Calling all book lovers! As the sun keeps shining this summer, reading is the perfect activity when you’re sitting poolside, traveling for vacation, or simply taking some time to relax.
Whether you’re looking to have book discussions, browsing for books to add to your list, or logging books you’ve read, there are plenty of apps that will not only help you find books to borrow but will also allow you to record and rate the ones you have. Here are five of the best apps for book lovers.
TBR-Bookshelf
TBR-Bookshelf is a great app for recording books you have read and books you want to read. You can search for books and add them to your “to be read” list while also building up your very own bookshelf of books you’ve finished.
It all starts with setting a goal for the number of books you want to read in a year. Each time you finish a book, it gets added to your ‘bookshelf’ in the form of a colorful book which allows you to easily see what books you’ve read simply by checking your shelf.
The app also allows readers to rate the books they’ve read out of 5 stars. Users have the ability to add even more information to their logging, including adding the genre, “Overall Rating,” “Predictability Rating,” “Interest Rating,” “Tear Rating,” and “Humor Rating.” There is also the option to add your reading sessions, favorite characters, favorite quotes, and overall thoughts.
TBR-Bookshelf is the best app for readers who want to keep track of what they want to read, what they are reading, what they’ve read, and more.
Wattpad
One of the most unique book-related apps, Wattpad allows users to read and publish original stories. With 85 million people on average a month using the app, Wattpad provides a space for readers and writers around the world to talk about and share their stories. The app includes stories in over 50 languages, in genres including, but not limited to, romance, science fiction, comedy, and fan fiction.
Writers of Wattpad strive to receive a “Watty,” “Wattpad’s longest-running annual event that seeks out, rewards, and uplifts the storytellers who choose to share their stories on Wattpad every year.” There is also a “Fan’s Choice Award,” which allows readers and fans to be involved in the judging process.
Featuring the most creative stories, Wattpad is a great app for readers looking for fresh content, as well as for writers looking to share the stories they’ve created.
Wattpad is also an Editors’ Choice App and is #4 on the Apple App Store Book Charts.
Goodreads
Goodreads is a social cataloging website and app that allows readers to read book reviews while also recording books they want to read, are reading, or have read. The interesting parts of Goodreads lie, however, in the social aspect. You can add friends and see what they’re reading, join groups like “Book Tok” (books from TikTok), read popular quotes, join discussions on your favorite (or least favorite) books, and ask authors questions.
The sense of online community that Goodreads brings is unique and popular because of the social aspect of it. You can even connect your profile to your Facebook, allowing you to see what your friends are reading.
Goodreads is a great app and website for those looking to find a community rooted in literature. Book lovers around the world should definitely give this reading app a shot.
Audible
If you’re a bookworm but prefer to listen to audiobooks, Audible is the place to go. The Amazon podcast company features audiobooks and podcasts you can stream or purchase. Audible is America’s largest audiobook library, featuring more than 600,000 titles.
The app makes it easy to switch from reading to listening, with WhisperSync, connecting reading on your Kindle with listening on Audible. You can also listen offline.
With Premium Plus, users have access to more titles and are able to keep them for an extended period of time.
Audible has 4.9 stars out of 5, is an Editors’ Choice app, and is #1 on the Apple App Store Book App Charts.
Libby, by OverDrive
Also an Editors’ Choice app, Libby, previously known as OverDrive, is an app connected to catalogs for local libraries. All you need is the app and a library card, and the world is yours! Borrow eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines for free, choosing from collections provided by local libraries.
If you don’t already have a library card, go to the home screen, click on “I Would Like A Card,” and a series of prompts will gather the information required to get one.
The app allows users to adjust text size, background color, and book design, as well as add bookmarks, notes, and highlights.
In U.S. libraries, you can send your eBooks to your Kindle for easy reading.
Check-in with your local library to learn about your loan and hold limits!
Share in the comments your favorite reading app!