Readwise Launches “Readwise Books” to Challenge Kindle and Goodreads

What Readwise Books Is

Readwise, known for its highlight‑syncing app, has introduced Readwise Books, an app that functions as both an e‑book store and a reading‑tracker platform. The company describes it as “a cross between Kindle and the Goodreads apps,” offering a single place to purchase, read, and monitor books.

Exciting new tool for book lovers!

Deeper Reading Metrics

Beyond simple dates and completion flags, Readwise Books visualizes detailed data such as words read, reading pace, depth, immersion and session counts. The startup likens these analytics to a “Strava for reading,” suggesting that measurable progress can boost reading habits.

Store Offering and Availability

The new store claims to host “millions” of e‑books from the big five publishers and additional titles, initially available in the United States with plans to expand to other countries. Print books are fulfilled through Bookshop.org’s distributor, and a selection of audiobooks is also offered.

Positioning Against Amazon

While Amazon’s Kindle holds an 83% market share (including Kindle+), Readwise is attempting to create a community‑centric alternative without selling its own hardware. Features include reading purchased or uploaded e‑books, tracking progress, and sharing updates with friends.

Cross‑Platform Tracking Options

Readwise Books can track reading sessions via Kindle’s browser‑based Cloud Reader, snap photos of physical books to log progress, and accept any DRM‑free EPUB uploads. The app also supports text‑to‑speech for e‑books.

User Feedback and Psychological Angle

Co‑founders Daniel Doyon and Tristan Homsi note in a blog post that many readers feel guilt about not reading enough. They argue that session tracking makes reading “legible,” and the most consistent user feedback is that the app helps them read more without relying on goal‑setting or streaks.

AI‑Powered Features on the Horizon

With publisher permission, Readwise plans AI‑driven tools such as session recaps, definitions, term lookups, translations, and location‑aware question answering. So far, only HarperCollins has opted in.

Open Technology Approach

Unlike Goodreads, Readwise embraces open tech, offering a public API and an MCP server that can support AI agents for tasks like generating book recommendations, creating personal website pages from reading data, or automating session logging on hackable e‑readers.

Pricing and Availability

The Readwise Books app is currently in beta and requires an invite unless you are already a Readwise subscriber. The app will remain free, though some AI features may later move behind a paywall. Readwise’s existing highlight‑sync apps cost $7.99 per month each or $9.99 per month for both.

A bold move that could reshape how we discover and track books!