When’s the last time you got something for free? Your local library offers tons of free eBooks, audiobooks, movies, and more — all online!
Calling all bookworms! 4 apps to help you read more and read faster
StackCommerce
Walk through any bookstore, or even any library these days, and you’re likely to see more people scanning their smartphones than reading actual books. It would be all too easy to jump into a rant about shrinking attention spans, but it does seem like modern life leaves us all with less time to sit and absorb a chapter or two.
While we can’t do anything about the time crunch, we can recommend a few reading apps and tools. From speed-reading boot camps to services that condense those bestsellers into 15-minute chunks, there’s proof here that you don’t need to tackle your reading list alone.
Here are five of our favorite apps that can help you keep up with your annual reading goals without scrambling to find the time.
1. Reader Mode Pro
While most of these apps bring your books into the digital age, Reader Mode Pro makes the internet look more like a clean analog book. It’s an extension for your Chrome browser that removes distractions from your web pages and even lets you customize the text.
You can add notes or highlight text that you’d like to revisit, and there are a ton of features that will especially help dyslexic readers focus.
MSRP: $25
2. ZapReader Speed-Reading
This app gives you all the tools you need to dramatically boost both your reading speed and comprehension. Dive into science-based lessons taught by real speed-reading experts. Then put that knowledge to use with software that trains your brain on eBooks of nearly any format.
This time-saving app summarizes books into 15-minute reads
StackCommerce
Some people walk into a library filled with wonder. But it’s also pretty overwhelming. So much knowledge to absorb, so little time.
These days, that knowledge is still out there, waiting to be absorbed by voracious readers. In fact, there’s more of it each day. But time is shorter than ever in this fast-paced world, especially for the movers, shakers and up-and-comers who could benefit from the business and entrepreneurial books written by their peers.
Amazon switcheroo: Starting Feb. 26, you can’t download Kindle books onto anything other than an Amazon device. So, right now, sign in to Amazon, click Accounts & Lists > Content Library > Books. On the one you want, hit More actions > Download & transfer via USB.
🎸 Fine tunes: Got a shiny new instrument and don’t know where to start? Check out Yousician to learn guitar, piano, bass, ukulele and even sing. With over 10,000 songs in their library, you’ll be jamming in no time. Quick daily sessions are free, or get a subscription for $7.49 a month, less than a single broken string at Guitar Center.