A Goodreads Alternative: The StoryGraph
For years, Goodreads has been the dominant platform for readers to rate books and find similar recommendations. Since it has had no competition, the platform looks the same as it did when it was launched. Owned by Amazon and having the data that it has, one would think that Goodreads’ developers would have been able to create an incredible algorithm. Instead, it is cluttered and unintuitive. Thankfully, there is now an alternative to Goodreads: The StoryGraph.
The StoryGraph is owned by Nadia Odunayo, who felt inspired by her own frustrations with Goodreads. A tech entrepreneur, she began working on this idea in January of 2019. She spent time speaking to Goodreads users and book bloggers to figure out what was missing. She specifically worked to find aspects that Goodreads did not offer.
Upon creating an account on The StoryGraph, you have to go through a short questionnaire which will help in providing personalized recommendations. It prompts you to choose from a list of features to explain what you’re interested in and not interested in. This includes things like your favorite and least favorite genre, what characteristics you like in a book (e.g. character development), and what characteristics you don’t like in a book (e.g. violence). You also have the choice to specify any triggers you want to avoid. With this information, you can provide personal insights that are tailored to elements such as theme, mood, and pace.
A similar approach is taken when rating or reviewing a book. Unlike Goodreads, The StoryGraph’s star rating system comes with decimal points, allowing readers to be more specific. When you finish a book, you complete an extensive review that includes your opinion on whether there was strong character development, diverse characters, or lovable characters. Less priority is given to the star ratings, and instead the priority is placed on features that a reader values.
Everyone has had times when they did not finish a book. It isn’t ideal, but it does happen. On Goodreads, one has to either mark it as read and leave a bad review, or simply let it remain on their reading shelf. Doing so can be bothersome to some readers, but The StoryGraph offers a third option. The platform has a “did not finish” option, which gives one an easy way out to a book that you didn’t like enough to finish.
However, perhaps the biggest difference is its ability to create graphs and charts of your reading. While most people have to create their own spreadsheets on Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, you can easily see your reading statistics in the form of pie charts. You receive charts of moods, pace, page number, and average rating.
If you already have a Goodreads account and are thinking of switching, then that can be easily done. As soon as you sign up on The StoryGraph, you are asked to import your Goodreads library. If you are not sure how to do this, do not worry because they provide instructions and links to everything. Once imported, it could take anywhere from a couple of minutes to hours to complete the process, depending on how many books are in your library. When it is done, you will receive an email notification.
Evidently, The StoryGraph is a solid alternative to Goodreads. While it does still lack a few features, it is being updated regularly. Thus, if you are dissatisfied with what Goodreads has to offer, then be sure to check out The StoryGraph.
Citations:
Aiman, N., & Dulion, C. (2021, June 29). The StoryGraph Vs. Goodreads - What are the pros and cons? Retrieved from https://themilsource.com/2021/06/29/what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-the-storygraph-as-an-alternative-to-goodreads/
Arnone, C. (2021, May 21). The StoryGraph Review: Pros, Cons, Costs, And More. Retrieved from https://bookriot.com/storygraph-review/
Tolcheva, S. (2021, May 02). Goodreads vs. Storygraph: Which is the best Book Platform? Retrieved from https://www.makeuseof.com/goodreads-vs-storygraph/#:~:text=StoryGraph%20offers%20more%20detailed%20stats,books%20or%20ebooks%2C%20keep%20reading.
