“Blackshirts and Reds” an Introduction to my GoodReads Lists

A Good Read along my Goodreads Account...

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Goodreads – “Blackshirts and Reds” by Michael Parenti

This short post is just a reminder that this book should be read by all, especially westerners who haven’t had a chance to look deeper into history outside of school history books and the “History” Channel.

I also wanted to remind future and current comrades to use a service like Goodreads to keep track of books you want to–and have–read. (Not sure if I am even allowed to do that since–Read–is being used as two different pronunciations, one pronounced reed and the other red but both spelled read. English, amirite?)

It’s also a great place to get recommendations and read reviews from other book lovers instead of the dribble you get with Amazon Reviews. I think it is a great way for book lovers, theorists and academics to exchange entire libraries of recommendations.

There are some really great features and the iPhone and iPad apps are well polished but could use some work. The website is great for bulk edits and editing details and bookshelves. Some of my favorite features from the apps include the ‘Scan barcode” or “Scan Cover” features. Those two features are excellent and it allows me to add a book to my wish list quickly. It can also be used to import my physical library into my “Read” and “To-Read” lists easily (called Bookshelves on Goodreads).

It allows you to add specific versions of a book by searching via its barcode, cover, or ISBN (10 or 13) number to get the version you would like. Some books I want the paperback and hardback, or an academic version with an introduction by some really interesting author. Sometimes though, I just want a cheap mass market paperback for quick reference and markup. Either way, it’s nice to be able to not just add a book , but add the specific version of the book. It makes the Scanning Feature that much nicer. Seeing my real physical library mirrored properly on Goodreads is great.

I really cannot recommend the book and the service enough. Since I just joined, and was adding what I am currently reading, I figured I could “unalive two birds with one stone” by getting more people to read Michael Parenti and to join Goodreads.

Then again, If I’m being honest, getting people to follow my Goodreads would be great, so go ahead and give me a follow. Over the next few days I will be updating and refining my account and lists. I will probably link any books referenced to Goodreads untilI find a better way to share titles

So go forth and read! Or do what I do and stop adding a ton of books to your cart on Amazon to never be seen again, Add the thousand books you want to read on Goodreads instead!

Then come back here and read more poorly written ramblings of a mad socialist.

What do you think about GoodReads? Have you tried it? Will you? Any other alternatives?