I love books. I spend as much time as I can reading and I like nothing better than curling up on the sofa with a great story, one that captures my imagination and sucks me in so I forget the world around me.
Books are beautiful things and I spent a long time scoffing at the idea of an e-reader. But I have to admit, a Kindle, Nook or iPad allows a lot of freedom – there’s no need to use up your suitcase allowance on a mountain of paperbacks for your next holiday.
There are some great apps available that make reading easier, more social or simply more enjoyable. Here are a few that I’ve used or have been recommended.
iBooks – FREE
This bookstore is great for the iPhone and iPad.
Audiobooks – FREE
You can choose from 5,154 free audiobooks, both modern and classic.
Goodreads – FREE
If you’re a member of the Goodreads network, you’ll want this app. If not, Goodreads is a social network for book lovers: sign up, review books you’ve read, get recommendations, and make a wish list.
IReadItNow – FREE
A book cataloguing app that lets you keep track of the books you own, have read, are reading or desire. You can add notes and highlight favourite passages too.
Instapaper – £2.49
Save articles and webpages to this app and read them later offline. The app removes adverts and banners so you can view the articles in a clean interface. You can save up to 500.
iScroll – FREE
This app allows you to synchronise audio narration with text. Get bored of reading; listen to the audio version of the book instead.
Kindle – FREE
The reading app from Amazon, load the e-books you’ve purchased from the store and sync them across your devices.
Shakespeare – FREE
You get the complete works of Shakespeare for free, plus the ability to search for quotes and characters. Nuff said really.
Kobo – FREE
Download books from the website; there are a million available for free. The app allows you to track your reading habits, connect with other book lovers and integrate with Facebook and Twitter.
LibAnywhere – FREE
Use this app to check the catalogues of participating libraries wherever you are.
eBook Search – FREE
Get hold of over two million free books.
Book Prices – FREE
Compare prices and delivery times from several UK booksellers so you ensure you get the best deal.
Are there any books related apps that you would recommend?
I’m planning to put together an article of great apps for writers too, so if you have any suggestions for the list let me know!
Thibaut Deleval says
Well done, good article Amy but…
Since its publication there is a new app Books Lovers will loooooooooove ;D
It’s Gus (www.gusapp.com). You should give it a try, it’s free!
It allows you to:
Get book recommendations based on what you like
Keep track of the books you have read
Keep a list of books you want to read
Win free books
What else? ;D