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Better Reading launches new Australian reading app, What Are You Reading?

  • Writer: Anabel
    Anabel
  • 8 hours ago
  • 2 min read

Learn about the new What Are You Reading? app by Better Reading.

Poster for "What Are You Reading?" app by Better Reading. Images of phone screens with text: Social, Not Surveillance, Australian by Default, against a green background.

Australian reading community Better Reading has launched a new app designed to help readers track the books they’ve read, discover new titles and connect more deeply with the local book community.


We were lucky enough to get a sneak peek yesterday at the launch and it looks so good! The What Are You Reading? app officially launches on May 20 and it will be free.

The idea for the app came directly from the Better Reading community itself.


“A member of our community asked if there was a way they could keep track of the books they’d read,” said Cheryl Akle, founder of Better Reading. “When I looked into it, I realised the options available were all internationally owned platforms. That felt like a gap worth filling.”


A woman speaks in a bookstore with balloons overhead. People face her, surrounded by colorful books. Festive, lively atmosphere.

Unlike international reading apps, What Are You Reading? is built around Australian publishing data, drawing its information directly from TitlePage, the Australian book industry’s data platform, which collates information on more than 1.7 million titles from over 180 Australian and New Zealand publishers and distributors.


This means Australian readers will see Australian editions and covers first, an important point of difference in a market where local publishing is often overshadowed by international algorithms and editions.


The app allows users to log and review books, discover new books, track their reading,  connect with book clubs and access Better Reading podcasts directly through the platform. We had a preview yesterday at the launch and it’s very easy to use.


“It’s free and will always be free,” said Akle. “My whole career has been about connecting readers with books, and I wanted to create something that genuinely serves readers and the Australian publishing community.”


Purple poster on wall says "What are you reading? The App." Below, handwritten book titles and authors fill the white space, creating a lively atmosphere.

She added that the app was designed to feel welcoming rather than overwhelming. “It was important to me to create something simple and easy to use that helps readers remember what they’ve loved and discover what to read next."

 

The launch comes at a time of renewed conversation around reading culture in Australia. With reading rates declining, publishers, booksellers and literary organisations are all focused on discoverability and reader engagement, especially on Australian books and authors.


The app will be available for download May 20.

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