Readwise enters the e-book market

Readwise, maker of a reading companion app, launched Readwise Books on November 2, 2026. The bootstrapped startup describes it as a cross between Kindle and Goodreads apps.

What Readwise Books does

The app is an e-book store where you can buy, read, and track books. It offers richer reading stats than Goodreads, including words read, pace, depth, immersion, and sessions.

The store's catalog and reach

Readwise Books offers millions of e-books from the big five publishers and others, initially in the U.S., with more countries to come. Print books and some audiobooks are also available.

Kindle's market dominance

Amazon's Kindle holds an eighty-three percent share of the e-book market when Kindle Plus is included. Few indie developers have launched alternatives to Kindle's store.

Building community without hardware

Readwise isn't selling e-readers but is creating a community around reading. Users can track books, share progress with friends, upload DRM-free EPUBs, and use text-to-speech.

The metrics advantage

Readwise compares its detailed metrics to Strava for reading. Co-founders Daniel Doyon and Tristan Homsi say session tracking makes reading legible and measurable, improving the habit.

“that which is measured is improved”

AI features and open technology

With publishers' permission, the app will support AI features like session recaps, definitions, translations, and location-aware questions. HarperCollins has opted in so far.

Open ecosystem and pricing

Unlike Goodreads, Readwise is embracing open technology with a public API and MCP server for AI agents. The Books app is free, with some AI features later going behind a paywall.

Beta launch and access

Readwise Books is currently in beta and requires an invite, unless you are already a Readwise subscriber. Prior apps cost seven ninety-nine per month each or nine ninety-nine per month for both.