For years, Goodreads has dominated the online book-tracking world.
But many readers (including me!) have grown tired of its clunky interface, limited features, and Amazon ownership. They wanted something better. So Nadia Odunayo, a software engineer and lifelong reader, built it for them.
The StoryGraph, launched in 2019, isn’t just another book database.
It’s a thoughtful, reader-focused platform built on smart recommendations, a clean interface, and a strong sense of community. And unlike Goodreads, it’s independent.
That excites us the most. By prioritizing readers over profit and staying independent, The StoryGraph stands as a meaningful alternative in an industry ruled by giants.
From Finance to Tech to Founding a Startup
Nadia’s path wasn’t a straight shot to building The StoryGraph.
Originally, she planned for a career in finance and even secured an offer from Deutsche Bank. But a chance victory in a coding competition led her down a different road—one that would take her into software engineering.
Opportunities often come from unexpected places, and when they do, it’s worth exploring them. Nadia’s shift from finance to tech wasn’t planned, but by seizing the moment, she found a path that led to something far greater.
Sometimes, taking a detour can lead to building something impactful—proof that staying open to change can shape a future you never imagined.
She entered the tech world and quickly realized she had the skills to build something of her own. As an avid reader since childhood, she’d used Goodreads for years but found it frustrating.
She saw an opportunity to create something better.
What started as a side project—just a small app to help people track their reading moods—turned into a full-fledged alternative to Goodreads. The StoryGraph wasn’t just filling a gap. It was rethinking how book lovers discover and organize their reading lives.
What Makes The StoryGraph Different?
Goodreads is old-school. It hasn’t changed much since Amazon bought it in 2013. The StoryGraph, on the other hand, is built for modern readers.
Here’s why people are switching:
- Smart Recommendations – Instead of relying on bestseller lists and broad genres, The StoryGraph analyzes your reading habits and suggests books that match your tastes.
- Mood-Based Tracking – Want a fast-paced, adventurous read? Or something slow and emotional? The StoryGraph lets you categorize books based on their mood and pacing.
- Cleaner, Ad-Free Experience – Unlike Goodreads, which can feel cluttered, The StoryGraph keeps things simple. No ads, no unnecessary noise.
- A More Thoughtful Community – No comment sections on reviews means fewer trolls and drama. It’s about sharing books, not arguments.
The StoryGraph isn’t backed by venture capital.
It’s grown organically, driven by word-of-mouth and a loyal user base. As of early 2025, it has nearly 4 million users. That’s impressive for a platform taking on an Amazon-owned giant.
Nadia has stayed hands-on throughout the process. She listens to users, personally answers messages, and keeps improving the platform. That level of engagement is rare in tech today.
Will The StoryGraph Overtake Goodreads?
Goodreads isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, but the frustration is real, as Book Riot points out.
"It is impossible not to see the site’s whiteness, as well as the continued challenges to encourage diverse reading, pushes to better fund marketing and publicity campaigns for diverse authors, and the ways in which Goodreads has altered book discovery to the average reader through its proprietary algorithm and pay-to-play giveaway and promotions site-wide."
But The StoryGraph doesn’t need to replace it. It just needs to keep being the better option for those looking for a fresh take on book tracking.
Nadia’s vision is clear: a platform built by readers, for readers. And she has no plans to sell out to a big corporation. If anything,
The StoryGraph’s growth proves that readers are ready for something different. Something better.
If you’ve ever felt frustrated with Goodreads, it might be time to give The StoryGraph a try. Nadia didn’t just complain about a problem—she built the solution.
And readers are here for it.
