Goodreads

Editors' ReviewDownload.com staffJanuary 9, 2019Goodreads for Android connects you to the Web's most active social network for book lovers, but lacks many of the features of the Web site. Even in its current form, however, it remains a worthwhile download for avid readers.ProsPacks the essential features of the Web site: With Goodreads for Android, you can browse through more than 12 million titles, add them to your library or reading list, rate them, check reviews, and share titles with your friends. As a mobile user, accessing these features through the app proves to be more convenient than using the Web site.Includes a potent barcode scanner: You can scan one book or several books with the Automatic shelving feature, which enables you to quickly build up a digital library. We were impressed by how quickly the scanner worked -- just place a barcode inside the app's viewfinder rectangle, and that's it.Encourages book discovery: If you're not sure what to read next, this app can help you discover interesting titles based on your preferred authors or categories. And since most books are rated, you can easily figure out whether a book is worth buying or not without having to read reviews that contain spoilers.ConsLacks features: You can't edit your user profile, browse book lists made by other users, join groups, or comment on books. If you are familiar with the Goodreads Web site, you'll notice many other missing features as you use this app.Suffers from a clunky interface: The interface emulates the Web site, but overall it's slow and rather drab, with tiny fonts on a tablet, a cluttered layout, and book lists that are hard to browse. But the main issue is the performance; this app just isn't smooth.Bottom LineGoodreads for Android could do with more features and some interface improvements. That said, if you're a book lover, it will appeal to you, especially if you want to keep track of the books you read and discover new, interesting titles for your reading list. Just don't expect it to provide all the functionality of the Web site, or you'll be disappointed.