Why Goodreads Still Doesn’t Work for Me

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Goodreads has never quite worked for me. After looking at it on and off for twenty-plus years, my impression hasn’t changed; it still feels like a muddled, confusing maze that makes simple navigation harder than it needs to be. For a site built around books and discovery, the design often feels like it gets in the way of the experience. I know many readers and authors love it, but I’ve always hoped it would evolve into something clearer, quieter, and more user-friendly.

Part of the challenge may be its size and legacy. Goodreads grew quickly, gathering millions of reviews, lists, groups, and conversations, yet the interface never evolved at the same pace. What once felt innovative now feels cluttered. Instead of inviting exploration, it can overwhelm you with too many tabs, too many clicks, and too many paths that lead right back to where you started. I’m an author who genuinely loves connecting with readers, but the platform often makes those connections harder, not easier. Maybe one day it will streamline and rediscover its original purpose: helping people find books worth reading and conversations worth having.