the gorgeously epic TV adaptation of Diana Gabaldon’s time-travel romance. To get you through the last of #Droughtlander, aka the long dry spell between the first and second halves of season one in the U.S., we’ve uncovered the five most popular quotes from the Outlander book series on Goodreads—accompanied by shots of two of the hottest Celts ever to don—and doff—period dress. (Jamie and Claire, may every night be your wedding night!)
Want more Outlander quotes? Find them here!
Which one’s your favorite? Or do you have another Outlander quote you love? Tell us in the comments below!
Posted by jade on March 25, 2015
Just ten more days before the return of Outlander, the gorgeously epic TV adaptation of Diana Gabaldon’s time-travel romance. To get you through the last of #Droughtlander, aka the long dry spell between the first and second halves of season one in the U.S., we’ve uncovered the five most popular quotes from the Outlander book series on Goodreads—accompanied by shots of two of the hottest Celts ever to don—and doff—period dress. (Jamie and Claire, may every night be your wedding night!)
Want more Outlander quotes? Find them here!
Which one’s your favorite? Or do you have another Outlander quote you love? Tell us in the comments below!
Your Essential St. Patrick's Day Drinking (and Reading) List
Posted by Jessica Donaghy on March 16, 2015
Planning to "drown the shamrock" at your St. Paddy's celebration? This year, get a little creative! We've compiled a list of more delicious alternatives to that gross green beer, with one wee caveat—these special drinks and cocktails are all fictional!
You can find fan-concocted recipes for many of these literary libations. We've linked some below. Please share your own favorites! Which drink do you most wish were real? Share your best recipe guesses in the comments!
What literary-inspired drinks will you be imbibing on St. Paddy's? And if you need more real-world guidance, try these Listopias: Best Cocktails and Best Home Brewing Books.
Posted by Jessica Donaghy on March 16, 2015
Planning to "drown the shamrock" at your St. Paddy's celebration? This year, get a little creative! We've compiled a list of more delicious alternatives to that gross green beer, with one wee caveat—these special drinks and cocktails are all fictional!
You can find fan-concocted recipes for many of these literary libations. We've linked some below. Please share your own favorites! Which drink do you most wish were real? Share your best recipe guesses in the comments!
GREEN SWIZZLE
"The Rummy Affair of Old Biffy," collected in Carry on, Jeeves
by P.G. Wodehouse
It's still green! Bertie Wooster himself declares of this Wodehousian version of a Caribbean rum swizzle,"...if ever I marry and have a son, Green Swizzle Wooster is the name that will go down in the register." Some sources report that Wodehouse did not invent this himself, but no doubt he had his own twist.
by P.G. Wodehouse
It's still green! Bertie Wooster himself declares of this Wodehousian version of a Caribbean rum swizzle,"...if ever I marry and have a son, Green Swizzle Wooster is the name that will go down in the register." Some sources report that Wodehouse did not invent this himself, but no doubt he had his own twist.
PAN GALACTIC GARGLE BLASTER
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
by Douglas Adams
Dubbed "the alcoholic equivalent of a mugging" and "the best drink in existence," a Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster should be consumed with caution: Drinking one is "like having your brains smashed out by a slice of lemon wrapped round a large gold brick." Adams helpfully provided a recipe, but you might have trouble finding all of the ingredients (Fallian marsh gas, the tooth of an Algolian Suntiger...).
by Douglas Adams
Dubbed "the alcoholic equivalent of a mugging" and "the best drink in existence," a Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster should be consumed with caution: Drinking one is "like having your brains smashed out by a slice of lemon wrapped round a large gold brick." Adams helpfully provided a recipe, but you might have trouble finding all of the ingredients (Fallian marsh gas, the tooth of an Algolian Suntiger...).
GINGER SCALD
The Lies of Locke Lamora
by Scott Lynch
With hints of pear and radishes, this unusual drink is finished by plunging a red-hot poker into the liquid. Locke describes "when the cold burn of the ginger scald hit his lips (limning every tiny crack with stinging heat, and outlining every crevice between teeth and gums in exquisite pain...)" Yum! Goodreads Author and food blogger Chelsea Monroe-Cassel offers an excellent recipe, complete with hot-poker handling instructions!
by Scott Lynch
With hints of pear and radishes, this unusual drink is finished by plunging a red-hot poker into the liquid. Locke describes "when the cold burn of the ginger scald hit his lips (limning every tiny crack with stinging heat, and outlining every crevice between teeth and gums in exquisite pain...)" Yum! Goodreads Author and food blogger Chelsea Monroe-Cassel offers an excellent recipe, complete with hot-poker handling instructions!
END OF THE WORLD DELIGHT
Cat's Cradle
by Kurt Vonnegut
A darker take on a green drink, as befitting Kurt Vonnegut. "He wanted me to give him a drink on account of the world was coming to an end. So I mixed him an 'End of the World Delight.' I gave him about a half-pint of crème de menthe in a hollowed-out pineapple, with whipped cream and a cherry on top."
by Kurt Vonnegut
A darker take on a green drink, as befitting Kurt Vonnegut. "He wanted me to give him a drink on account of the world was coming to an end. So I mixed him an 'End of the World Delight.' I gave him about a half-pint of crème de menthe in a hollowed-out pineapple, with whipped cream and a cherry on top."
BUTTERBEER
Harry Potter Series
by J.K. Rowling
Allegedly slightly alcoholic, this wizarding favorite can be served hot or cold, and J.K. Rowling says, "I imagine it to taste a little bit like less-sickly butterscotch." For the launch of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park, Chef Steven Jayson spent three years perfecting an official butterbeer recipe, which is unfortunately classified!
by J.K. Rowling
Allegedly slightly alcoholic, this wizarding favorite can be served hot or cold, and J.K. Rowling says, "I imagine it to taste a little bit like less-sickly butterscotch." For the launch of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park, Chef Steven Jayson spent three years perfecting an official butterbeer recipe, which is unfortunately classified!
SCUMBLE
Discworld Series
by Terry Pratchett
Raise a glass full of Discworld apple-based moonshine in memory of Sir Terry Pratchett. "A lot of stories are told about scumble, and how it is made out on the damp marshes, according to ancient recipes passed down rather unsteadily from father to son. It's not true about the rats, or the snakes' heads, or the lead shot. The one about the dead sheep is a complete fabrication. We can lay to rest all the variants of the one about the trouser button. But the one about not letting it come into contact with metal is absolutely true..." You can try some fan recipes here and here, or even buy an officially licensed version!
by Terry Pratchett
Raise a glass full of Discworld apple-based moonshine in memory of Sir Terry Pratchett. "A lot of stories are told about scumble, and how it is made out on the damp marshes, according to ancient recipes passed down rather unsteadily from father to son. It's not true about the rats, or the snakes' heads, or the lead shot. The one about the dead sheep is a complete fabrication. We can lay to rest all the variants of the one about the trouser button. But the one about not letting it come into contact with metal is absolutely true..." You can try some fan recipes here and here, or even buy an officially licensed version!
SPICE BEER
Dune Chronicles
by Frank Herbert
If you're not up for dodging monster sandworms to harvest spice, the most coveted substance in Herbert's universe, you'll have to learn how to brew your own cinnamon-infused ale, a "fermented substance called 'spice beer,' potent and pungent with a strong cinnamon bite at the back of his throat. [Keedair] found the drink exhilarating and ordered a second" (from The Butlerian Jihad).
by Frank Herbert
If you're not up for dodging monster sandworms to harvest spice, the most coveted substance in Herbert's universe, you'll have to learn how to brew your own cinnamon-infused ale, a "fermented substance called 'spice beer,' potent and pungent with a strong cinnamon bite at the back of his throat. [Keedair] found the drink exhilarating and ordered a second" (from The Butlerian Jihad).
GRAF
The Dark Tower Series
by Stephen King
Perhaps a close cousin of Pratchett's scumble, this apple beer is the drink of choice in Stephen King's Mid-World. Lots of homebrewing fans have tried their versions, ranging from hard apple cider to dark malt, including this one with full video instructions!
by Stephen King
Perhaps a close cousin of Pratchett's scumble, this apple beer is the drink of choice in Stephen King's Mid-World. Lots of homebrewing fans have tried their versions, ranging from hard apple cider to dark malt, including this one with full video instructions!
What literary-inspired drinks will you be imbibing on St. Paddy's? And if you need more real-world guidance, try these Listopias: Best Cocktails and Best Home Brewing Books.
For Pi Day, a List of Books with 3.14 Ratings
Posted by jade on March 14, 2015
*All books had a rating of 3.14 at publication, but ratings are subject to change.
Posted by jade on March 14, 2015
Pop quiz! Question: Why is today the best Pi Day in a century? Answer: Because it's 3/14/15, the first day since March 14, 1915 that represents pi to four decimals! (Of course that only applies to countries that are Middle-endian, i.e., that follow the mm/dd/yy format.)
In honor of this most irrational and transcendental of numbers, we've compiled a list of popular books with 3.14 ratings on Goodreads. We'll be celebrating Pi Day by contemplating the infinite corners of a giant cherry pie, listening to the digits of pi being recited aloud by a lovely computer lady, and reading one of the auspiciously rated books on this list!*
How will you celebrate? Tell us in the comments!
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*All books had a rating of 3.14 at publication, but ratings are subject to change.
What We're Reading at Goodreads
Posted by Jessica Donaghy on March 10, 2015
Lemony Snicket wisely tells us, "Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them.” Luckily, the Goodreads office is overflowing with books. In fact, it's so jam-packed we have an internal team of volunteer "librarians" who help keep our shelves organized. And we add to the stacks every two months, when everyone on the Goodreads team gets to choose a book to order. Here's our latest stash!
You can also peruse the full list of titles on Listopia! What will you be reading next?
Posted by Jessica Donaghy on March 10, 2015
Lemony Snicket wisely tells us, "Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them.” Luckily, the Goodreads office is overflowing with books. In fact, it's so jam-packed we have an internal team of volunteer "librarians" who help keep our shelves organized. And we add to the stacks every two months, when everyone on the Goodreads team gets to choose a book to order. Here's our latest stash!
You can also peruse the full list of titles on Listopia! What will you be reading next?
Hello, Lovers! It's the New Goodreads Romance Newsletter!
Posted by jade on February 10, 2015
Can you hear our hearts pounding? We've already got our General and Young Adult newsletters, but now our palms are sweating and our pupils are dilating because we're so excited to announce the debut of the Goodreads Romance Newsletter. Get ready to find out about great new love stories from your favorite authors! In our first issue we have the mysterious (and anonymous) Sylvain Reynard's revealing interview plus a deleted scene from his new paranormal series, The Raven; a sexy video chat with the irrepressible Colleen Hoover; a peek at some hot upcoming covers; a selection of classic erotica for you to read while you're waiting for the premiere of the Fifty Shades of Grey movie, and more. The newsletter starts hitting inboxes today—if you want to receive it, make sure you've selected Romance as one of your favorite genres. Do that here! Can't wait? Sneak a peek at it here!
And did you know? It's Romance Week here at Goodreads! More than 100 romance writers are currently taking questions from readers—see the complete list here. And if you're looking to pad your to-read list with some steamy picks, check out the Top 100 Romance Novels on Goodreads!
Posted by jade on February 10, 2015
Can you hear our hearts pounding? We've already got our General and Young Adult newsletters, but now our palms are sweating and our pupils are dilating because we're so excited to announce the debut of the Goodreads Romance Newsletter. Get ready to find out about great new love stories from your favorite authors! In our first issue we have the mysterious (and anonymous) Sylvain Reynard's revealing interview plus a deleted scene from his new paranormal series, The Raven; a sexy video chat with the irrepressible Colleen Hoover; a peek at some hot upcoming covers; a selection of classic erotica for you to read while you're waiting for the premiere of the Fifty Shades of Grey movie, and more. The newsletter starts hitting inboxes today—if you want to receive it, make sure you've selected Romance as one of your favorite genres. Do that here! Can't wait? Sneak a peek at it here!
And did you know? It's Romance Week here at Goodreads! More than 100 romance writers are currently taking questions from readers—see the complete list here. And if you're looking to pad your to-read list with some steamy picks, check out the Top 100 Romance Novels on Goodreads!
It's Romance Week at Goodreads!
Posted by jade on February 09, 2015
Can you feel the heat? It's Romance Week at Goodreads! In honor of the launch of our very first Romance Newsletter (read it here), we've declared February 9th - February 13th into a special week dedicated to love stories. More than 100 authors have already joined in! We're talking bestsellers such as Sylvia Day, J.R. Ward, and Jennifer Armentrout, and they have two big surprises in store for you:
Ask the Author: Every single person on this list is answering questions from readers all week long! Want to know more about your favorite character? Wondering how they get in the mood to write a love scene? Just ask!
Discover New Authors: Romance writers are also Romance readers. We've asked all of our participating authors to add their favorite books by other writers to their shelves. Check their Author pages to get more books for your Want to Read list!
Are you a Romance writer who wants to get in on the action? It's easy! Just enable Ask the Author, shelve your favorite Romance books, and use #ROMANCEWEEK15 to chime in on social media! We'll be adding more authors to this complete list of romance authors taking questions throughout the week.
During Romance Week the love is everywhere!
Listopia: Check out the list of featured authors' books, and add your favorite Romance book of all time here.
Groups: Looking for fellow readers who can speak the language of love? Check out the featured section on the groups page for some possibilities, like the Romance Readers Reading Challenge group, the Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy fans, and the Wholesome Romance: Harlequin Heartwarming club.
Giveaways: What's better than a love story? A free love story! This week and every week you can find all of our Romance giveaways here.
Yearning for more? Take a look at our list of the Top 100 Romance Books! All of these books are rated 4.0 and above on Goodreads, so you know they'll stoke your literary lust. What's the one Romance book that you think everyone must read? Share your pick in the comments below or vote on the Listopia, and remember, a book lover never goes to bed alone!
"Romance is the glamour which turns the dust of everyday life into a golden haze." —Elinor Glyn
Ask these glamour-makers how they weave their magic! All of these authors and more are taking questions via our Ask the Author feature.
Posted by jade on February 09, 2015
Can you feel the heat? It's Romance Week at Goodreads! In honor of the launch of our very first Romance Newsletter (read it here), we've declared February 9th - February 13th into a special week dedicated to love stories. More than 100 authors have already joined in! We're talking bestsellers such as Sylvia Day, J.R. Ward, and Jennifer Armentrout, and they have two big surprises in store for you:
Ask the Author: Every single person on this list is answering questions from readers all week long! Want to know more about your favorite character? Wondering how they get in the mood to write a love scene? Just ask!
Discover New Authors: Romance writers are also Romance readers. We've asked all of our participating authors to add their favorite books by other writers to their shelves. Check their Author pages to get more books for your Want to Read list!
Are you a Romance writer who wants to get in on the action? It's easy! Just enable Ask the Author, shelve your favorite Romance books, and use #ROMANCEWEEK15 to chime in on social media! We'll be adding more authors to this complete list of romance authors taking questions throughout the week.
During Romance Week the love is everywhere!
Listopia: Check out the list of featured authors' books, and add your favorite Romance book of all time here.
Groups: Looking for fellow readers who can speak the language of love? Check out the featured section on the groups page for some possibilities, like the Romance Readers Reading Challenge group, the Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy fans, and the Wholesome Romance: Harlequin Heartwarming club.
Giveaways: What's better than a love story? A free love story! This week and every week you can find all of our Romance giveaways here.
Yearning for more? Take a look at our list of the Top 100 Romance Books! All of these books are rated 4.0 and above on Goodreads, so you know they'll stoke your literary lust. What's the one Romance book that you think everyone must read? Share your pick in the comments below or vote on the Listopia, and remember, a book lover never goes to bed alone!
"Romance is the glamour which turns the dust of everyday life into a golden haze." —Elinor Glyn
Ask these glamour-makers how they weave their magic! All of these authors and more are taking questions via our Ask the Author feature.
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
EROTICA
HISTORICAL ROMANCE
NEW ADULT
PARANORMAL ROMANCE
SUSPENSE
Top 100 Romance Novels on Goodreads
Posted by Jessica Donaghy on February 09, 2015
Posted by Jessica Donaghy on February 09, 2015
In the mood for a little soulful yearning? Or do you need some sweaty, pulse-pounding action? No matter your tastes, we've got some romance for you! In honor of Romance Week here at Goodreads, we combed through thousands of romance novels to find the top 100 romance novels of all time! You'll find trusted icons like Jane Austen and Margaret Mitchell all the way up to current fan favorites Colleen Hoover and Sylvia Day, with all sorts of timeless, juicy, steamy love stories in between.
To help narrow the field, we limited our results to books aimed at adult audiences (sorry, Twilight) and books with at least a 4.0 average rating (sorry, Fifty Shades of Grey). We found that contemporary romance—especially erotica!—is read in the greatest numbers, but we also included results in popular sub-genres, including historical romance, paranormal romance, and romantic suspense.
What's your "number"...how many have you read? Tell us in the comments! You can also view this list on Listopia and compare numbers with friends!
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What's your "number"...how many have you read?
