Stories with Tag Book Reviews

• Show HN: I built a modern Goodreads alternative

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  Posted: 2025-03-02 14:50:20

  Verbose tl;dr

  Kaguya is a new web app positioned as a modern alternative to Goodreads. It focuses on privacy, speed, and a clean interface. Users can track their reading progress, add books to their library, and discover new titles. The platform features a minimalist design, personalized recommendations, and integration with StoryGraph for importing existing libraries. Kaguya aims to provide a distraction-free reading management experience.

  A software developer, motivated by perceived shortcomings in the popular book tracking platform Goodreads, has independently created and publicly unveiled a new web application named Kaguya. This application is presented as a contemporary alternative to Goodreads, aiming to provide a more streamlined and enjoyable experience for users wishing to catalog, review, and discover books. Kaguya features a clean, modern user interface designed for ease of use and aesthetic appeal. The developer emphasizes a focus on performance and responsiveness, suggesting that Kaguya offers a quicker and smoother interaction compared to the sometimes sluggish performance attributed to Goodreads. The application supports importing existing book data from Goodreads, facilitating a seamless transition for users migrating from the established platform. Furthermore, Kaguya implements a feature allowing users to connect directly with their personal StoryGraph accounts, offering an additional avenue for importing and synchronizing reading data. While still in active development, Kaguya is being offered as a fully functional web application, readily accessible to the public for immediate use and exploration. The developer is actively soliciting feedback from early adopters to guide future development and refinements of the platform. This project embodies an independent effort to address perceived gaps in the existing book tracking landscape and presents a potentially compelling option for bibliophiles seeking a modernized digital book management experience.

  • book tracking
  • Book Reviews
  • goodreads alternative
  • reading list
  • book discovery
  • social reading
  • web application
  • kaguya
  • IndieWeb
  • bookshelf management
  • reading challenge
  • reading progress
  • book recommendations

  Summary of Comments ( 90 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43230994

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN users generally praised Kaguya's clean design and mobile-first approach, contrasting it favorably with Goodreads' cluttered interface. Several expressed interest in specific features like the yearly reading challenge tracker and the ability to easily add books by scanning ISBNs. Some questioned the long-term viability of relying solely on Amazon for book data and suggested integrating with other sources like OpenLibrary. Others voiced concerns about the privacy implications of the project being closed-source and requiring an account. The developer responded actively to comments, addressing concerns and outlining plans for future development including features like import from Goodreads, personalized recommendations, and potentially open-sourcing the codebase. A recurring theme was the desire for a robust, modern alternative to Goodreads, with Kaguya seen as a promising contender.

  The Hacker News post "Show HN: I built a modern Goodreads alternative" (https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43230994) generated a moderate amount of discussion, with several commenters expressing interest and offering feedback on the project, Kaguya. Many of the comments revolved around feature requests and comparisons to Goodreads.

  Several users appreciated the clean and modern UI/UX of Kaguya, contrasting it with the perceived clutter and outdated design of Goodreads. One commenter specifically praised the infinite scroll implementation, finding it superior to Goodreads' pagination. The speed and responsiveness of the site were also highlighted as positive aspects.

  A recurring theme in the comments was the desire for features not yet present in Kaguya. These included:

  • Import/Export Functionality: Multiple users requested the ability to import their existing Goodreads libraries, recognizing the barrier to entry for users with large collections. The ability to export data from Kaguya was also mentioned as important for data portability and backup.
  • Social Features: Some commenters expressed interest in social aspects similar to Goodreads, such as the ability to follow other users, see their reading activity, and engage in discussions.
  • More Advanced Search and Filtering: Granular search options and the ability to filter books based on various criteria (genre, tags, etc.) were mentioned as desirable additions.
  • Mobile App: While the website is responsive, some commenters expressed a preference for a dedicated mobile app.
  • Progress Tracking: Being able to mark a book as "currently reading" and track reading progress was suggested.
  • ISBN Scanning: A quicker way to add books, such as scanning ISBN barcodes, was also a popular request.

  Some users raised concerns about the long-term viability and sustainability of the project, particularly regarding the business model and the potential for monetization. The developer responded to some of these comments, clarifying their current approach and future plans. They indicated a focus on building a solid user base before implementing monetization strategies.

  A few commenters also offered technical feedback, including suggestions for alternative technologies and improvements to the codebase. There was a small thread discussing the choice of database and the potential scaling challenges.

  Overall, the comments were generally positive and encouraging, with many users expressing excitement about the potential of Kaguya as a Goodreads alternative. The developer's responsiveness to the feedback and willingness to engage with the community were also well-received. While some skepticism regarding the project's longevity remained, the overall sentiment appeared to be one of cautious optimism.

• Remembering Nan Shepherd

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  Posted: 2025-01-21 20:50:09

  Verbose tl;dr

  Fraser McDonald's diary entry in the London Review of Books reflects on the centenary of Nan Shepherd's birth and the enduring power of her nature writing, particularly The Living Mountain. McDonald contrasts Shepherd's intimate, embodied experience of the Cairngorms with the more detached, scientific approach of contemporary nature writers like Robert Macfarlane. He emphasizes Shepherd's focus on direct sensory perception and her rejection of anthropomorphism, highlighting her unique ability to merge with the mountain landscape and find a profound sense of belonging within it. The piece also touches upon Shepherd's other works, including her poetry and novels, and her dedication to representing the distinct character of Northeast Scotland.

  Fraser Macdonald's diary entry in the London Review of Books, poignantly titled "Remembering Nan Shepherd," embarks upon a richly detailed and deeply personal exploration of the life and literary legacy of the esteemed Scottish writer, Nan Shepherd. Macdonald commences with an evocative recounting of his inaugural encounter with Shepherd's magnum opus, The Living Mountain, a work which profoundly resonated with him and ignited a fervent desire to delve further into the author's oeuvre. He meticulously delineates the profound impact of Shepherd's prose, characterized by its lyrical and intensely observant descriptions of the Cairngorm Mountains of Scotland, a landscape that served as both the physical and spiritual wellspring of her creative output.

  Macdonald further elucidates Shepherd's multifaceted persona, highlighting not only her mastery of nature writing but also her accomplished career as a poet, novelist, and playwright. He painstakingly reconstructs the trajectory of her literary journey, emphasizing the relative obscurity she endured during her lifetime despite the undeniable brilliance of her work. The diary entry meticulously catalogues Shepherd's dedication to her craft, her unwavering commitment to capturing the essence of the natural world, and her profound understanding of the interconnectedness between humanity and the environment. Furthermore, Macdonald delves into Shepherd's personal life, offering glimpses into her character and the formative experiences that shaped her unique perspective.

  The piece progresses to explore the eventual resurgence of interest in Shepherd's writing, particularly The Living Mountain, which has garnered significant critical acclaim and popular recognition in recent years. Macdonald meticulously examines the factors contributing to this renewed appreciation, including the growing awareness of environmental issues and a renewed interest in nature writing as a genre. He further postulates that Shepherd's timeless insights into the human condition and the natural world resonate deeply with contemporary readers seeking solace and connection in an increasingly frenetic and disconnected world.

  In its concluding passages, Macdonald's diary entry offers a heartfelt tribute to Nan Shepherd's enduring literary contributions, emphasizing the profound influence her work has exerted upon his own understanding of the natural world and the power of language to evoke its sublime beauty. He characterizes her writing as a testament to the enduring importance of close observation, mindful engagement with the environment, and the profound spiritual nourishment that can be derived from a deep connection with nature. The piece serves as a compelling and eloquently articulated testament to the enduring legacy of a remarkable writer whose work continues to inspire and captivate readers generations after its creation.

  • Nan Shepherd
  • Fraser McDonald
  • London Review of Books
  • LRB
  • Diary
  • Nature Writing
  • Scottish Literature
  • 20th Century Literature
  • British Literature
  • Literary Criticism
  • Book Reviews
  • The Living Mountain

  Summary of Comments ( 1 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42785035

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN commenters largely appreciate the diary excerpt focusing on Nan Shepherd's nature writing and her connection to the Cairngorms. Several share personal experiences of reading Shepherd's work, particularly "The Living Mountain," praising its evocative descriptions and philosophical insights. Some discuss the challenges of modern nature writing, contrasting it with Shepherd's focus on immersive observation and internal reflection. A few commenters also touch on the beauty of the Cairngorms themselves, recommending visits and sharing related resources. The overall sentiment is one of admiration for Shepherd's writing and the power of nature to inspire deep connection.

  The Hacker News post titled "Remembering Nan Shepherd" links to a 2015 London Review of Books diary entry by Fraser MacDonald about rediscovering and appreciating the Scottish writer Nan Shepherd. The comments section contains several reflections on Shepherd's work, particularly her book The Living Mountain.

  One commenter praises The Living Mountain as "one of the best books about nature and the human experience of nature ever written." They highlight its focus on detailed observation and sensory experience of the Cairngorms mountains in Scotland, contrasting it with typical narratives of conquering or dominating nature. This comment emphasizes Shepherd's ability to convey a deep connection with the landscape through intense, personal experience.

  Another commenter builds upon this by noting that Shepherd's writing resonates deeply with those familiar with mountains and wilderness, and that her focus on direct sensory perception is key to this connection. They argue that this sensory approach allows readers to more fully grasp the essence of the mountains, rather than simply viewing them as scenic backdrops.

  A third commenter mentions having read Shepherd's The Quarry Wood, describing it as a more conventional novel but still carrying echoes of the themes and style present in The Living Mountain. This comment adds context to Shepherd's broader body of work, suggesting that her focus on place and observation permeates her writing beyond nature writing.

  Several other comments simply express appreciation for the original post and an intention to read Shepherd's work, indicating the post effectively generated interest in the author. One user highlights the upcoming release of a Shepherd biography, further piquing readers' curiosity.

  The overall sentiment in the comments section is one of admiration for Nan Shepherd's writing, particularly her ability to evoke a deep connection with nature through precise language and sensory detail. The comments highlight The Living Mountain as a particularly impactful work and encourage others to explore Shepherd's writing.