Random House launched a new eBook discovery platform via Facebook in January. BookScout basically lets users share their favorite books with friends and then receive reading recommendations based on their own preferences. Users can create their own virtual shelves full of books they have read, or are in the process of reading. If you find a book you like on your friends shelf, there are a number of links displayed to purchase the book from a number of online retailers. One of the best elements of this site is the focus is not exclusively on Random House ebook titles, but all major publishers. Today, a number of new enhancements got pushed out based on user feedback. BookScout now includes tablet optimization and enhanced social sharing features, making it easier for Facebook members to learn what their friends are reading and share books they want to discuss to their timeline. As part of Facebooks announcements this week, people can now add their BookScout activity to their Books section on their timeline.
BookScout might float under the radar for most digital book readers, because it is a Facebook exclusive. People though, are definitely using the service, since the apps launch, readers have added over 27,000 books to their BookScout shelves and have Liked over 21,000 eBook titles. Using the service is completely free, and you can check it out HERE.
Michael Kozlowski is the editor-in-chief at Good e-Reader and has written about audiobooks and e-readers for the past fifteen years. Newspapers and websites such as the CBC, CNET, Engadget, Huffington Post and the New York Times have picked up his articles. He Lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.