a book tracking app i can get behind
I hate Goodreads. Below is the tale of how I found something I hated less!
Letterboxd was a logical step in the right direction when it came to updating my previous system for logging movies, which consisted of ranting into my Notes app on my iPhone for an hour after I watched the movie and occasionally rereading said rants. I kept that system up for a few years without any issues, though my ability to rant was hindered by the amount of time I had alone to myself after I watched the movie, which wasn't always guaranteed. I also didn't have many ways of knowing which movies were coming out, didn't go to the theaters often, and generally didn't engage with other people's opinions on movies. Though that was fine as a fledgling film bro, I found myself craving the general consensus and a more convenient way to log movies that didn't involve typing them into my Notes app in a very very very long list (or writing a rant). I appreciate Letterboxd not only for its convenience compared to my old system, but for its ability to allow me to connect with friends and fellow movie lovers and stay on top of new releases. It's aesthetic and simple design is also a huge reason I've kept with the app for as long as I have, as there are many movie tracking apps out there, but not many with the alluring simplicity of Letterboxd.
In terms of tracking my reading (what this post is actually about), it has only been in the last year or so that I've gotten back into reading books for pleasure. Now that I'm binge-reading faster than I can ramble about what I've read in my Notes app, I've been searching for a book tracking app that gives me the same convenience, connection, and attractive/simple design that Letterboxd does. At first, the logical option seemed to be Goodreads. It's a popular option with a logging, listing, and review function. I liked it in theory, but hated it in practice.
Lord of the Flies on Goodreads.
I think the issue with Goodreads is that it's almost too popular of an option. I found that the popular users and reviewers on the platform felt contrived in a way that was meant to sell books more than it was to genuinely critique them. And with Amazon's growing presence on the platform, Goodreads felt more like a bookselling app than a book reviewing app. Basically, the app has fallen to Amazon's corporate greed and I'm not here for it.
Next, I tried Storygraphs, which is a newer app I've heard readers on TikTok talking about. While it has all the same functions as Goodreads, it includes a multiple-choice review system that allows users to pick from a variety of keywords such as "slow-paced", "thrilling", or "romantic" so the app's AI can draft up an impression of the book for readers interested in the novel. When looking at the page for an individual book, you will be met with percentages of the most relevant keywords, as well as graphs illustrating the pacing of the novel throughout. Below that, there is a content warnings section.
Lord of the Flies on Storygraphs.
While the concept is refreshing, I found in practice that I was missing the long-form reviews more easily accessible on Goodreads. Though the AI-generated summary did provide me with an idea of what each book was about, I personally did not want the summary to come before the real book description or reviews written by users. I additionally felt that the app was not intuitive and wasn't very easy to use (on mobile, the website was easier to use), but this was a few months ago so that may have changed with recent updates. It felt a bit sloppily put together, and didn't have a very aesthetically pleasing design, but that was neither here nor there since I had more issues with it than just aesthetics.
Storygraphs... graphs.
Next, I had given up on apps altogether and put together a reading log for my blog. I absolutely love this page, and it has quickly become one of my favorites. I like that I can link to my review or an overview of the novel (which I currently use Storygraphs for but might change soon), and I also enjoy being able to include quotes or hearts with my favorite books. While I really enjoy this system, it lacks the convenience of something like Letterboxd. When I'm busy, the reading log can be difficult to update or write long-form reviews for. So, even though I love this system and plan on using it alongside any app I might try, I wanted to give something more convenient a chance.
Finally, I heard about a new book tracking app called Fable on TikTok. The main reasons people enjoyed it stemmed from its social aspects, book club functions, and the aesthetic of the app. All three of those things sounded good to me, so I gave it a go!
My "Book Aura" on Fable.
So far, I'm enjoying this app more than the other two I've tried, and have stayed consistent with logging for longer. The convenience of the lists allows me to quickly log the books I'm currently reading as well as those I've finished. I can either log start and end dates by Month/Day/Year, Month/Year, or simply Year. I can also add optional star ratings and reviews, keep reading streaks, and create custom lists. Long-form reviews are easily accessible on each book's page and contain spoiler warnings. I also found the app's (optional) use of AI tasteful, as it utilizes your reading log to craft a "Book Aura" (your reading style/personality) that you can compare with other users. It's a simple and not in-your-face use of AI that I could get behind. I also like that it's an opt-in or opt-out program, so those who don't want it don't have to see it.
The rest of my reading profile on Fable.
I also enjoy additional features of the app such as the e-reader, which allows you to either purchase books to read digitally through the app or download publicly available classics for free. The app didn't feel like it was shoving a purchase down my throat (I haven't purchased any books through the app), which I appreciated. I also liked the ability to either join a preexisting "book club" or create my own with friends so we can buddy read and track our progress together.
The only thing I don't love about the app is the home page, which includes a feed of tweet-length posts from users asking each other about books or posting about their reads. It doesn't seem related to who I follow or what I do on the app, so I don't really see a reason for it. Thankfully, the app doesn't load onto that screen and takes you right to your profile, so you aren't forced to interact with it or make posts of your own if you don't want to.
My two custom lists on Fable.
I have been using the basic functions of the app like logging, reviewing, and setting a reading goal, but there are many other ways to use the app. You can also log TV shows, maintain a reading streak, mark percentage-based progress of your current reads, and participate in giveaways. I feel like I've just scratched the surface of this app, but I already really enjoy it. I also love how pretty it is! If anything, I hope this rant (and my suffering) has helped you decide which tracker to use. You can also follow me on Fable if you'd like!
Happy reading! <3