Goodreads, the largest social networking site aimed specifically at readers, has more than 11 million user-generated book reviews and 100 million ratings in its database. Its members clearly have strong opinions—and Goodreads is harnessing them once again for its 2011 Goodreads Choice Awards.
As of today, more than 389,000 people have voted for the awards. In the first round of voting held October 31-November 15, members could weigh in on this year’s top 15 most popular books on Goodreads in 22 categories, including History & Biography, Paranormal Fantasy, and Picture Books, as well as an overall Favorite Book of 2011. (A few nominees in Goodreads’ Fiction category also appeared in LJ’s Best Books 2011, including Haruki Murakami’s 1Q84 and Tayari Jones’s Silver Sparrow.)
The top five write-in votes were added to the nominees in each category for the current semifinal round, running until this Sunday, November 20. The final round, from November 21 until November 30, narrows the field to the top five books in each category, with the winners announced shortly thereafter. LJ will take a close look at the results in early December.
Several libraries, such as the San Diego Public Library and Salt Lake County Library Services, UT, use Goodreads for book clubs and discussion groups. In June, Goodreads signed a deal with EBSCO’s NoveList, a readers’ advisory (RA) service used by libraries, in which NoveList would integrate Goodreads’ book reviews and ratings. (LJ also published a story that same month on how libraries are using services like Goodreads to assist with RA.)
About David Rapp
In my opinion, I would like to nominate the following titles:
The Best of Me – Nicholas Sparks
The Walk – Richard Paul Evans
Miles to Go – Richard Paul Evans
Michael Vey – Richard Paul Evans
Following Atticus – Tom Ryan
Betrayal – Fern Michaels
Rescue – Anita Shreve
Viola in the Spotlight – Adriana Trigiani