Readwise, known for its digital reading companion that tracks highlights across various services, has launched a new application called Readwise Books. This latest release positions the bootstrapped startup directly against Amazon's e-book empire, combining the functionalities of an ebook store with a reading tracker similar to Goodreads. The company describes the app as a hybrid between Kindle and Goodreads, providing a unified platform for purchasing, reading, and monitoring books.
Unlike standard tracking apps that simply record dates and completion status, Readwise Books offers granular statistics on user behavior. It allows readers to visualize data points such as words read, pace, depth, immersion, and session details. The founders liken this approach to Strava for reading, suggesting that making reading habits legible can improve them without relying on willpower tricks like goal-setting or streaks. User feedback indicates the app encourages more reading by tapping into different psychological mechanisms.
The new store currently offers millions of ebooks from the big five publishers and others, initially available in the U.S. with plans to expand to other countries. In addition to digital titles, the platform supports print books fulfilled by Bookshop.org's distributor and includes some audiobooks. While Amazon maintains an 83% market share including Kindle+, Readwise is attempting to build its own community around reading without selling dedicated e-reader hardware.
Readwise distinguishes itself through open technology and cross-ecosystem tracking capabilities. Users can track sessions via Kindle's browser-based Cloud Reader, snap photos of physical books to mark progress, or upload DRM-free EPUB files. The app also features text-to-speech functionality for reading ebooks aloud. Furthermore, the platform includes a public API and an MCP server to support AI agents, enabling users to research recommendations, create personal book pages, or integrate with hackable e-readers.
AI-powered features are available with publisher permission, including session recaps, term lookups, translations, and location-aware questioning about specific text passages. Currently, only HarperCollins has opted into these AI features. The Readwise Books app is free to use, though some AI capabilities may eventually require a subscription. The application is currently in beta and requires an invite, unless the user is already a subscriber to Readwise's existing services, which cost $7.99 per month individually or $9.99 for both.
Sources: TechCrunch Startups.