TechCrunch Picks Five Apps for Tracking Reading and Discovering New Books

Technology news outlet TechCrunch has published a roundup of five mobile apps that help readers organize reading lists, follow reading goals, discover new books and share recommendations. The publication notes that Amazon-owned Goodreads, arguably the most popular app of this kind, was deliberately left out because the focus is on newer and lesser-known platforms.

Fable and Bookshelf

Fable combines book tracking with a social platform. Users can build reading lists, set goals, track streaks, write reviews and join virtual book clubs. The app is free on iOS and Android, while the Fable Plus subscription costs $5.99 a month and adds features such as custom goals and advanced analytics.

Bookshelf presents itself as an alternative to Goodreads. It lets users create shelves, receive reminders, save favorite quotes and use AI-generated book summaries and thematic analyses. The app is free on iOS, and premium features such as unlimited collections cost $6.99 a month.

Pagebound and StoryGraph

Pagebound allows readers to discuss individual titles in dedicated forums without joining a traditional book club. Conversations are organized by reading progress, so participants are not exposed to spoilers. The app is free on iOS and Android, with a $9.99 monthly subscription that adds features such as profile customization.

StoryGraph offers detailed reading statistics and recommendations based on mood, themes, genres and pacing rather than only on what is popular. It is free on iOS and Android, and StoryGraph Plus costs $4.99 a month and unlocks custom charts and additional statistics.

Margins

Margins focuses on mood-based discovery, letting users search for specific vibes such as “books like 1920s Paris.” Readers can also customize their virtual library by choosing book covers and organizing shelves in different ways, including by color. The app includes a built-in “Reading Time” meditation timer that blocks social media apps. Margins is free on iOS and Android.