MUST-HAVE APPS/SERVICES FOR AVID READERS: ENHANCE YOUR READING EXPERIENCE
Reading is an extremely fun hobby. And the exciting part sometimes is connecting to other reader and keeping track of your reads. The off-page experience is usually just as fun as being hypnotised by the pages.
I personally use 5 apps or services that have made my experience fun, from reading to recording highlights, reviews, rating and connecting with other avid readers. Even getting recommendations thanks to advanced algorithm and AI.
- KINDLE APP
Well let us start with the elephant int the room… page? whatever…. (not just a phrase, I live in Rongai lol), Kindle. Who does not know this one unless you live under a rock (please come out of it). This is going to be strictly about the kindle app not the kindle device. Even though I have the kindle e-reader, I still have this installed in my tablet for two main reasons.
- Reading progress synchronization: not always will you be having access to the kindle e-reader device. On such occasions (exceedingly rare, kindle lovers ALWAYS have kindle with them) you can use the app to resume your books where you left off thanks to the sync across devices functionality.
- Reading Insights: The fact that this functionality is not on the e-reader is just wild. I do not know why Amazon does not have this option in the e-reader, but I am not here to rant. Anyway, this is a platform within the app that has mini challenges to complete during a timed season e.g. (complete three books during the summer etc.) which really motivates and enhances your reading pleasure. You can also set reading goals of the year much like Goodreads reading challenge, which is weird because amazon owns the service, they can simply combine them but well, they even forgot Goodreads exist (again sorry no ranting). It also has a calendar that counts and shows your streak. Who wants to break streaks? sweet stuff here. This is arguable the best feature on the app aside from reading on it as it motivates you in a fun way to read.
- AUDIBLE
And yes, another amazon service. This is for the audiobook lovers; you know the guys who listen instead of reading like normal humans. I used to be against audiobooks until I listened to Neil Gaimans’s audio adaptation of The Sandman comic series. I loved the full cast dramatization of the book. And then I tried an actual audiobook, you know someone reading on your behalf because you are lazy to pick up a book, I see you. Anyway, the book was Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin, and I must say the experience was good. It cemented my relationship with the app. It replaced apple music when I am taking an evening walk or on long transit.
- GOODREADS
Okey okey, I hear you screaming “He is only taking about amazon apps, he is just an amazon fun, he’s probably about to say Prime Videos is better than Netflix.” This is the last amazon service I promise and hey, this is my list, make yours. (do not stop reading please I think Netflix is better. You are all so basic lol)
Now Goodreads, acquired by amazon and forgotten by amazon but not the users. Its is the most used service for rating, reviews and socializing by readers. Goodreads is that social media you need to be in if you love books, but hey you can also just use it to track the percentage of your current book and also track your infinite TBR list you’ll probably never read but your friend screamed “you must read this book by Colleen Hoover!” and you didn’t want to disappoint so you listed it as ‘want to read’. You know you can always say “NO” right?
Moving on…
- STORYGRAPH
Yey!, not an amazon service. Technically this is just a Goodreads alternative. I use it alongside Goodreads because of some unique features like AI integration, better audiobook tracking, and it is not owned by amazon. Scratch that last amazon bit. Actually it shows better and in-depth reading statistics in beautiful graphs. I also generally prefer its modern interface (Goodreads is stuck looking like an app designed by dinosaurs). If not for my friends and kindle integration with Goodreads I would use this fulltime. (see why I hate ecosystems sometimes)
Only let down is that it has a premium version, like really, I am not about to pay another $4.00 on another service, give us a break with subscriptions
- READWISE
I instantly fell in love with app on first sight (yes love on first sight is real, you are just ugly). Do you know that time you want to save highlights and notes from the book you are reading and have no idea whether to use the numerous note apps on the phone or a physical notebook because you want to look cool with highlighter pen?
Well, this app solves that. You also get to share the book quotes and highlights with beautifully designed and customizable cards. You also get daily quotes from the books you have read before (paid feature, yes in know, subscriptions)
CONCLUSION
There are more alternatives out there, but I can suggest these as in have personally used them. Example, one can swap kindle for Kobo app. So, which other services/apps do you use to enhance your reading experience? share in the comment section and your current read (If you read)
Links to the apps and services in order as numbered in the articles:
https://app.thestorygraph.com/
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