Readwise launches e-book store and reading tracker to compete with Kindle and Goodreads

Readwise, which operates a read-it-later service and highlights aggregator across multiple platforms, is entering the e-book market with Readwise Books, a new application that functions as both a storefront and reading companion. The app directly competes with Amazon's Kindle store and Goodreads book-tracking service by consolidating purchasing, reading, and progress tracking into one interface.

The company characterizes Readwise Books as "a cross between Kindle and the Goodreads apps," according to co-founders Daniel Doyon and Tristan Homsi. Beyond basic book tracking, the platform emphasizes granular reading metrics—including words consumed, reading pace, depth of engagement, immersion levels, and session counts—that go beyond traditional completion markers.

The e-book catalog includes "millions" of titles from the five major publishers and independent sources, launching initially in the United States with international expansion planned. The platform also offers print books through Bookshop.org's fulfillment network and select audiobook titles.

Readwise enters a crowded field of reading applications attempting to disrupt Goodreads with features such as book clubs, interface widgets, discovery improvements, reading goals, organizational systems, and habit tracking. However, few independent developers have challenged Kindle's dominance in e-book retail, which commands an 83% market share when including Kindle+ (formerly Kindle Unlimited).

Kindle's strength derives from its integrated ecosystem spanning hardware devices, software readers, and reading logs. Readwise lacks proprietary e-readers but aims to build a reading community through tools for managing purchased and self-uploaded ebooks, social sharing features, and comprehensive tracking capabilities.

Cross-platform reading support

The application accommodates reading outside its native environment through several mechanisms. Users can track sessions from Kindle's web-based Cloud Reader, photograph physical books to log progress, and import DRM-free EPUB files. Text-to-speech functionality enables audio playback of stored ebooks.

Metrics as motivation

Readwise positions its analytics capabilities as a differentiator, drawing comparison to Strava, the metrics-focused fitness application. The company notes that "the desire to read books, like exercising and eating well, is laden with guilt," and argues that session tracking "makes the reading you're doing legible and, as the adage goes, that which is measured is improved."

According to the founders, consistent user feedback indicates the app encourages increased reading volume without relying on conventional motivation techniques like streaks, goals, or scheduled reading times.

AI features and open architecture

With publisher authorization, Readwise Books will incorporate AI capabilities including session summaries, word definitions, translation services, and context-aware question answering for specific passages. Currently, only HarperCollins has enabled these features.

Unlike Goodreads' proprietary structure, Readwise is adopting open standards through a public API and MCP server support. This enables AI agents to research book recommendations, generate reading pages for personal websites, or integrate with modified e-readers for automatic session logging.

Pricing and availability

Readwise Books will remain free at launch, with certain AI features eventually moving to a paid tier. The company's existing highlight and reading apps cost $7.99 monthly individually or $9.99 monthly as a bundle.

The Books app is currently in beta and requires an invitation to access, though existing Readwise subscribers gain immediate entry.