# Readwise launches e-book store to rival Kindle

> The reading app maker enters Amazon's territory with Readwise Books, offering detailed stats and an open ecosystem for book lovers.
- Title: Readwise launches e-book store to rival Kindle · TechCrunch
- Summary: The reading app maker enters Amazon's territory with Readwise Books, offering detailed stats and an open ecosystem for book lovers. Readwise, a bootstrapped…
- Keywords: readwise, amazon, kindle, goodreads, e-books, reading apps, startups, technology, launches, e-book, store, rival
- Source: TechCrunch — https://techcrunch.com/2026/11/02/readwise-takes-on-amazons-kindle-and-goodreads-with-its-new-app-for-book-lovers
- Author: Sarah Perez
- Published: 2026-11-02T17:49:41+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: readwise, amazon, kindle, goodreads, e-books, reading apps, startups, technology
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Readwise, a bootstrapped startup, launched Readwise Books on November 2, 2026, an e-book store and reading tracker challenging Amazon's Kindle and Goodreads with richer metrics and AI features.