Best Apps and Websites for Book Lovers
- Isabela Chieffi
- Feb 2
- 5 min read
Introduction
Have you ever wished you had the perfect set of tools to make your reading experience even better? Whether you want to track your books, discover new reads, or just get more out of your favorite novels, there’s a tool out there for you. In this post, I’m sharing some of the best apps, websites, and other tools that every book lover needs to know about. Let’s dive in!
Feeling like there's too little time and too many books? Check out my guide on how to read more while having a busy life here!
Apps for Readers
Many of us have phones, so having apps dedicated to reading can greatly enhance our reading experience and encourage us to read more! I'll provide a brief overview of some popular apps that can help you discover new books, track your reading progress, and connect with other book lovers. Keep in mind that for the majority of these apps, there is also a web version available for those who prefer to use their computer or laptop.
Goodreads
Features: Book tracking, reviews, and community discussions.
Why It’s Great: Goodreads has a massive database of books, and the community is super active. You can track what you’re reading, see reviews from friends, and get personalized recommendations.
Who It’s Best For: Readers who love keeping track of their progress and connecting with other book lovers.
Availability and Platforms: Available on iOS, Android, and the web.
Personal Experience: When I first got really into reading, Goodreads became my go-to app for tracking my books and finding new ones to read. I think it's a great job, and it fulfills its purpose.
Into classic books? Check out my review on the books I had to read for my American literature class here!
StoryGraph
Features: Mood-based recommendations, detailed stats, and reading challenges.
Why It’s Great: StoryGraph is like Goodreads but with a focus on your preferences. The stats it gives you are amazing!
Who It’s Best For: Readers who want personalized recommendations and detailed insights into their reading habits.
Availability and Platforms: Available on iOS, Android, and the web.
Personal Experience: After seeing Jack Edward's video about his experience of switching to StoryGraph, I decided to give it a try and was not disappointed. It is now my go-to book tracking app, and I have completely abandoned Goodreads.
Audible
Features: Audiobook library, exclusive titles, offline listening.
Why It’s Great: Audible has some of the best narrators, and their library is huge. Plus, it’s perfect if you like multitasking while “reading.”
Who It’s Best For: Audiobook enthusiasts and people who enjoy listening on the go.
Availability and Platforms: Available on iOS, Android, and the web.
Personal Experience: I've never personally used audible, but from what I have heard, people seem to enjoy it.
Want to support more small book blogs? Find more on my list here!
Libby
Features: Borrow ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines from your local library.
Why It’s Great: With just your library card, you can access thousands of titles for free. It’s so convenient and budget-friendly.
Who It’s Best For: Readers looking for a free way to access books.
Availability and Platforms: Available on iOS, Android, and the web.
Personal Experience: In my opinion, Libby is one of the smartest ideas ever! I love the fact that I can move the books to my Kindle! I think that the magazine section is underrated! You can borrow magazines with no waiting line for an unlimited amount of time, whenever you want! The wait lines can be a little long sometimes, but you are getting it for free, so it's definitely worth it!
Wondering if you should invest in a Kindle? Check out my guide here!
Websites for Book Lovers
BookBub
Features: Alerts for discounted and free ebooks, and personalized recommendations.
Why It’s Great: It’s a lifesaver if you love ebooks and want to save money. You can get email alerts for deals on books you actually want to read.
Who It’s Best For: Bargain hunters and ebook readers.
Availability and Platforms: Available on iOS, Android, and the web.
Personal Experience: I haven't personally used BookBub, so I decided to do some digging! Many people seem to enjoy it! Reddit user ShinyArtist says, "I like it. It’s not just indie books recommendations, they will recommend some big/popular authors books if they’re on sale. And they based suggestions on your interests so it’s tailored to you. Checking the bookbub email and checking daily deal is something I like to do daily when I remember." Others on the same post agree.
Ever wondered the difference between a reading wrap-up and a TBR? Learn about it here.
Bonus Tools for Readers
Blinkist
Features: Summaries of nonfiction books, audio and text formats.
Why It’s Great: Blinkist is perfect if you’re short on time but want to stay informed. You can get key insights from books in minutes.
Who It’s Best For: Busy readers and nonfiction enthusiasts.
Availability and Platforms: Available on iOS, Android, and the web.
Personal Experience: I haven't personally tried Blinkist; however, Declan Wilson over at Writer Gadgets says it's a "… valuable tool for busy people who want to learn but don't have a lot of time." However, it is important to note that it is not free and, in my opinion, pricey.
Want to learn how to make your very own reading journal? Learn how in the guide here!
SparkNotes
Features: Study guides, summaries, and analyses of books and plays.
Why It’s Great: SparkNotes makes tackling tough literature easier with clear explanations and insights.
Who It’s Best For: Students and readers diving into challenging texts.
Availability and Platforms: Web-based, with mobile-friendly options.
Personal Experience: I love SparkNotes. They have summaries and analyses of basically every single book. I don't just use this for school but also for when I'm reading classics of my own choosing. SparkNotes has greatly helped my understanding of complex literature.
Conclusion
Books have the power to change lives, and the right tools can make your reading journey even more enjoyable. Whether you want to track your books, discover new ones, or dive deeper into the stories you love, there’s something here for everyone. Explore these tools, and let me know which ones you love—or if I missed any of your favorites! Write a comment below—I’d love to hear from you!
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