Serial Reader Reviews

by Its_brb

I just started using SerialReader three days ago and love it! I have told several other bookish friends and they are now enjoying it, as well. The only thing that is keeping me from giving this a five star review is I really wish I could set a specific time for my issues to be delivered during the week (because of work I wake up much earlier) and a different time for the weekend. I’ve gone in and changed it three or four times to see what would work but it would be nice to not have just one set time. Otherwise, SerialReader is pretty neat and I can’t wait to keep exploring and reading.

by Ipod Geek

I have enjoyed using Serial Reader for the past few weeks and I ended up purchasing the extra features. Two things I'd love to see addressed; the sync, while it works, is a little off. I complete a serial on my phone and sync. I pick up the iPad and tap sync, and it still shows the serial not completed. I would assume it would state I was done with that one for the day. I would also like to see some marking, a badge or similar on finished books, maybe I'm just getting old but I've read 12 books already and I'm forgetting which ones they were when browsing something new to read. I can just see this getting worse. I'd still like to see the detail for the summary and other similar books, so I wouldn't want them hidden.

Update: I just opened this up today from an extended beak and the books I’ve read now have a check mark on them, awesome. I’ll have to check out the sync and if that’s better it will be worth a star bump! Thanks!!

by JulyStern

I like the concept of serializing public domain books because, let’s face it, some of them are slow reads. SerialReader does it in a simple, elegant way, with a lot of little personal touches that feel sincere. I have not used the comment/discussion features yet, just reading alone as the good lord intended.

Suggestions: it would be cool to include a few curricula, or reading lists from lit courses. It would also be nice to include a section of BIPOC authors, LGBTQ authors, and more classics from non-Eurocentric backgrounds/countries.

I paid for the ‘pro’ version, to support the developer, and I recommend anyone who uses SerialReader to please do the same.

by Chilllaaa

I have had the premium version of this for years and use it on and off. Recently I tried the “add your own book” feature for the first time and was disappointed to find that the first book I tried to import was completely scrambled. As in, the chapters are out of order and some seem to be missing altogether.

The apple BOOKS app has no problem with the file, so I’m not sure why SerialReader scrambles the chapters. Very disappointed, but I’ll happily continue using SerialReader to read my favorite classics & some new ones!

Please improve the custom book feature in the future.

by Carnemuerte

I’ve only been using Serial Reader for a few days, but I’m hooked! The interface is clean and intuitive, as well as being easy to navigate. The accomplishment badges and words of encouragement are a tad bit cheesy, but they can be toggled off if you like.
Overall though, this is a great way to read a book. I started with “The Count of Monte Cristo”, a classic that I’ve been wanting to read for quite some time now, but just haven’t found time to fit into my reading schedule. The notifications come each morning, (you can set them to your own personal preference), to remind me that the next installment of my novel is available. It’s typically a 10-15 minute portion that I can read with my morning coffee.
The number of titles is somewhat limited to what, I assume, is in the public domain. But that still amounts to hundreds of the great classics! These books are available through other apps, but I really love the idea of serving it up in daily bite-size portions that don’t take up too much of my day but always leave me wanting more. Kudos to the developer for a great idea.
I would certainly recommend SerialReader!

by Jakob Marley's Mom

I am a voracious reader and tend to read quickly. This is fine for modern books, as the author typically writes in the style in which we speak. Speed reading doesn’t quite work with the classics, as the prose is different, which means I need to slow my reading considerably to make sure I get it all. Slow reading irritates me, and so I tend to avoid the classics. SerialReader takes that away. Delivered in bite-sized pieces that take about 10 minutes to read, I’m now enjoying the classics without the frustration of slow progress. Wish I’d know of SerialReader earlier!

by Perkgun

I have been planning to read up on the classics for a long time. I even started to read Don Quixote for a few chapters only to lay it aside for Catch 22 which I have yet to finish.

Don Quixote is a classic work but not a leisurely read. The great thing about SerialReader is that it gives you an attainable reading goal every day. I am reading two books at a time Moby Dick and Don Quixote. Which is fun.

At first I thought the goal of reading 10 - 15 minutes a day was a little disappointing because it will take a while to read through Don Quixote however I realized that it is better than not reading consistently as I have been doing so I will stick with SerialReader. It’s the only way I will ever get through these books. Honestly.

I think this is a great idea and I truly hope to read many classics that have been on my list forever.

by A Cereal Reader

So I just downloaded all the book that looked good to me I got like 40 of them maybe more and I know that the 1 day at a time this is a pain but if you just subscribe to a bunch of serials they will download while your reading. Your current book. I have Clarissa with nearly 300 issues already fully downloaded and ready to go. Just pick a bunch of books and they will come in time. Again I got like 40 ish books fully issued and ready to go

by Ohdeariocheerio

This is the best app I have downloaded on my phone, full stop. I love to read but for the past couple months I’ve had trouble carving out time to sit down and read, because once I get into a book, I can get lost in it and forget everything else I need to do that day.
This is the perfect app for me because it allows me to read an issue that takes ~10-20 mins, which ensures that I have a solid amount of reading, but I never lose track of time. I also purchased the premium version (2.99 USD, can’t recommend it enough) so I’ll sometimes read ahead with another issue in the evening.
Another thing is, the library is pretty extensive, so you’ll never run out of fantastic books to read.
All in all, SerialReader is incredible, and if you’re an introvert bibliophile like me, this is one you’re definitely gonna want to get.

by Valhallaray

Yup. SerialReader is excellent. And in my opinion, the paid version is totally worth it. For less than the cost of a mass market paperback, I now have access to an entire library of classics. I’ve been using SerialReader to replace my social media habit, and I’ve already read 3 books, that I might never have considered picking up otherwise! There’s also a “tip jar” where you can encourage the developer.

Also, shoutout to Michael, because he does a great job of managing the content. I emailed him about a confusing typo, and he fixed it that same day.

by Dx.C

UPDATE:

No more crashes!! The developer was responsive, and fixed the problem, and I’m super appreciative. This person works hard to upkeep and add additional books to read for all users to access for free. SerialReader has actually helped read more when on-the-go than any other book app so far. I highly recommend, and if you enjoy SerialReader as much as I do, then go for premium or help kick down with those occasional “tips” pop-up.

Original:
I really do love using SerialReader, and I bought the premium awhile ago, but I’ve been running into problems lately with it, and I’m hoping the bugs will be fixed soon: I was messing with the font and font size settings to my preferences and all of a sudden it crashes. And now, without saving my settings, where I just want to read any serial, SerialReader automatically crashes. ☹️

by Dsetterfield

SerialReader is the PERFECT way to get more classics into your reading repertoire. I downloaded SerialReader a few months ago (the paid version, so I could read more than one issue a day) and it’s been so totally worth the money. I’m currently reading Les Misérables, a 1400-page book, and Serial Reader makes it so easy and less daunting. Plus - even if you don’t use the paid version - you’re still getting about 650+ books to read - as many as you want at one time - for FREE. I love SerialReader and will continue to use it happily for a long long time to come.

by Maxfish134

SerialReader is extremely useful, especially if like me, you want to add in classics to your reading list but just can’t seem to give them the time they deserve. Well, is this SerialReader for you! It requires no more than 15 minutes a day and in around a month or two BAM! you have a classic done. The best part, if you donate to get the extended version (which I HIGHLY recommend) you can pause it if you get too over encumbered with the backup of serials (like I did while on vacation) or just need a break. It’s honestly a fantastic concept and executed super well! I have been recommending everyone I know SerialReader.

by Robfb7

This is an excellent app for readers. A wide range of classic literature is available at your fingertips - delivered in bite size chunks every day.

I have always wondered what it would have been like to read Charles Dickens as it was originally released as a serial. With SerialReader I can now do this. Additionally, there are several authors that would have never been on my radar had it not been for SerialReader.

The e-reader is fully featured with the ability to look up words, highlighting, changing font size and type, etc. You also earn uniquely named badges to encourage you in your reading. It is worth checking out! Now back to my current issue...

by Bay_hiker

All the books you know you should have read by now, delivered in accessible, bite-sized chunks. It becomes a pleasant mission to keep up with each day's 10-15 minute section, which are delivered automatically at whatever time of day you choose. So far my experience has been that the books are sensibly and logically divided into sections almost as if that was the way they were intended to be read. I can't say enough about the work Michael has put into his continuing project.

Use SerialReader. The books are public domain and daily delivery is free. So pay the onetime $2.99 upgrade, which is the only support for the work he puts into it.

by Justaspeck

SerialReader makes reading classic books a breeze! Sometimes they can seem overwhelming with their syntax or length, but with Serial you get a little issue every day to digest and read right on your phone. Perfect for when you’re waiting on hold on a call, in a doctors office, or stuck in the pick up line at school. SerialReader makes you smarter and well read with little to no effort of your own. Fabulous!

I had a bug in my app and contacted the support. 7 minutes later I had an answer and resolution in my inbox. This is unheard of services for a free app. Highly recommend upgrading to the paid version- lots of customization available. :)

by Sistry

If you like reading the classics, this is SerialReader to have. It’s the only app I’ve ever actually bought because I’m cheap but it is totally and utterly worth it. Being able to read to the next issue if you’re really into it or read an entire book at once is worth the tiny price point. Plus if you’re reading something that’s particularly difficult you can always stop after one issue and take it up again the next day. I’ve read so many books this way; it’s easy to use and works wonderfully even if you don’t like reading on electronic devices like I do. Can’t say enough about how great it is!

by Toujours28

SerialReader is wonderful. Filled with loads of books that I’ve been meaning to read for ages, it gets me started by breaking them into perfectly digestible pieces. I actually went out and purchased one of the books after reading half on SerialReader , only to regularly return to SerialReader because I enjoy the reading experience so much. Not to mention, the badges full of delightful trivia and offerings of regular cheerleading support make the experience all the more enjoyable. Very well constructed. A joy to use. For what it’s worth, if some day in the future the developer is able to put up more recently published novels that are not in public domain, I would happily pay for the book on SerialReader to be able to read it in pieces he’s divided like this... Just saying!

by Egreardon

I used Serial Reader several years ago to great enjoyment, but I did not pay as I was a poor, greedy college student.

Today I remembered SerialReader and just had to download it. I was worried cheapskates like me would have led to its discontinuance. I am glad to see that it is still around and has even been improved upon.

I don’t really do much reading on devices because I like the feel of the book and I don’t like to strain my eyes on the phone screen. However, Serial Reader has an attractive, minimalist design and I find it very easy on the eyes.

All around, SerialReader still has a very simple concept and interface which I admire. I appreciate how SR essentially gamifies reading as this keeps me hooked in, and also provokes me to read a section on days when I would not otherwise prioritize reading.

It helps that I actually have time to read now that I am no longer a college student—you know, that old irony. Of course, I also have a lot more money, so I paid for SerialReader right away...really, at a mere $2.99, that was a poor excuse in any case considering I was a top-shelf-scotchoholic for at least 3 semesters.

Anyhow, I had made it about halfway through War and Peace last time. Cheers to second rounds!

by Kelli Loggins

SerialReader has saved my life when it comes to reading classics! I love the layout, it’s super easy to use, and it’s really been helping me get over the intimidation I feel toward certain longer classics! My main problem with written form classics is that the font is way too small to follow properly, but with this I can choose my own font and layout easily and take every classic in bite sized chunks that aren’t intimidating at all, allowing me to take the time to really understand and digest every chapter. Genuinely the best app I’ve come across in a long time!

by Photobug1973

I love SerialReader. Be sure to upgrade to the premium so you can read ahead if you want, it is absolutely worth it! It is only a small one-time fee, I get so frustrated having to pay monthly for apps. I usually like reading a few of the days at a time. SerialReader has finally encouraged me to read War and Peace. My boys also use it as there are so many great books for children and young adults. And as they are classics I don’t worry about them reading freely. I don’t even usually like reading on my phone, but SerialReader makes it a pleasure. Keep up the great work Serial Reader!

by Rayedee8

I love SerialReader! I used the free version for ages and honestly only upgraded because the pro version was so cheap and I thought I should show my support and gratitude for this wonderful app! Point being, SerialReader gives a TON for free so you’re definitely not missing anything by trying it out. I love how it gives a chapter a day, it’s a manageable goal for me and I’m sure, most people. I actually stick with it this way! Seriously spectacular job, I recommend SerialReader to everyone I know. Thanks so much! :)

by CobbleHatt

As someone who loves (lives?) to read but struggles with finding the time some days, SerialReader is fantastic. It’s constantly updated with new books and has snappy performance and excellent reading tools. This is definitely a great app for those who want to read some of the great works of the Western Tradition but are put off by their sometimes daunting length. Also, being a serial, it gives you time to reflect on what you’ve just read before diving into the next chapter. Highly recommended!

by Blū

A fantastic app that provides free books on a daily basis with no IAPs unless you choose to add some well-worth-it premium features to your account for a mere $2.99. SerialReader is updated regularly, the UI is simple and clean, and the reading list is dense, well-picked, and continuously updated. Basically any feature you could want is already thought of and integrated, including Goodreads account syncing, night mode, and a selection of great fonts to choose from. A fantastic app!