Readwise Books Challenges Kindle and Goodreads With an Open Ebook Hub
Readwise Books combines an ebook store, reader and tracker, challenging Kindle and Goodreads with rich metrics, open tools and publisher-approved AI features.
Summary
Bootstrapped Readwise launched Readwise Books on November 2, 2026, combining an ebook store, reader and Goodreads-style tracker in one free app. Its US store carries millions of ebooks from the big five publishers and others, Bookshop.org’s distributor fulfills print orders, and some audiobooks are available, with more countries planned. The app measures words read, pace, depth, immersion and sessions, while Amazon retains 83% of the ebook market when Kindle+, formerly Kindle Unlimited, is included.
Readwise Books supports progress sharing, DRM-free EPUB uploads, text-to-speech, physical-book progress photos and session tracking through Kindle Cloud Reader, but Readwise sells no hardware. Co-founders Daniel Doyon and Tristan Homsi compare its metrics-led approach to Strava, saying users report reading more without goals, streaks or schedules. Publisher-approved AI provides session recaps, definitions, translations and location-aware questions, although only HarperCollins has opted in. A public API and MCP server can power recommendation agents, personal book pages and automatic logging from hackable e-readers. The invite-only beta automatically admits existing Readwise subscribers. Some AI features will later require payment, while Readwise’s existing reading and highlight apps cost $7.99 monthly each or $9.99 for both.
Positives
- Millions of ebooks from the big five publishers and others give the US store substantial launch inventory, with more countries planned.
- Words, pace, depth, immersion and session metrics provide more detailed tracking than completion dates and status.
- DRM-free EPUB uploads, Kindle Cloud Reader tracking and physical-book photos extend tracking beyond Readwise purchases.
- A public API and MCP server enable recommendation agents, personal book pages and automatic session logging from hackable e-readers.
- Readwise Books remains free, while existing subscribers receive automatic beta access.
Risks & concerns
- Amazon controls 83% of the ebook market when Kindle+, formerly Kindle Unlimited, is included.
- Only HarperCollins has approved the AI features, limiting recaps, translations and location-aware questions across other publishers’ titles.
- Readwise sells no e-reader hardware, leaving Amazon’s end-to-end Kindle ecosystem with a major advantage.
- Invite-only beta access restricts availability for people who are not already Readwise subscribers.
- Some AI features will eventually move behind a paywall, although pricing has not been disclosed.