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The best apps for tracking your reading and discovering new books
From discovering new books and organizing your reading list to tracking your reading goal and sharing recommendations, book apps make it easier to maintain reading as a hobby. There are numerous apps on the market that promise to do just that, so we’ve compiled a list of some of the best ones to help you pick the right one for you. Whether you’re an occasional reader or a dedicated bookworm, these apps can help you make the most of your reading journey.
Some of the apps on this list are somewhat new, while others have been around for a few years. Amazon-owned Goodreads, which is arguably the most popular book-related app, isn’t included in this list because we’re focusing on newer, lesser-known platforms.
Fable is a reading app that combines book tracking with a social platform. It lets you organize reading lists, set reading goals, track streaks, write reviews, and join virtual book clubs. You also get personalized book recommendations and the chance to discuss what you’re reading with other readers.
The app differs from others on this list because it puts reading and community at the forefront of the platform, which makes it a great option for people who like staying motivated to read by being part of a community and discussing their reads.
Fable is free to download on iOS and Android, but also offers a Fable Plus subscription tier that unlocks additional features like custom goals and advanced analytics for a monthly fee of $5.99.
Bookshelf is a reading app designed to help people organize their libraries, discover new books, and remember more of what they read. The app positions itself as an alternative to Goodreads, and combines traditional reading logs with AI-powered recommendations and tools.
You can create custom shelves, set reading goals, receive reminders, save favorite quotes, and access AI-generated book summaries, key insights, and thematic analyses to recall the books you’ve read and get a deeper understanding of them.
Bookshelf is free to download on iOS, but offers a $6.99 monthly fee to unlock premium features like unlimited collections and enhanced analytics.
Pagebound is a book app that lets readers track their books, create lists, set goals, and discuss individual titles in dedicated forums. Instead of having to join an actual book club group, users can post reactions and thoughts to connect with others reading the same title.
You don’t have to worry about spoilers for the end of the book, as conversations are organized based on reading progress, allowing readers to share theories and thoughts as they read. The app is a great option for people who want to discuss their reads with others without having to commit to a scheduled book club.