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7 Reading-Tracker Apps for Book Lovers

Record what you’ve read, your reviews and reading wish list

By

Sarah Elizabeth Adler,

 
AARP
Comments
Published March 16, 2020
/ Updated January 09, 2024
Woman sending using a smartphone while relaxing on a couch
PredragImages/Getty Images

There’s a stack of unread books on your nightstand, but you don’t know where to start — or maybe you can’t remember the title of the novel that you loved last summer and want to recommend to a friend. And how many books did you actually read in 2023?

​Whether you want personalized recommendations, a place to record which books you’ve read and what you thought of them, or a tool to track your daily reading time, these apps and websites can help:​​

the libby app icon

Libby​

Great for: Library lovers​

What it is: Website, plus a mobile app for iOS and Android devices (also available on the Amazon Appstore)​

Price: Free​​

Libby is the sleek library reading app built by OverDrive, which recently discontinued its mobile platform. Patrons can use Libby to access their local library’s collection of audio- and e-books (just enter library card information after downloading). The app can support multiple library cards, keep track of active loans and holds, and lets you sample books before checking them out. No smartphone? No problem. You can access Libby through your computer’s web browser at libbyapp.com. ​​

the goodreads app icon

Goodreads​

Great for: Amateur critics​

What it is: Website, plus a mobile app for iOS and Android devices​

Price: Free​​

Keep track of recent reads (or find new ones) on Amazon-owned Goodreads, a hybrid social network and review site where bookworms rate millions of titles, plus share custom reading lists, participate in discussion groups and receive personalized recommendations based on past favorites. There’s often a chance to score free copies of new releases, thanks to frequent book giveaways.​

the bookshelf app icon

​​Bookshelf ​

Great for: Studious readers ​

What it is: Mobile app for iOS devices​

Price: Free, with a membership option for added features starting at $5.99/month ​​

Reading gets a boost from artificial intelligence with Bookshelf, which tracks your reading progress for an unlimited number of books and offers personalized, AI-backed recommendations to help choose your next read. An AI librarian is on hand for discussion and to create summaries, flash cards and more. Ready to review? The app will use your highlights and saved quotes to generate a daily reading recap and quizzes designed to boost retention. ​​

the bookly app icon

Bookly​

Great for: Goal-oriented optimizers​

What it is: Mobile app for iOS and Android devices​

Price: First 10 books are free; subscriptions start at $4.99/month​​

Think of Bookly like a fitness tracker for your reading habits. Tell the app which books you’re reading, then start up a “reading session” any time you crack one open: Bookly will track your pages and time reading, then estimate how long it’ll take you to finish at your current rate. Users can sign up for the chance to win prizes during one of the app’s readathons, held throughout the year. Paying subscribers get more features, such as unlimited books and personalized reminders.​​

the bookmory app icon

Bookmory ​

Great for: Visual notetakers ​

What it is: Mobile app for iOS and Android devices​

Price: Free, with an ad-free version for $3.49/month or $30.99/year​​

Bookmory lets you log your progress for books, e-books and audiobooks — and its added features make saving and sharing your favorite excerpts a breeze. The in-app editing platform allows you to decorate your favorite quotes with custom, visually striking backgrounds, and reading notes are backed up via Google Cloud. You’ll also receive a monthly calendar that displays which books you read on each day. ​ ​

the storygraph app icon

The StoryGraph ​

Great for: Data lovers ​

What it is: Website, plus a mobile app for iOS and Android devices ​

Price: Free, with premium subscriptions for $4.99/month or $49.99/year

​​Looking for a statistical deep dive into your reading habits? The StoryGraph turns your data into an array of charts and graphs, including a log of how your reading activity changes. The app offers personalized recommendations and suggestions based on mood and pace filters, whether you’re looking for a lighthearted page-turner or a slower, reflective read. If you want to switch from Goodreads, users can import their reading lists and start tracking here with ease. ​​

the fable app icon

Fable​

Great for: Book club enthusiasts ​

What it is: Mobile app for iOS and Android devices ​

Price: Free, with access to premium book clubs starting at $4.99 a month

​​Like other apps, Fable lets you build a virtual “bookshelf” and rate and review titles. But the real draw is its digital book clubs, which are centered around popular themes and genres, from romance to sci-fi. Some clubs are hosted by big-name authors and influencers — but any member can start one. With more than 1 million e-books available for purchase and hundreds more classic titles free to download, you can even do your assigned reading right in the app.

Do it yourself​

Don’t overlook the humble notebook. Fans of the pen-and-paper planner system known as bullet journaling often track their reading habits using colorful, custom-drawn charts.​​

On a computer, something as simple as the Google Sheets spreadsheet tool or a general note-taking app such as Evernote or Notion (both are free, with paid subscription options) allows you to create and maintain reading lists, too.​​

Editor's note: This article was originally published on March 16, 2020 . It has been updated to reflect new information.

Sarah Elizabeth Adler joined aarp.org as a writer in 2018. Her pieces on science, art and culture have appeared in The Atlantic, where she was previously an editorial fellow, California magazine and elsewhere.

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