I'm always looking for ways to expand my reading horizons, so I thought I'd share a few of the things I'm excited about, even though you've probably already heard of them...
1. Litsy--This is quickly becoming a favorite app. It's kind of like Instagram and Facebook, but it's only about books. You can post a blurb, review, or quote from a book you're reading or seeing in real life, with an accompanying picture. It tags the book, so you can see who else is reading or has read the book. You create a stack of books to read. You can comment and like other people's posts. It's a lot of fun and a great way to interact with other readers. Right now the app is only available for iPhones, but I think they are testing it for Android users, which means it will be out for them relatively soon. You can follow me on Litsy at LLindsey.
2. Book of the Month--I joined this in the spring. I love it! Each month five judges each pick a book. One is a guest judge. They all write up a little blurb about what they like about the book, and there is a synopsis. Then you pick which one you want. You can add other books too for $9.99 each. Shipping is free. You can buy different plans (1 month, 3 months, 12 months) with varying discounts. You'll get a brand new hardcover book for less than retail. This club has gotten me to pick books I never would have thought about getting or reading before. If you don't like any of the selections, you can skip a month. They also frequently send a cool goody with it--last month I got a wine glass koozie!
3. Serial Reader app--I had been hearing about this one for a while before i decided to dive in. Each day you'll get sent a short part of a classic of your choice. It's free. However, if you pay $2.99, you can skip ahead in the books, which is good if you've started a massive classic and just can't bring yourself to lug around the tome because you can skip on ahead to halfway through pretty easily. I thought it would be a great way to read Moby-Dick...but I think the problem might be with the book because I just...ugh. However, I will definitely use this app to read other classics in short, digestible bits.
Do you have any cool reading apps or websites?
I'm really trying to get myself to use Litsy more. I like the concept but I just haven't been able to make a habit of using it yet.
ReplyDeleteI've been using Serial Reader to read Anna Karenina - a book I've always wanted to read, but probably would never get to. I really enjoy it. I haven't paid the money -- not because I can't afford it, but I kind of like having to wait! litsy sounds fun too. I might have to check it out. (Like I NEED another bookish app!!) Thanks.
ReplyDeleteLitsy sounds amazing! But, alas, I'm an android user. Looking forward to when I can try it out!
ReplyDeleteThe Bookish Loner
I am a member of the Anthony Trollope and the Aubrey Maturin groups on Facebook and they are great sources of fun and info. To expand subgenre reading of mystery series visit stopyourekillingme.com On the left they have many categories like mysteries set in England, in Africa, lady detectives, Victorian mysteries, etc.
ReplyDeleteLitsy sounds like something I will have to investigate! Thanks for the heads-up.
ReplyDeleteI love Litsy!
ReplyDeleteLitsy sounds like something I would definitely like, but I have an Android. =( Hopefully, it will be ready soon
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of Litsy. I downloaded it and posted a few things. Very fun! Thanks for telling us about it!
ReplyDeleteI really want Litsy but I guess it's not on android cause I couldn't find it to download. :(
ReplyDeleteThese all sound great! I'm not an iPhone user, but I really love the sounds of Litsy so I really hope they make an Android app soon!
ReplyDeleteDailyLit.com does the same thing as Serial Reader except it's free and through your email. You can choose how much of a section you get in the email each day (small, medium, large) and if you want to read more you can ask for another section.
ReplyDeleteThanks for some great recommendations guys. I'll have to try some out this weekend!
ReplyDeleteI love Litsy. I got an email today saying the android version is available now.
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of Serial Reader, but after seeing your post, I got on it and started reading The Jungle Book and A Study in Scarlet. Jungle Book I read several times as a kid, but having just realized that The Graveyard Book is a sort of retelling, I wanted to familiarize myself with it. And I've never actually read any Holmes stories before. So thanks for the suggestion!
ReplyDeleteThat Serial Reader app sounds like just what I need to get through my Classics Club list. I'll have to check it out!
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Can't wait to try Litsy. Thanks for the great post
ReplyDeleteI love Litsy. It's so fun! I'll have to look you up and follow.
ReplyDeleteI love Litsy! Mainly I love tracking the quotes I love in the books I read in picture format. :)
ReplyDeleteThey do have an Android version now. It just came out!