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These apps will help you get back into reading

You know the story: you drift off to sleep each night staring longingly at the growing pile of unread books on your bedside table, promising to get into that new novel on the weekend.

With the endless abyss that is social media and a myriad of leisure engagements, finding time to snuggle up with a good book can be difficult.

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Naturally, technology has a solution to this dilemma, found in any number of great reading apps for your handy mobile device.

Many mobile operating systems come with a standard e-book reader, such as iBooks (iOS) and Google Play Books (Android), but you’ll also find a great variety of third-party apps that offer free and paid literature.

For those who already own an e-reader, like a Kindle, Nook or Kobo, you’ll find a corresponding mobile app to install and download your existing collection. These will sync across devices so you never lose your place.

Here are The New Daily’s top 10 reading apps to turn you back into a bookworm.

Screen Shot 2016-03-26 at 1.20.57 pmSerial Reader

$Free

iOS

This nifty app delivers daily bite-sized portions of classic books to your mobile device, to read any time you like. Choose from a vast library of classic literature – be it classic horror, romance, mystery or thrillers galore.

Screen Shot 2016-03-26 at 1.21.44 pmGoodreads

$Free

Android, iOS

Trading on the concept of using peer judgement as motivation, this app lets you network with friends to compare your current reading lists and rate books together. Browse recommendations from across the world and participate in reading challenges to keep your BPW (Books Per Week) stats up.

Screen Shot 2016-03-26 at 1.22.42 pmAudiobooks

$Free

iOS

If you prefer to digest your literature via your ears, this app is for you. Including free and paid audiobooks, it makes a great companion for any commute or public transport trip.

Screen Shot 2016-03-26 at 1.23.39 pmComic Zeal

$7.99

iOS

One of the highest rated digital comic readers for Apple devices, Comic Zeal is a handy way organise your collection and has a variety of features to help you read comics – like zoom and orientation controls.

Screen Shot 2016-03-26 at 1.24.25 pmFree Books

$Free

Android, iOS, Windows

As the name implies, this app is a treasure trove of free literature – a collection of over 23,000 public domain works from throughout history. Browse themed collections or delve into the archive of well-known fiction and non-fiction to discover a new favourite.

Screen Shot 2016-03-26 at 1.25.22 pmScribd

$Free

Android, iOS

From $13.99 per month, this app gives you access to more than one million books, audiobooks and comics. If you read across devices, Scribd will also sync your current reads, so you never need to flip through pages again. Think of it as the Netflix of literature.

Screen Shot 2016-03-26 at 1.27.05 pmOverdrive

$Free

Android, iOS, Windows

If you can’t make it to your local library, Overdrive is the next best thing – a virtual library in the palm of your hand. Simply add your participating library to the service and borrow available ebooks, audiobooks and videos.

Screen Shot 2016-03-26 at 1.28.08 pmReading Rainbow Skybrary Family

$Free

Android, iOS

For the littlest reader in the house, swap that video game for this jam-packed reading app from Hollywood actor and children’s education ambassador, LeVar Burton. For a monthly fee, get access to over 500 video and books, as well as reading exercises and educational video trips.

Screen Shot 2016-03-26 at 1.29.33 pmWattpad

$Free

Android, iOS, Windows

Access millions of stories from published and aspiring authors from across the globe, as well as upload your own works for readers to enjoy. If you’re looking for an audience, you’ll find one.

Screen Shot 2016-03-26 at 1.31.33 pmShakespeare

$Free

Android, iOS

Do you want the complete works of William Shakespeare in your pocket? You got it! Access the Bard’s plays, sonnets and poems any time you want with this sterling app.

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