Amazon acquires Goodreads, aims to meld Kindle with social

Amazon on Thursday said it will buy Goodreads, a social site that discusses and recommends books.

Terms of the deal weren't disclosed.

In a statement, Amazon positioned Goodreads as an acquisition that it would pair up with its Kindle platform. Amazon added that it will "build many new ways to delight readers and authors alike."

Goodreads CEO Otis Chandler said the Amazon purchase will give it more resources and a larger footprint beyond its 16 million members. Indeed, Goodreads launched in 2007, but hasn't had any significant updates to its site and services of late.

The melding of Goodreads' social approach with the Kindle could be enticing to avid readers. 

Over the past 90 days, Goodreads users have added more than four books per second to their want to read lists. Amazon will obviously try to translate those desires into e-book sales.

Goodreads will remain based in San Francisco.