Fetch a crawled Goodreads book record by its Goodreads book ID from the goodreads-books dataset, returning clean structured JSON for lookup or enrichment.
Get a Goodreads book from dataset. Returns one crawled Goodreads book record by id from dataset id enum value goodreads-books.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| id | Yes | Goodreads book id, e.g. 2767052 |
Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are present, so the description carries the full burden. It discloses that the record is 'crawled' (implying a dataset snapshot rather than live data) and that exactly one record is returned by id. However, it does not mention error handling, data freshness, or response fields, leaving some behavioral aspects undisclosed.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences, front-loaded with the action ('Get a Goodreads book'), followed by a precise detail about the record source. Every word earns its place; there is no redundancy or filler.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple single-parameter item lookup with no output schema, the description adequately explains the purpose, the input, and the return ('one crawled Goodreads book record'). It lacks specifics about the record structure or failure modes, but these are less critical for a straightforward retrieval from a dataset.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema already fully describes the single `id` parameter with an example ('2767052'). The description adds that the retrieval is 'from dataset id enum value `goodreads-books`', clarifying the dataset context, but it does not enrich the parameter's meaning beyond what the schema provides. With 100% schema coverage, the baseline of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's function: 'Get a Goodreads book from dataset' and 'returns one crawled Goodreads book record by id', naming the specific dataset enum value `goodreads-books`. This distinguishes it from sibling tools like search or facets, which operate on collections rather than single items.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies the use case: retrieve a single record when you have a Goodreads book id and want the crawled dataset copy. It does not explicitly mention alternatives like search tools, but the phrase 'by id from dataset' clearly signals when this tool is appropriate, providing clear context without exclusions.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.