Goodreads Blog
FOLLOW US
9 Tips for Squeezing More Reading Time Out of Your Day
Posted by Hayley Igarashi on December 16, 2016
Don't let Your Year in Books end with a whimper. It's not too late to say goodbye to 2016 the right way: with a pile of books (and probably a hot beverage). In an effort to read more and, for some of us, to complete our 2016 Reading Challenge, we turned to—who else?—our wonderful Goodreads community.
We asked on Facebook and Twitter: What are some tips for reading more? See what could work for you…and then get back to your books!
1. "Cut off all outside distractions. If your phone dies, let it die. Don't plug anything in until you're finished with your book. And get cozy. Make yourself a hot tea or hot chocolate and throw on some flannel pajamas." (Lacie)
2. "Stack the deck in your favor! Have a bunch of short books you've been meaning to get to? Put them on the top of your list." (Melinda) *See 25 of our favorite books under 200 pages.*
3. "Listen to audiobooks every second you can't actually be reading. Commuting, cleaning, and laundry would be wasted time without the ability to listen to a good book." (Denise) *See 20 of our favorite audiobooks for every type of reader.*
4. "Get up early to read for at least an hour and then read for at least an hour at night." (Rae)
5. "Call in sick for a 'me day.'" (Jainell)
6. "Find sneaky ways to read more at unexpected times. I read when I'm blow drying my hair!" (Joanna)
7. "Always have a book with you. If you're waiting in a long line at the supermarket, whip it out!" (Grace)
8. "Start reading a book or comic book series with 5+ books. You'll get hooked and won't want to stop reading." (Sally) *See 24 of our favorite addictive series for teens.*
9. "Mix up genres and book lengths. Never get bored!" (Mark)
And for those who are really serious about reading more, there's this tip from Justine:
"Quit your job and send the husband and kids out of town. Recruit some cats, stockpile tea, and get to it!"
Do you have a secret reading tip? Share it with us in the comments!
(Top image credit: Doctor Who)
Posted by Hayley Igarashi on December 16, 2016
Don't let Your Year in Books end with a whimper. It's not too late to say goodbye to 2016 the right way: with a pile of books (and probably a hot beverage). In an effort to read more and, for some of us, to complete our 2016 Reading Challenge, we turned to—who else?—our wonderful Goodreads community.
We asked on Facebook and Twitter: What are some tips for reading more? See what could work for you…and then get back to your books!
1. "Cut off all outside distractions. If your phone dies, let it die. Don't plug anything in until you're finished with your book. And get cozy. Make yourself a hot tea or hot chocolate and throw on some flannel pajamas." (Lacie)
2. "Stack the deck in your favor! Have a bunch of short books you've been meaning to get to? Put them on the top of your list." (Melinda) *See 25 of our favorite books under 200 pages.*
3. "Listen to audiobooks every second you can't actually be reading. Commuting, cleaning, and laundry would be wasted time without the ability to listen to a good book." (Denise) *See 20 of our favorite audiobooks for every type of reader.*
4. "Get up early to read for at least an hour and then read for at least an hour at night." (Rae)
5. "Call in sick for a 'me day.'" (Jainell)
6. "Find sneaky ways to read more at unexpected times. I read when I'm blow drying my hair!" (Joanna)
7. "Always have a book with you. If you're waiting in a long line at the supermarket, whip it out!" (Grace)
8. "Start reading a book or comic book series with 5+ books. You'll get hooked and won't want to stop reading." (Sally) *See 24 of our favorite addictive series for teens.*
9. "Mix up genres and book lengths. Never get bored!" (Mark)
And for those who are really serious about reading more, there's this tip from Justine:
"Quit your job and send the husband and kids out of town. Recruit some cats, stockpile tea, and get to it!"
Do you have a secret reading tip? Share it with us in the comments!
(Top image credit: Doctor Who)
Get Your Free Audible Audiobook of Trevor Noah's Born A Crime (U.S. Members)
Posted by Cybil on December 15, 2016
Our friends at Audible are giving U.S.-based members of the Goodreads community a free audiobook—and it's a great one. Get The Daily Show host Trevor Noah's memoir for free!
Born a Crime, the comedian's funny and touching coming-of-age story about his childhood in apartheid South Africa, was voted Audible customers' highest-rated new book of 2016 and was the customers' choice for best celebrity memoir.
Posted by Cybil on December 15, 2016
Our friends at Audible are giving U.S.-based members of the Goodreads community a free audiobook—and it's a great one. Get The Daily Show host Trevor Noah's memoir for free!
Born a Crime, the comedian's funny and touching coming-of-age story about his childhood in apartheid South Africa, was voted Audible customers' highest-rated new book of 2016 and was the customers' choice for best celebrity memoir.
Carrie Fisher Talks Star Wars and Being a Princess
Posted by Cybil on December 15, 2016
Even if Star Wars had never happened, Carrie Fisher's life would have been fodder worthy of fiction. She is the daughter of actress Debbie Reynolds and singer Eddie Fisher, and her childhood was overshadowed by one of Hollywood's biggest scandals: Her father left her mother for Elizabeth Taylor.
During the last 40 years, Fisher has appeared in numerous movies and television shows. She's also written four best-selling novels and two previous memoirs.
But, of course, the world will always know her as Princess Leia. Fisher was just 19 when she landed a lead in the small-budget film—a role that would change her life.
Recently, while rummaging through a storage area in her home, Fisher came across the journals she kept while making that movie. The diaries not only captured what would become film history, but also her secret affair with her co-star Harrison Ford, who was married at the time.
Those journal entries, along with Fisher's witty recounting of the early Star Wars days, make up her new memoir, The Princess Diarist. Below is an excerpt from our larger interview with Fisher:
GR: In the book, you talk about a lifetime of being Princess Leia. How do you think of Leia?
CF: What would Leia do? Leia usually does the right thing. She would kill Jabba. You know, she gets in the way of the bad guy and she wears a mean bikini. No, but I think of doing the right thing and being trustworthy and telling the truth and trying not to hurt anyone.
GR: Has being Leia informed who you are today?
CF: Oh, definitely. It's informed my entire life. I've been Princess Leia all these years, not just when they remade the movie. You know, there's no getting away from it, so you'd better make peace with it. And I was never at war with it. I choose to see it as a positive and I do see it as a positive now. But I was never going to have a problem with it, because that would be a really bad way to live your life.
People get me and Leia confused. It's difficult to separate it out. They think of my trials with being bipolar like Leia's trials with Jabba the Hut and being a strong woman. We've sort of become each other, Leia and I. But, her being strong, and Leia doing whatever she wants to do or thinks she needs to do...We're alike that way.
GR: What's it like being back in Leia's shoes for the new Star Wars movies?
CF: Well, it just makes it OK. I mean, I felt like I was in more Star Wars films before I was in more Star Wars films. So, it just kept it going in a way I felt it was already going.
GR: Can you tell us anything about the upcoming Star Wars: Episode VIII, hitting theaters in 2017?
CF: Well, I'm not supposed to. They wouldn't let my dog on the set as a result he's very neurotic about film sets now. And I don't like my film hair in any of the movies.
GR: What was it like for you when Episode VII came out in 2015?
CF: It was intense. It was weird for me. I never liked looking at myself, so I don't like looking at myself in these films. Then comes the thing of "did I age well?" And I involve myself in that dialogue. So, you know, all this stuff comes with it. That's what you get to do. It's good baggage and bad baggage. But I'm up for the dialogue. And I don't think many people would be.
Read our entire interview with Carrie Fisher. You can also add more of her books to your Want to Read list.
Posted by Cybil on December 15, 2016
Even if Star Wars had never happened, Carrie Fisher's life would have been fodder worthy of fiction. She is the daughter of actress Debbie Reynolds and singer Eddie Fisher, and her childhood was overshadowed by one of Hollywood's biggest scandals: Her father left her mother for Elizabeth Taylor.
But, of course, the world will always know her as Princess Leia. Fisher was just 19 when she landed a lead in the small-budget film—a role that would change her life.
Recently, while rummaging through a storage area in her home, Fisher came across the journals she kept while making that movie. The diaries not only captured what would become film history, but also her secret affair with her co-star Harrison Ford, who was married at the time.
Those journal entries, along with Fisher's witty recounting of the early Star Wars days, make up her new memoir, The Princess Diarist. Below is an excerpt from our larger interview with Fisher:
CF: What would Leia do? Leia usually does the right thing. She would kill Jabba. You know, she gets in the way of the bad guy and she wears a mean bikini. No, but I think of doing the right thing and being trustworthy and telling the truth and trying not to hurt anyone.
GR: Has being Leia informed who you are today?
CF: Oh, definitely. It's informed my entire life. I've been Princess Leia all these years, not just when they remade the movie. You know, there's no getting away from it, so you'd better make peace with it. And I was never at war with it. I choose to see it as a positive and I do see it as a positive now. But I was never going to have a problem with it, because that would be a really bad way to live your life.
People get me and Leia confused. It's difficult to separate it out. They think of my trials with being bipolar like Leia's trials with Jabba the Hut and being a strong woman. We've sort of become each other, Leia and I. But, her being strong, and Leia doing whatever she wants to do or thinks she needs to do...We're alike that way.
[wtr:306010
CF: Well, it just makes it OK. I mean, I felt like I was in more Star Wars films before I was in more Star Wars films. So, it just kept it going in a way I felt it was already going.
GR: Can you tell us anything about the upcoming Star Wars: Episode VIII, hitting theaters in 2017?
CF: Well, I'm not supposed to. They wouldn't let my dog on the set as a result he's very neurotic about film sets now. And I don't like my film hair in any of the movies.
GR: What was it like for you when Episode VII came out in 2015?
CF: It was intense. It was weird for me. I never liked looking at myself, so I don't like looking at myself in these films. Then comes the thing of "did I age well?" And I involve myself in that dialogue. So, you know, all this stuff comes with it. That's what you get to do. It's good baggage and bad baggage. But I'm up for the dialogue. And I don't think many people would be.
Read our entire interview with Carrie Fisher. You can also add more of her books to your Want to Read list.
What's New This Week: 7 Great Books Hitting Shelves Today
Posted by Hayley Igarashi on December 13, 2016
Need another excuse to go to the bookstore this week? We've got seven! Bulk up your Want to Read shelf with these brand-new standalone titles.
Say Goodbye for Now
by Catherine Ryan Hyde
You should read this book if you like: Historical fiction, small town stories, outcasts, the power of friends and family, wolf-dog hybrids
The Sound of Rain
by Gregg Olsen
You should read this book if you like: Mystery, cold cases, obsessive homicide detectives, haunting and thrilling page-turners, justice
Ever the Hunted
by Erin Summerill
You should read this book if you like: YA fantasy, medieval bounty hunters, quests, warring kingdoms and mad kings, magic
The Show House
by Dan Lopez
You should read this book if you like: LGBT fiction, psychological thrillers, quirky retirees, serial killers, dysfunctional families
The Legend of Wonder Woman Vol. 1: Origins
by Renae De Liz
You should read this book if you like: Comic books, superhero origin stories, the Queen of the Amazons, destiny, taking down bad guys
American Philosophy
by John Jacob Kaag
You should read this book if you like: Memoirs, lost libraries, answering the big questions, the "life-affirming tenets of American philosophy"
Jaded Hearts
by Harper Sloan
You should read this book if you like: Romance, aspiring musicians and security guards, unexpected love, rockstar lifestyle
BONUS: The wait is over—check out three of the buzziest sequels coming out today!
The Seventh Plague
by James Rollins
The twelfth installment in the Sigma Force adventure series
(Start off the series with Sandstorm)
Lumberjanes, Vol. 5: Band Together
by Noelle Stevenson, Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, and Brooke Allen
The fifth volume in the Lumberjanes fantasy comic book series
(Start off the series with Vol. 1: Beware the Kitten Holy)
Max
by Sawyer Bennett
The sixth book in the Cold Fury Hockey sports romance series
(Start off the series with Alex)
What are you reading this week? Let's talk books in the comments!
Posted by Hayley Igarashi on December 13, 2016
Need another excuse to go to the bookstore this week? We've got seven! Bulk up your Want to Read shelf with these brand-new standalone titles.
by Catherine Ryan Hyde
You should read this book if you like: Historical fiction, small town stories, outcasts, the power of friends and family, wolf-dog hybrids
by Gregg Olsen
You should read this book if you like: Mystery, cold cases, obsessive homicide detectives, haunting and thrilling page-turners, justice
by Erin Summerill
You should read this book if you like: YA fantasy, medieval bounty hunters, quests, warring kingdoms and mad kings, magic
by Dan Lopez
You should read this book if you like: LGBT fiction, psychological thrillers, quirky retirees, serial killers, dysfunctional families
by Renae De Liz
You should read this book if you like: Comic books, superhero origin stories, the Queen of the Amazons, destiny, taking down bad guys
by John Jacob Kaag
You should read this book if you like: Memoirs, lost libraries, answering the big questions, the "life-affirming tenets of American philosophy"
by Harper Sloan
You should read this book if you like: Romance, aspiring musicians and security guards, unexpected love, rockstar lifestyle
BONUS: The wait is over—check out three of the buzziest sequels coming out today!
by James Rollins
The twelfth installment in the Sigma Force adventure series
(Start off the series with Sandstorm)
by Noelle Stevenson, Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, and Brooke Allen
The fifth volume in the Lumberjanes fantasy comic book series
(Start off the series with Vol. 1: Beware the Kitten Holy)
by Sawyer Bennett
The sixth book in the Cold Fury Hockey sports romance series
(Start off the series with Alex)
What are you reading this week? Let's talk books in the comments!
2016 - See Your Year in Books!
Posted by Cybil on December 13, 2016
Posted by Cybil on December 13, 2016
Did you read any good books this year? And did you get through your 2016 reading list? What was the longest book you finished? With 2017 just around the corner, we've crunched the data and it's time to take a look back at Your Year in Books!
And be sure to share out your Year in Books with your friends (either now or once you've wrapped up your year's worth of reading) because who doesn't love to discuss books? You can compare your recent picks with your closest pals or even Emma Watson, in case you're curious what the actress who will play the bookish Belle in Beauty and the Beast has been reading.
We can hear you say: "But wait, it's not the end of the year yet!" Fear not, fellow reader. Your 2016 Year in Books will keep updating until the new year. So, if you need to freshen up your Goodreads profile with just-finished novels or if you have more holiday reading plans, your stats will properly reflect your reading progress.
And be sure to share out your Year in Books with your friends (either now or once you've wrapped up your year's worth of reading) because who doesn't love to discuss books? You can compare your recent picks with your closest pals or even Emma Watson, in case you're curious what the actress who will play the bookish Belle in Beauty and the Beast has been reading.
To see Your Year in Books, click here!
We can hear you say: "But wait, it's not the end of the year yet!" Fear not, fellow reader. Your 2016 Year in Books will keep updating until the new year. So, if you need to freshen up your Goodreads profile with just-finished novels or if you have more holiday reading plans, your stats will properly reflect your reading progress.
An Internet Theory: Santa Uses Harry Potter Magic
Posted by Cybil on December 12, 2016
Can Santa Claus's secret powers be explained by some Harry Potter magic? Well, that's one theory being floated around the internet this holiday season.
Redditor Arumple makes the claim that the real reason Santa can deliver presents all over the world in one single night is that he's using Floo powder. For the uninitiated, Floo powder is a glittery substance that allows witches and wizards to travel between households. It's considered a faster mode of transportation than broomsticks, obviously.
"The whole 'Santa coming down the chimney' thing is clearly just a muggle conspiracy to cover up the fact that Santa is a wizard traveling by Floo powder," Arumple wrote on Reddit.
Other Santa and Harry Potter fans quickly jumped in with their own theories, including: "Rudolph's nose didn't glow, it was just Wizard Santa's patronus leading the way," and "Santa is clearly a wizard with a time turner."
Read the full Reddit thread, and add your thoughts in the comments below.
Posted by Cybil on December 12, 2016
Can Santa Claus's secret powers be explained by some Harry Potter magic? Well, that's one theory being floated around the internet this holiday season.
"The whole 'Santa coming down the chimney' thing is clearly just a muggle conspiracy to cover up the fact that Santa is a wizard traveling by Floo powder," Arumple wrote on Reddit.
Other Santa and Harry Potter fans quickly jumped in with their own theories, including: "Rudolph's nose didn't glow, it was just Wizard Santa's patronus leading the way," and "Santa is clearly a wizard with a time turner."
Read the full Reddit thread, and add your thoughts in the comments below.
16 Books That Will Hook You From the Very First Line
Posted by Hayley Igarashi on December 12, 2016
Love at first sight? Consider us skeptics. Love at first line, though…. Now that's something we'll get behind. A good opening line can grab us in an instant, igniting our imagination and our curiosity. We're powerless. Such lines demand our attention.
We asked on Facebook and Twitter: What book hooked you from the very first line? Explore the top picks below!
Seveneves
by Neal Stephenson
First line: "The moon blew up without warning and for no apparent reason."
The Shadow of the Wind
by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
First line: "I still remember the day my father took me to the Cemetery of Forgotten Books for the first time."
Their Eyes Were Watching God
by Zora Neale Hurston
First line: "Ships at a distance have every man's wish on board."
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
by J.K. Rowling
First line: "Mr. And Mrs. Dursley, of number 4 Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much."
Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
by Christopher Moore
First line: "You think you know how this story is going to end, but you don't."
Pride and Prejudice
by Jane Austen
First line: "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife."
Nineteen Eighty-Four
by George Orwell
First line: "It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen."
A Tale of Two Cities
by Charles Dickens
First line: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair."
Did the books that hooked you not make the list? Don't keep them to yourself—share the titles and the lines with us in the comments!
Posted by Hayley Igarashi on December 12, 2016
Love at first sight? Consider us skeptics. Love at first line, though…. Now that's something we'll get behind. A good opening line can grab us in an instant, igniting our imagination and our curiosity. We're powerless. Such lines demand our attention.
We asked on Facebook and Twitter: What book hooked you from the very first line? Explore the top picks below!
by Neal Stephenson
First line: "The moon blew up without warning and for no apparent reason."
by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
First line: "I still remember the day my father took me to the Cemetery of Forgotten Books for the first time."
by Zora Neale Hurston
First line: "Ships at a distance have every man's wish on board."
by J.K. Rowling
First line: "Mr. And Mrs. Dursley, of number 4 Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much."
by Christopher Moore
First line: "You think you know how this story is going to end, but you don't."
by Jane Austen
First line: "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife."
by George Orwell
First line: "It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen."
by Charles Dickens
First line: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair."
Did the books that hooked you not make the list? Don't keep them to yourself—share the titles and the lines with us in the comments!
Goodreads Gift Guide
Posted by Hayley Igarashi on December 12, 2016
'Tis the season of gift giving! Whether you're shopping for toddlers, teens, or TV-obsessed family members, we've got your back. Just browse our Goodreads Gift Guide below! Then tell us what books you want this holiday season in the comments.
What books are you be buying this holiday season? Let's talk books in the comments!
Posted by Hayley Igarashi on December 12, 2016
'Tis the season of gift giving! Whether you're shopping for toddlers, teens, or TV-obsessed family members, we've got your back. Just browse our Goodreads Gift Guide below! Then tell us what books you want this holiday season in the comments.
What books are you be buying this holiday season? Let's talk books in the comments!
Readers Share the Best Book They've Ever Received
Posted by Cybil on December 09, 2016
Few things delight us more than receiving the perfect book at just the right time. Whether it’s a signed, first-edition copy of a treasured tome or an unexpected gift that gets you back into reading, books have the power to transform. We asked Goodreads readers to share the story of the best book they ever received and why it was so important to them. See what they said below.
Please share your own memories with us in the comments. We’d love to hear about the books gifted to you that made a lasting impression.
Want more book-gifting inspiration? Check out our full Goodreads Gift Guide!
Posted by Cybil on December 09, 2016
Few things delight us more than receiving the perfect book at just the right time. Whether it’s a signed, first-edition copy of a treasured tome or an unexpected gift that gets you back into reading, books have the power to transform. We asked Goodreads readers to share the story of the best book they ever received and why it was so important to them. See what they said below.
Please share your own memories with us in the comments. We’d love to hear about the books gifted to you that made a lasting impression.
From the Corner of His Eye by Dean Koontz
"My kids gave it to me for Christmas one year while I was struggling with addiction. They had no idea what the theme of the story was but it changed my life. So much so, I actually wrote a letter to him [Koontz] and he sent me a signed copy. What a super guy Mr. Koontz is! I have had to sell my books to eat but NEVER those two! I'll starve first." (Kelly)
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
"I had stopped reading for a decade and a teacher visiting us from the U.S. gave it to me, telling me that all teachers should read this and share it with their older kids. So I did, and that rekindled my love for reading." (Patrina)
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
"My first copies of the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings when I was in junior high. It was the boxed set with the stars that Tolkien drew. It was the only thing I wanted for Christmas and I was so happy to get them that I took them to church with me that morning." (Emily)
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
"Little Women along with a set of other children's classics that my mom gave me as a Christmas present when I was eight. I have loved those books ever since, particularly Little Women, and they are tattered from re-readings. They were foundational in establishing my love of reading and my career as a freelance writer." (Sherri)
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
"A signed copy of the Wind in the Willows. I was only 7 or 8 and didn't learn to read till the 3rd grade and this book with the lovely illustrations transported me to a fantastic world. I learned that I could escape the turmoil and drama of my older siblings within the pages of a book. I still use books as an escape and only occasionally have a book hangover the next day." (Denise)
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
"My Aunt Diane gave it to me when I was 10 years old. I still have it, almost 40 years later, and I think of her every time I read it." (Lisa)
The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty
"Before my boyfriend died of cancer nearly seven years ago, he gave me his first edition, leather bound, signed copy of William Peter Blatty's The Exorcist." (Melanie)
The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
"My high school English teacher recommended it to me and let me borrow his copy. After seeing how much I loved it, my mom gave me my own copy for Easter. It sent me on a journey to learn about the real Tudors and England under their rule. My love of the Tudors influenced me to study History in college and I wrote my freshman paper on Anne Boleyn and my senior paper on Jane Seymore, Henry's third wife." (Chelsey)
The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran
"It was my best friend's personal copy that she turned to for peace, I was going through a really rough time. I keep it by my bed still, years later." (Hazel)
The Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm
"I wrote to Santa that I wanted this book for Christmas. I went to post office with my grandmother and she said, 'Do not forget to write your address on the back of the envelope because it is important for Santa to know where to find you.' I found the very same book under the Christmas tree with my letter inside it. Mind you, it took me several years to figure out that the letter was returned to sender because of non-existing recipient address and that is why it was inside the book. It was 30 years ago and my grandmother is long gone now and I got many books since then but this one is still the best!" (Maja)
Want more book-gifting inspiration? Check out our full Goodreads Gift Guide!
