Technology has infiltrated every aspect of our lives, and like it or not, reading is no exception to this.
Today it seems we’ve almost forgotten the feeling of holding a book in our hands, as the world is slowly turning digital. But it’s not all bad! Because being able to carry a global library in your pocket comes with a few advantages. Like saving quite a lot on costs.
So for all the literature fans who are trying to step in the modern age, here’s a bunch of apps that you should definitely be downloading as you read this. Whether you’re looking for a book discovery app or an app that serves you small bits of classic literature daily, you’ve come to the right place.
Goodreads
What it is:
Perhaps the most popular literature app out there. It also features a very strong social component.
Why we like it:
- It’s a discovery app. Readers can access a global library, where they can stumble upon new names and books.
- Users are invited to create their own profile and add the list of books you’ve read or those they are planning to read (wishlist). Follow your friend’s reading activity and see what they are reading next.
- The app has a handy “barcode scanner” option. Scan a hard-copy book and it can be immediately added to your shelf.
- Some e-books are free to read.
Scribd
What it is:
The app lets you tap into a library of books, audiobooks, magazines, documents and more. However, you’ll need to pay a fee ($8.99) to do so. The app is free to download, though.
Why we like it:
- It offers a varied library and is updated with new titles regularly.
- Clean and intuitive interface. Easily browse through categories for new titles to read including books, audiobooks, magazine and more. Each book features its own descriptive page with notes from the editor and a short introductory description.
- Books/magazines are categorized based on interests including Politics, Psychology, Happiness, Science and more.
- App lets you store content offline for later use.
Kobo
What it is:
Quite similar to Scribd, Kobo also boasts a large database of digital reading material of up to 3.5 million titles. You’ll have to purchase a subscription to get full access to the library.
Why we like it:
- Most of the books come with a few preview, so you can read a few chapters before deciding if the book is worth purchasing or not.
- All books have their own description page that features things like Related Titles and Reviews.
- App lets you choose from three different reading themes including Classic, Night and Sepia.
Serial Reader
What it is:
Serial Reader is an app that will make you well-read in 20 minutes a day. Can’t see yourself reading full 500 or 600-page books written in the florid 19th-century prose? With this app, you don’t have to.
Why we like it:
- Feeds you small, manageable 20-minute chunks of classic literature. They are delivered to your smartphone at a time of your choosing every day.
- This way you can go through a classic work such as Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein in 28 days.
- There’s no limit to how many materials you can consume side-by-side. So if you think you’re up to it, you can read two or three books in parallel.
- App lets you customize fonts, colors and more for a tailored reading experience.
Moon+Reader
What it is:
Want to keep track of all your ebooks? Then the Moon+Reader app might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Why we like it:
- The app is part eReader app, part library. It lets you keep track of your ebooks and also has a bunch of free ebooks you can read for free.
- Plenty of customization options. For example, you can choose how you view the book and the controls to interact with it. You can also choose the font color or background color.
- Let’s you easily access free net libraries like the Project Gutenberg or WebNovel, so you can download new content.
- The app keeps statistics including Books on Shelf, Read Books and Reading Hours.
Libib
What it is:
An app to help you organize your collection of books. Libib is also great for those who want to keep track of their movies, music and video games.
Why we like it:
- Comprehensive library cataloguing tool which options such as automatic add with ISBN scan, keyword search and statistics about catalogued item.
- Like GoodReads, Libib has a social component. This means you can follow friends to see what they are currently reading and set up a personal profile.
- Clean, easy-to-get-around interface, so you can get cataloguing in no time.
What it is:
How many times did you stumble upon an interesting article you did not have time to read right there and then? Chances are you forgot about it afterwards. Pocket solve this problem efficiently.
Why we like it:
- App lets you quickly save an article, video or link you want to read later. It syncs across phone, tablet or PC, so you can access it wherever you want.
- Pocket has a clean, easy-to-view layout that keeps distractions at bay.
- Quickly organize your content with tags.
- Highlight important passages, so you can revisit them later.
- Text-to-Speech function, so you can listen to articles when you don’t feel like reading.
- Follow friends and check out their reading recommendations.
Audible
What it is:
Audible is the perfect solution for those who prefer to listen to books. With a collection of over (paid) 180,000 titles, anyone can find something to their liking.
Why we like it:
- The app also has a system in place that tracks your reading list and reading habits.
- There’s a multi-tasking feature for background downloading and listening.
- Audible also gives you access to the latest news as covered by The New York Times, The Washington Post and others.
- Let’s you customize your narration speed.
