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apps for readers

Level Up Your Reading: Top Apps for Avid Readers

Remember those days? Waiting impatiently for your library period, only to discover your favourite book was checked out? Or the frustration of not being able to finish a captivating read within the limited library time? Thankfully, technology has revolutionised the reading experience, transforming those frustrating memories into a distant past. 

Today, numerous apps designed for avid readers help enhance the reading journey by tracking progress, discovering new titles, and connecting with a community of fellow book enthusiasts. In this article, we will highlight essential apps that every book lover should consider incorporating into their reading routine. 

Leio 

Accurately tracking avid readers’ reading progress is crucial. The Leio app, exclusively designed for iPhones and iPads, excels in this area. This free app meticulously records all your reading statistics, learning from your habits to provide highly accurate predictions. 

You can conveniently monitor progress across multiple books simultaneously. Furthermore, Leio includes a time-tracking feature, allowing you to monitor the time invested in each book precisely. If you’re facing a reading deadline, Leio provides personalised guidance on the daily reading volume required for timely completion. 

Basmo 

If you’re looking for motivation to maintain a reading schedule, the Basmo app is a great choice. This free app, available for Android and iOS, helps users develop reading habits while keeping track of their books. Upon signing up, you’ll be guided through a series of questions to personalise your experience, covering your preferred genres, reading goals, past reads, and reading aspirations. Based on your responses, the app generates statistics about your reading habits, allowing you to pinpoint areas for improvement and monitor your progress. 

One of the standout features of Basmo is its free AI-powered tool, BookChat. This feature allows you to engage in insightful conversations with the AI about books you’ve read, deepening your connection to the story. In addition to tracking your reading progress, Basmo lets you jot down your thoughts and ideas about interesting passages. You can also scan and highlight your favourite quotes as you read. Once you’ve completed a book, you can also reflect on how it made you feel—whether it inspired excitement, happiness, anger, boredom, or confusion.  

The StoryGraph 

Choosing your next book recommendation can often feel overwhelming, but that’s where The StoryGraph app comes in handy. Available for both Android and iOS, this free app provides personalised recommendations tailored to your preferences. 

Additionally, the app features a variety of reading challenges, including genre-specific and monthly goals, to help you achieve your overall reading objectives. You can even create custom challenges or participate in fellow members’ hosting. What makes StoryGraph unique is its rating system. Instead of just a star rating, you answer questions about your reading experience. This information helps the app recommend books to other users with similar preferences. For instance, if you indicate that a book would appeal to fans of emotional and fast-paced novels, StoryGraph may recommend it to someone seeking that type of read. 

Bookly 

Building a consistent reading habit requires dedication. To help you on this journey, consider the Bookly app. This free app for iOS and Android makes it easy to track your reading progress in real time, manage your book collection, and cultivate a dedicated reading practice. 

Bookly offers a “reading session” feature that allows you to set a timer, add notes, and listen to ambient music to enhance your reading experience. You can also set daily and yearly reading goals, measured by minutes, pages, or the number of books. Unfortunately, the free Bookly account has a significant limitation: you can only track up to 10 books on your virtual bookshelf. Consider upgrading to a Bookly PRO paid subscription for unlimited book tracking and access to a personal reading assistant. 

Litsy 

A social network focused on books? It might sound novel, but Litsy is bringing this idea to life. Available for both iOS and Android, Litsy is a book-centric social platform and free app that combines the visual appeal of Instagram with the bookish community of Goodreads. Members can review, share, and discuss their favourite books and create and organise reading lists. Instead of a traditional star rating system, Litsy uses four categories to express your thoughts on a book: Pick, So-So, Pan, or Bail. Each category features corresponding icons that help convey your feelings about the book you’re reviewing, adding a unique touch to how users share their reading experiences. 

Like any social networking site, on Litsy, you can explore a curated feed of book-related content, follow other users, and discover new reads through their profiles and recommendations. The app also makes it easy to track your reading progress by marking books as “Currently Reading,” “Read,” or “Want to Read.” 

Distilled 

These apps offer avid readers a glimpse into technology’s exciting possibilities. Whether you’re a seasoned bookworm or just starting out, explore these apps to enhance your reading journey. Track your progress, join vibrant communities, and discover new worlds. Happy reading! 

Nidhi Singh