Readwise launches beta ebook platform Readwise Books to challenge Kindle and Goodreads
Readwise has introduced Readwise Books, a new platform for buying, reading and discussing books, currently in beta and accessible via invite or to existing Readwise subscribers. Cofounders Tristan Homsi and Daniel Doyon describe it as combining elements of Strava and Letterboxd, letting users track reading habits, share progress with friends, and rate and review books. The app can also sync with Kindle accounts, allowing users to log books bought from Amazon by photographing start and end pages.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The founders say their original ambition was to improve on Kindle, but concluded that readers are more eager for a better alternative to Goodreads, which they say is widely disliked, suggesting Readwise may be positioning its social and tracking features as the real differentiator rather than ebook sales alone. If successful, this could pressure Amazon and Goodreads by offering a more social, data-driven reading experience, though the product's long-term viability remains untested outside beta.
- Readwise Books is a new beta platform for buying, reading, and discussing books.
- It blends social tracking features akin to Strava and Letterboxd with book reviews and reading stats.
- Founders say the real target is replacing Goodreads, not just competing with Kindle.
Kindle Paperwhite E-reader — If you're exploring new reading platforms like Readwise Books, having a dedicated e-reader still makes a huge difference for comfortable, distraction-free reading. The Kindle Paperwhite pairs well with apps like Readwise that track and organize your highlights across your library. It's a natural companion device for anyone diving deeper into their reading habits and stats.
See Kindle Paperwhite E-reader on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: theverge.com — David Pierce, 2026-10-28
Published there as: “Readwise is taking on Kindle and Kobo for ebook supremacy”
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