Ola Kowalczyk – Ebook Friendly https://ebookfriendly.com Distraction-free lists, tips, and news for ebook lovers Fri, 15 Dec 2023 14:05:40 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://i0.wp.com/ebookfriendly.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/cropped-ef-site-icon-1.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Ola Kowalczyk – Ebook Friendly https://ebookfriendly.com 32 32 204209743 Free ebooks for Christmas 2023: here are the top 20 downloads https://ebookfriendly.com/top-free-ebooks-christmas-2023/ https://ebookfriendly.com/top-free-ebooks-christmas-2023/#respond Fri, 15 Dec 2023 14:05:39 +0000 https://ebookfriendly.com/?p=159284 Most downloaded Project Gutenberg ebooks: November 15 - December 15, 2023
Most downloaded Project Gutenberg ebooks: November 15 – December 15, 2023

Just like a year ago, we are presenting the list of ebooks that were most downloaded from Project Gutenberg in the last 30 days – just in time for Christmas.

Almost 7.8 million free ebooks were downloaded from Project Gutenberg since mid-November 2023. Apart from all-time classics, you will find on the list three picaresque novels by Tobias Smollett and a short story by Philip K. Dick.

Founded in 1971 by Michael Hart, Project Gutenberg is the longest established digital library.

Currently, the site offers free access to over 70,000 eBooks that can be read online or downloaded in a variety of formats, for all possible ebook apps and e-reading devices, including Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, and Rakuten Kobo.

The site provides useful stats about ebook downloads, Top 100 Ebooks in the Last 20 Days, where you can see the most popular titles based on how many times they were downloaded or read online.

Between November 15 and December 15, 2023, users downloaded from Project Gutenberg 7,776,391 ebook files.

On the list, you will find such classics as Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, or Frankenstein by Mary Shelley.

For the second year in a row, three books by T. Smollett made it to the Top 20 Most Downloaded Ebooks, including The Adventures of Roderick Random. These three books alone were downloaded 108,000 times in the last 30 days.

Tobias Smollett was a Scottish poet and author living in the 18th century. He is best known for his picaresque novels – stories of an anti-hero’s adventures in a disreputable world. They usually feature a roguish protagonist who is forced to rely on his wits, charm, and cunning to survive misadventures.

You can download ebooks from Project Gutenberg to any e-reader or book-reading app. Make sure to pick up the file called EPUB3. This file format is compatible with Kobo, Apple Books, Nook, Google Play Books, and Amazon Kindle, among other platforms.

Top 20 free ebook downloads for Christmas 2023

1. Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley

Published in 1818, this famous classic novel follows a young scientist named Victor Frankenstein who creates a hideous sapient creature out of body parts of the dead.

The creature is rejected by society and ultimately seeks revenge on his creator.

The book combines elements of the Gothic novel and the Romantic movement, and is considered one of the first true science-fiction stories.

Number of downloads: 83,710

⇢ Download

2. Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - most downloaded free ebooks

Jane Austen

The world’s beloved novel of manners is set in rural England at the beginning of the 19th century and follows the relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and her love interest Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy.

We follow the five Bennet sisters as they navigate their way through their family’s financial struggles, the pressures of marriage and society, and their own personal feelings.

Through witty dialogue and character development, Austen explores themes of love, class, and pride.

Number of downloads: 58,559

⇢ Download

3. Moby Dick; Or, The Whale

Herman Melville

A classic novel by Herman Melville tells the story of the obsessive quest of Ahab, captain of the whaling ship Pequod, for revenge on the giant white sperm whale that on the ship’s previous voyage bit off Ahab’s leg at the knee.

The novel is a great exploration of themes of fate, revenge, and the power of nature. It has been adapted into numerous films and television shows over the years.

D. H. Lawrence called Moby-Dick “one of the strangest and most wonderful books in the world” and “the greatest book of the sea ever written.”

Number of downloads: 57,192

⇢ Download

4. A Christmas Carol

Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens - best free ebooks

Charles Dickens

First published on December 19, 1843, this novella is considered one of the most popular and beloved Christmas stories of all time.

The story follows the miser Ebenezer Scrooge as he is visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, who show him the error of his ways, and how to be a better man.

The tale of redemption of the human spirit has been adapted for stage, film, and television many times over the years.

Number of downloads: 56,917

⇢ Download

5. Romeo and Juliet

William Shakespeare

Written by Shakespeare early in his career, the tragedy follows two young star-crossed lovers whose families are engaged in a long and bitter feud.

The play is set in Verona, Italy, and it revolves around the forbidden love between Romeo Montague, a young man from the Montague family, and Juliet Capulet, a young woman from the Capulet family.

The play is one of Shakespeare’s most famous and well-loved works, and it has been adapted for stage, screen, and opera countless times. It is a story of love, loss, and the destructive power of family feuds.

Number of downloads: 53,359

⇢ Download

6. Middlemarch

Middlemarch by George Eliot - most downloaded free ebooks

George Eliot

Middlemarch is a novel by George Eliot, set in the fictional Midlands town of Middlemarch during 1829–1832 and follows several intersecting stories with a large cast of characters.

The novel explores the social and political changes in England during the early 19th century, particularly the impact of industrialization and the reform of local government.

Middlemarch is widely regarded as one of the greatest novels in the English language.

Number of downloads: 47,070

⇢ Download

7. A Room with a View

A room with a view E.M. Forster - most downloaded free ebooks

E. M. Forster 

Set in Italy and England, the story is both a romance and a humorous critique of English society at the beginning of the 20th century.

The novel brought Forster recognition when it was first published and is now considered a modern classic.

The story centers on Lucy Honeychurch, a young upper-middle-class Englishwoman, and her experiences with love, independence, and travel.

Number of downloads: 46,322

⇢ Download

8. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare 

This is a comprehensive collection of the writings of William Shakespeare. It includes all of his plays, sonnets, and other poems, as well as various other works attributed to him.

The book includes, among others: The Sonnets, All’s Well That Ends Well, Hamlet, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet. The Comedy of Errors, The Merchant of Venice, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream are also included.

This free ebook is an invaluable resource for any student or fan of Shakespeare’s work.

Number of downloads: 43,412

⇢ Download

9. Little Women

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott - most downloaded free ebooks

Louisa May Alcott 

Little Women is a classic novel by Louisa May Alcott, originally published in 1868. It follows the lives of four sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March, and their experiences growing up in Massachusetts during the Civil War.

The book has been adapted for stage and screen numerous times and has been lauded for its strong female characters and its exploration of themes of love, family, and independence.

Number of downloads: 42,078

⇢ Download

10. The Enchanted April

Elizabeth Von Arnim

The Enchanted April is a 1922 novel by British writer Elizabeth von Arnim.

It tells the story of four very different women who rent an Italian villa for the month of April and, through the beauty of the surroundings, find contentment, joy, and transformation.

The novel was adapted into a film in 1992, starring Miranda Richardson and Joan Plowright.

Number of downloads: 39,864

⇢ Download

11. The Blue Castle

L. M. Montgomery 

A 1926 novel by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery, best known for her novel Anne of Green Gables.

The book tells the story of Valancy Stirling, a 29-year-old spinster who is stuck in a restrictive life, but finds freedom and adventure when she begins to explore the world around her.

Number of downloads: 39,252

⇢ Download

12. Cranford

Cranford by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell - most downloaded free ebooks

Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell

First published in 1851, the novel is set in the fictional town of Cranford, a small market town in the north of England.

We follow the lives of the town’s many female inhabitants, who are mostly middle-class and elderly spinsters, as they go about their everyday lives and gossip about their neighbors.

The novel is known for its humorous, gentle satire of Victorian life and its strong female characters.

Number of downloads: 37,176

⇢ Download

13. The Adventures of Ferdinand Count Fathom

The Adventures of Ferdinand Count Fathom - best free ebooks

T. Smollett

The novel, first published in 1753, follows Ferdinand Count Fathom, a handsome and charismatic con artist who is adept at convincing people to part with their wealth.

After being sent away from his home in England, Fathom continues to travel across Europe and experience numerous adventures.

Through the course of the novel, Fathom is forced to confront his own moral boundaries and ultimately selects a path of redemption.

Number of downloads: 37,088

⇢ Download

14. The Expedition of Humphry Clinker

The Expedition of Humphry Clinker by T. Smollett - best free ebooks

T. Smollett

The Expedition of Humphry Clinker, first published in 1771, is widely considered to be one of the first picaresque novels in English literature.

The novel follows the adventures of its protagonist, Humphry Clinker, as he and his companions journey from London to Scotland and back again.

Along the way, they encounter a variety of characters and settings, and the novel offers a vivid picture of life in 18th century Britain.

Number of downloads: 36,499

⇢ Download

15. The Adventures of Roderick Random

The Adventures of Roderick Random - most downloaded free books

T. Smollett

Here is another novel from T. Smollett. It follows the exploits of Roderick Random, a young man from a well-to-do family who is disinherited and forced to make his own way in life.

Random goes on a series of adventures, ranging from romance and duels to a naval battle and a stint in a debtors’ prison. 

The novel is noted for its realistic and humorous depiction of 18th-century life and for its exploration of themes such as social mobility, corruption, and injustice.

Number of downloads: 36,151

⇢ Download

16. History of Tom Jones, a Foundling

Henry Fielding

This comic novel by English author Henry Fielding, first published in April 1749, follows Tom Jones, an illegitimate foundling, from infancy to adulthood. 

Tom’s journey takes him through various social circles and tests of morality, eventually leading him to true love and a fulfilling, prosperous life.

The novel was well-received when it was first published, and it has since become one of the most beloved novels in the English literature.

Number of downloads: 36,151

⇢ Download

17. My Life — Volume 1

Richard Wagner

My Life is an autobiography by German composer Richard Wagner.

First published in German in 1889, it contains a detailed account of Wagner’s life and works, as well as his personal reflections on his life and times.

Number of downloads: 34,290

⇢ Download

18. Twenty Years After

Alexandre Dumas

Twenty Years After is a historical novel by Alexandre Dumas, first published in 1845. It is the sequel to The Three Musketeers and part of the D’Artagnan Romances series.

The novel follows the adventures of d’Artagnan’s sons as they fight to protect France from the machinations of Cardinal Mazarin, the chief minister of King Louis XIV.

The novel also follows the fortunes of the other musketeers, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, and their respective families.

Number of downloads: 34,289

⇢ Download

19. The Eyes Have It

Philip K. Dick

From one of the most important figures in 20th century science fiction comes a short story was first published in 1953. It follows a man who is utterly convinced that the world is being overrun by aliens.

Through the eyes of the protagonist, the story blurs the boundaries between imagination and actuality, presenting a thought-provoking reflection on the nature of truth and the fallibility of human perception.

Number of downloads: 33,555

⇢ Download

20. The Scarlet Letter

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne - best free ebooks

Nathaniel Hawthorne

The Scarlet Letter is a classic novel by American author Nathaniel Hawthorne, published in 1850.

The book tells the story of Hester Prynne, a young woman who conceives a child while living in an oppressive Puritan society.

The novel examines the effects of societal pressure on an individual, as well as themes of sin, guilt, and redemption.

Number of downloads: 31,412

⇢ Download

Best free ebooks Project Gutenberg 2023

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Audiobook listening in 2023, according to Spotify https://ebookfriendly.com/spotify-audiobook-listening-in-2023/ https://ebookfriendly.com/spotify-audiobook-listening-in-2023/#respond Tue, 28 Nov 2023 18:03:35 +0000 https://ebookfriendly.com/?p=158887 A young person listening to audiobooks
A young person listening to audiobooks / Image by Midjourney

Spotify’s announcement of the introduction of audiobooks in the U.S. comes with an infographic about audiobook listening habits.

A month after bringing audiobooks to users in the U.K. and Australia, Spotify has extended the offer to the United States.

If you are a Spotify Premium member, you can get instant access to a large selection of audiobooks, with no extra cost.

You can go directly to this link on the web to browse the catalog of Spotify audiobooks. Currently, there are over 200,000 audiobooks included, compared to 150,000 at the beginning of October 2023.

However, you have to keep in mind that you can listen to Spotify audiobooks for only 15 hours per month. An average audiobook takes around 10 hours, so your Premium subscription will let you finish one audiobook.

The blog post announcing Spotify audiobooks coming to the U.S. includes a few interesting facts about audiobook listeners. The data was gathered in a consumer survey of over 1,000 Americans.

The key outcome is that Gen Z and millennials lead in audiobook listening. 72% of 18-to-34-year-olds report that they listen to audiobooks. Relaxation (63%) and comfort (51%) are the top reasons for audiobook listening.

Here are other interesting facts:

▸ 37% of audiobook listeners have listened to an entire audiobook a second time or more.

▸ 66% of 18-34-year-old audiobook listeners in relationships say they’ve listened to audiobooks with their partner to “spice things up”.

▸ Almost half of audiobook listeners consume audiobooks while traveling or on vacation.

▸ 70% of audiobook listeners are more likely to listen to additional audio content after listening to audiobooks.

Are you a Spotify Premium subscriber? If yes, are you going to try the audiobooks?

Source: 200,000+ Audiobooks Are Now Available to Spotify Premium Listeners in the U.S. – Spotify Blog


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Almost 1,100 Kindle ebooks are on sale for Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2023 https://ebookfriendly.com/kindle-ebook-are-sale-black-friday-cyber-monday-2023/ https://ebookfriendly.com/kindle-ebook-are-sale-black-friday-cyber-monday-2023/#respond Sun, 26 Nov 2023 12:55:27 +0000 https://ebookfriendly.com/?p=158844
Check out today’s Kindle Daily deals / Images: Amazon

This shopping season, forget about the Kindle, and get Kindle books instead. In three combines deals, well over 1,000 books are featured – and Cyber Monday hasn’t started yet.

Many users are waiting for Black Friday to get an upgraded Kindle model for a lowered price.

The thing is that there have been no new Kindle models this year. And e-readers, as a category, are evolving at a much slower pace, compared to, for instance, tablets.

You can still save on Kindle e-readers, although the Black Friday 2023 is over. But ask yourself a question: Do I really need a new Kindle for the purpose of getting it at a slashed price?

Why not consider packing your current Kindle or Kindle app with new books that you could delve into this holiday season?

Especially, that right now there are 1,090 Kindle books on sale, with prices starting at $0.99.

For the first time ever, Amazon offers not one, but three short-term Kindle deals. And I’m not counting in the ongoing Kindle Monthly deals and Kindle Exclusive deals.

Al three deal offers area featured on the official Kindle Daily Deal home page, and I will list them below so that you can get a quick glimpse at what you can get.

One of the deals, Treat your Kindle with great reads, ends tomorrow, so it will be valid on Cyber Monday 2023. However, two other ones, are valid only on Sunday – and there are 960 ebooks that you can grab at discounted prices.

Tip: Scroll down the individual page with deals to reveal the full list of books, not only the featured ones.

Epic Kindle reads starting at $0.99

Books featured: 101
End date: November 26, 2023, 11:59 PST

The latest, 13th novel from the Harry Hole series by Jo Nesbo, Killing Moon, was released in May 2023. The brilliant but troubled detective must confront a chilling serial killer who preys on young women and leaves behind a disturbing signature. The regular price of the Killing Moon is $29.99 (hardcover), but you can get the Kindle edition for only $3.99.

Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro is the timely novel about an artificial friend named Klara, who navigates the complexities of human relationships and the explores the nature of love and belonging. The book costs today $3.99, instead of $14.99.

There are 99 other books to explore in this deal. Which one caught your attention?

Black Friday Kindle Savings

Books featured: 759
End date: November 26, 2023, 11:59 PST

The largest Kindle deal so far includes 759 books from, this time not only fiction, but also biographies and spirituality.

The prices range between $0.99 and $6.99. I suggest using the category widget on the left side to narrow down the list of results to books from your favorite genre.

In the New York Times bestseller, Upstairs at the White House, J. B. West, the chief usher of the White House offers a unique, behind-the-scenes look at America’s first families. The regular price of the book is $17.99 (hardcover), but you can grab the Kindle edition for only $1.99 today. If you have an active Kindle Unlimited subscription, you can get it for free.

This particular deal offers several books that have been published by Macmillan and HarperCollins Publishers this year, including S. A. Cosby’s All the Sinners Bleed ($2.99) or The Air Raid Book Club by Annie Lyons ($2.99).

Treat your Kindle with great reads

Books featured: 230
End date: November 27, 2023, 11:59 PST

Most of the books are from the literature & fiction, mystery and thrillers, romance, and science fiction categories.

Karin Slaughter’s After That Night is a chilling tale of suspense and betrayal, as the past comes back to haunt a doctor whose life is shattered by a violent attack. The book costs today and tomorrow only $3.99, instead of $14.99.

After Death by Dean Koontz is $2.99. You will pay the same for the Goodreads Choice, Kate Quinn’s The Diamond Eye.

Make sure to visit the Kindle Daily Deal home page tomorrow to grab Cyber Monday 2023 Kindle deals.


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The global audiobook market is expected to reach USD 39 billion by 2032 https://ebookfriendly.com/global-audiobook-market-expected-to-reach-usd-39-billion-by-2032/ https://ebookfriendly.com/global-audiobook-market-expected-to-reach-usd-39-billion-by-2032/#respond Wed, 22 Nov 2023 13:40:30 +0000 https://ebookfriendly.com/?p=158757 The audiobook market is expected to experience a remarkable surge in the coming years, as the report from Market Us shows.

The audiobook market is poised for continued growth. With the rise of smart speakers and the growing popularity of podcasts, audiobooks are well-positioned to become an even more integral part of our lives.

Market Us has just released a report that shows that the global audiobook market will reach an estimated USD 39.1 billion by 2032 from USD 4.2 billion in 2022.

North America was the market leader in 2022, driven by the widespread availability of digital devices and the popularity of subscription-based services, such as Audible, Apple Books, or Scribd.

However, Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region, “with increasing smartphone adoption and a growing interest in English-language content.”

The non-fiction segment accounted for the largest revenue share in audiobooks market in 2022.

💬 Self-help and personal development audiobooks continue to be popular, along with business and finance audiobooks for professionals.

Adults constitute the major target audience, utilizing audiobooks for entertainment during commutes or multitasking activities.

This incredible growth of the audiobook market is driven by the increasing popularity of digital media, the convenience of smartphones, and the growing trend of consuming content on the go.

Source: Global Audiobooks Market Report – Market.Us


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12 best personalized gifts for librarians and library supporters https://ebookfriendly.com/best-personalized-library-gifts/ https://ebookfriendly.com/best-personalized-library-gifts/#respond Sat, 18 Nov 2023 11:11:37 +0000 https://ebookfriendly.com/?p=158528

These library-themed products from Zazzle online store are extremely easy to customize. All you have to do is add your own text!

Are you looking for a library-themed gift that you can adjust to a specific occasion, sense of humor, or taste? You can customize any of the following designs by just adding your own text.

On the web, you can find thousands of products designed to be great gifts for librarians or library lovers. 

The thing is that you may still not find the right one. The fonts are too childish, the colors are too bright, the message is fine… but you would change it a bit.

To solve this problem, I have spent several recent weeks on creating custom library-themed designs that you can quickly adjust to your specific needs. And all you need to do is replace the blank text with your own one.

User customization is one of the greatest things about Zazzle – one of the leading online sites connecting designers and consumers.

On Zazzle, you will be able to quickly change the text and see the product as you would receive it. Obviously, you can pick up a different background color of the t-shirt.

What’s even more important, you can transfer any of these designs to dozens of other products, including personal accessories, different apparel items, or home decor.

All newly added, customized products can be found in this Zazzle collection: Personalized Library Gifts by Geek Updated.

Tip: You can transfer any of these designs to any other product that’s offered on Zazzle. Just use the “Transfer this design” option.

How can I personalize a design on Zazzle?

Many designs on Zazzle can be quickly personalized by replacing a blank text with the one you want.

If this option is available, you will see a large “Personalize” button next to the product image.

When you type the text, it will appear almost instantly on the product image!

Do you want to add your own graphic element, change the font color or size? Just hit the “Edit using Design Tool” button to open a design dashboard.

All the designs in the following list let you quickly replace the text with your own one.

Customized gifts for librarians

The best spot to enjoy life is [personalize] t-shirt

Libraries matter because they make people wiser, healthier, and happier. This cozy, minimalist, lively artwork says: “The best spot to enjoy life is the reading room of my library”.

Not clever enough? Just use the “Personalize” button to start typing your own message. You can change both the beginning and end of the sentence. So, how would you phrase it? ⇢ Customize

Drink coffee and support libraries personalized mug

This modern, college-style artwork says: “Drink coffee and support libraries. They are awesome!”. You can type your text in as many as five areas. Just use the “Personalize” button to start typing.

The design works well on both light and dark backgrounds. Available in five different colors. ⇢ Customize

Urban library support squad t-shirt personalized

Are you supporting libraries and librarians? Now you can express it. This vintage artwork shows an engraved image of a skyscraper city. The text goes: “Urban Library Support Squad”. You can replace both the “library” and “squad” texts. ⇢ Customize

Celebrate [personalize] Day Every Day t-shirt

Celebrate the happy day every day! This vintage artwork lets you express your support for libraries all year long. The text goes: “Celebrate Library Day Every Day.”

The design lets you customize two fields. You can also pick up several colors of the t-shirt. ⇢ Customize

Calm down and [personalize] mouse pad

Can’t find what you are looking for? This cozy artwork comes with handwritten typography that says: “Breathe, calm down, and just ask the librarian”. A great idea for a library supporter or as an accessory for a library’s reading room.

You can customize every single text in this design. The only limitation is your imagination. Start creating! ⇢ Customize

Periodic table of the earth’s most awesome humans : [personalize] t-shirt

Are you looking for a clever way to express appreciation of your librarian? Use “The Periodic Table of the Earth’s Most Awesome Humans.” The only entry in this table is “Lb – Librarian”.

You can customize the text by replacing the abbreviation and profession with the name of your favorite librarian. ⇢ Customize

Silently [personalize] t-shirt

After you’ve silently corrected all the grammar errors around you, it’s time for something new. This cute, vintage artwork says: “Silently making a list of your overdue books”.

There are many ways you can use the “silently” meme on a t-shirt. Got an idea? Just start typing. ⇢ Customize

Library announcement foam board personalized

Are you a fan of a vintage typography? Check out this artwork that sports the 19th century display font and says: “Believe it or not, but in this library, we are using the silence to calm the loud guys down”.

All text fields in this design can be customized so that you can adjust the message to even the most specific needs. A light colored version of this vintage-style typography artwork is also available on Zazzle. ⇢ Customize

All I need is love and [personalize] sweatshirt

Love is the most important thing in life… but sometimes it’s not. This vintage, gothic artwork says: “All I need is love and another reason to go to the library today”. A great gift idea for a library supporter in your life.

Not clever enough? Just use the “Personalize” button to quickly add your own text. You can transfer this design to any other apparel. All you have to do is pick up the right type in the Style section on the right. ⇢ Customize

[Personalize] matter t-shirt

Who or what matters to you the most? Now you can easily express it. This vintage artwork is fully editable. You can place your text in three text areas. Libraries matter, bookstores matter, banned books matter. Act now! ⇢ Customize

Minimalist typography fully customized

Are you looking for a minimalist typography artwork that could be easily customized with a library-themed text you provide? This modern, sleek artwork says: “I’m here, but my mind is still at the library”. You can change it whatever you want, be it a library quote, a name of your favorite librarian, or the name of the upcoming event.

This artwork lets you write down your message in a thin, elegant font, as well as add a background icon, for instance a letter or symbol. ⇢ Customize

Visit a library more than once personalized tote bag

Everybody says: “It’s a good day.” Do the opposite. This cute, positive artwork has a twist. It says: “It’s definitely not a good day to visit a library just once”. Obviously, you can change the message to anything you find funnier, brighter or more relevant. ⇢ Customize

I’m not a librarian [personalize] t-shirt

Librarians are all unique individuals with their own passions, interests, and personalities. This modern handwritten typography artwork provides just one of the many possible descriptions: “I’m not a librarian. I’m just a walking knowledge machine with a built-in snooze button”.

Not funny or clever enough? Use the “Personalize” button to quickly add your own text. There is also a dark-themed color version available on Zazzle. ⇢ Customize

The list first appeared on Reader Updated blog.


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Spotify Premium subscribers have now instant access to over 150,000 audiobooks https://ebookfriendly.com/spotify-premium-instant-access-to-150000-audiobooks-uk-australia/ https://ebookfriendly.com/spotify-premium-instant-access-to-150000-audiobooks-uk-australia/#comments Thu, 05 Oct 2023 12:18:42 +0000 https://ebookfriendly.com/?p=158349 The new feature is already available in the U.K. and Australia, and allows you to listen to audiobooks for 15 hours a month.

This move is part of Spotify’s broader strategy to become a one-stop shop for all things audio, offering users a wide range of content to choose from, including music, podcasts, and now audiobooks.

By offering instant access to a large selection of 150,000+ audiobooks, Spotify is making it easier for Premium subscribers, as well as managers for Family and Duo accounts, to discover and listen to audiobooks.

The company has partnered with respected audiobook publishers, including Hachette, HarperCollins, Macmillan, Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, and RB Media, to bring its users a wide range of titles, including bestsellers, new releases, and classics.

💬 We believe that offering personalized music, podcasts, and audiobooks on a single platform gives you a superior way to connect with your favorite artists, podcasters, creators, and authors—all in one spot.

Spotify is also making it easy for Premium subscribers to find and manage their audiobooks. The company has created a dedicated audiobook hub on its website and app, where subscribers can browse and search for audiobooks by title, author, genre, and more.

If you are a Spotify Premium member, and live in the U.K. or Australia – where the new feature is already available, you can go directly to this link on the web to browse the catalog of Spotify audiobooks.

Spotify Premium audiobooks will be available for the U.S. users in the following months. The company does not reveal plans for the rest of the world.

What the company is not boasting about is the monthly usage. You will be able to listen to Spotify audiobooks for only 15 hours per month.

15 hours? Really? An average audiobook takes around 10 hours, so within your “unlimited” Premium access to Spotify audiobooks, you will be able to finish one audiobook.

Hopefully, it may change, as the company claims it’s working on more ways to unlock access to Premium audiobooks.

Are you planning to try Spotify audiobooks when they finally arrive in your country?

Source: Spotify Premium Will Include Instant Access to 150,000+ Audiobooks – Spotify Blog

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You can now share your ebooks in Kindle apps thanks to Amazon Household https://ebookfriendly.com/share-your-ebooks-in-kindle-apps-amazon-household/ https://ebookfriendly.com/share-your-ebooks-in-kindle-apps-amazon-household/#respond Thu, 14 Sep 2023 12:24:49 +0000 https://ebookfriendly.com/?p=157718 So far, users connected to the same Amazon Household account were able to access the same content via Kindle e-readers or on the web via Kindle Cloud Reader.

Starting today, you can share your content with other Amazon Household members, using your Kindle app on the iOS, Android, and Fire device.

The content that’s eligible for Amazon Household sharing is purchased ebooks and audiobooks (including manga and comics), as well as content downloaded via active digital subscriptions, such as Kindle Unlimited, Amazon Prime Reading, and comiXology unlimited.

If you use your Kindle or Kindle app to get library ebooks via Public Library Lending, you can share these titles as well.

What are the benefits of sharing Kindle content via Amazon Household? The biggest benefit is that two or more users can read the same ebook, and there will be no problem with the last-synced editions. Also, every user can organize the content in their own way, so you won’t have a problem with finding the right boo.

Amazon Household allows you to share Amazon benefits with another adult, teens, and children. You can add two adult accounts and four kids. Members of the family can choose to share selected books from their Library or the entire Library itself.

Here are more details about Amazon Household, and here you can start adding family members.

It’s not clear whether you have to be subscribed to Amazon Prime to start your Amazon Household. You can share your Prime benefits if you have Prime membership, but you can also share your purchased Kindle books – and in this case, you don’t need Prime.

Regarding Amazon Fire tablets, you can now get Fire Max 11 for only $189.99 (15% off), and the 10-inch Fire HD for $119 (20% off).

Source: Families can now share Kindle content on iOS, Android, and Fire Tablets with Amazon Household – About Amazon


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Here are the 12 best iPhone case covers for book lovers https://ebookfriendly.com/book-style-iphone-covers/ https://ebookfriendly.com/book-style-iphone-covers/#comments Tue, 12 Sep 2023 10:54:29 +0000 http://ebookfriendly.com/?p=86566

In this updated overview, you’ll see gorgeous iPhone covers that will remind you of the joy of reading books anywhere, anytime.

Even if you don’t feel like spending a couple of minutes in a queue with a good book opened in an e-reading application on your iPhone, you can still express you are a book lover.

In the list below, you will see iPhone covers that would make great gifts for bookworms or librarians.

Most of these cases are available for several iPhone models, including the 13 and 14th generation. This list will be updated as cases for the newest generation arrive.

As most iPhone cases on Amazon come with plain product photos, we’ve visualized most of them so that you can have a feel of how they will look in real life. 

Most of the visualized photos link to our Amazon’s Influencer pages, from where you can click on the featured products.

If you would like to have a chance to customize an iPhone case with your own text, make sure to check out the list of the best personalized iPhone cases. All these cases are available on Zazzle – the best online store with products that you can customize in seconds.

If you know of any case worth adding to this selection, please leave a suggestion in the comment below.

Best iPhone case covers for bookworms

Jane Austen handwriting iPhone cover

This vintage design features Jane Austen’s remastered handwriting from her letter to sister Cassandra, written in April 1811. The artwork comes with a first name from her signature and a large stroke made with a red ink. 

This particular variant shows the letters with a golden feel on an organic black background. You can also get the light version, with dark brown letters on an old paper.

The case is a great gift idea for a romance book lover, a librarian, or a fan of all things vintage.

The case is made of two parts, a premium scratch-resistant polycarbonate shell and shock absorbent TPU liner. It’s available for several iPhone models, including the latest ones.

The price is set at $17.99, and it’s one of the most affordable options on Amazon.

Vintage Bookworm BKWRM FRVR iPhone cover

A bookworm is a person who re-reads books forever. This vintage design says “BKWRM FRVR” followed by definitions of the two words: “bookworm” and “forever.”

Engraved reading glasses add a touch of vintage intensity to the design. Other variants – BKLVR and BKNRD – are also available, both in dark and light colors.

This standard case is more than enough to protect your iPhone in most situations, including bumps and mild drops.

Cute bookish drawing iPhone case

From Katoc Zarl comes a cute iPhone case for booklovers who love cute drawing and pastel colors.

This soft case is made with a soft but protective TPU material. It’s transparent, and the artwork is printed with scratch resistant ink on its back.

Other cozy patterns are also available in the series. The price is set to $10, for a case that’s compatible with iPhone 14.

My Kingdom for a power charger iPhone case

“A horse, a horse! Kingdom for a horse!” is a famous saying by William Shakespeare. A horse? Really? This vintage artwork says: “My Kingdom for a power charger”. 

The artwork is inspired by the 17th century book title design. A dark variant is also available.

The case is made of two parts, a premium scratch-resistant polycarbonate shell and shock absorbent TPU liner. It’s available for several iPhone models, including the latest ones.

The price at the time of writing this overview was set at $17.99.

Minimalist clever bookshelf barcode iPhone case

Are you looking for iPhone covers that come with a minimalist design? Take a look at this clever artwork that looks like a standard barcode, but when you take a closer look, you will see books on the shelf. 

The text says: “Read books and be unique.” A version on a beige background is also available.

Just the dropdown menu under “Model name” to pick up the iPhone that you own.

The case is made of two-part shock-resistant material, and is available for $17.99.

Book vs. cal lovers funny iPhone case cover

Are you a book or cat lover? Or maybe both? This cute artwork says it all: “Book lovers never sleep alone. Cat lovers never sleep”.

The cover is available for numerous iPhone models, including the latest ones. The construction prevents from mild drop accidents.

Cozy bookshelf iPhone cover

If you are never enough of images of bookshelves full of books, this case will meet your needs.

The artwork features a vector bookshelf full of books in pastel colors, giving the overall feeling of a cozy reading nook.

The artwork is printed on a sturdy and flexible back cover that’s both slim and sturdy.

“Made of an advanced printing technique, the pattern is clear and bright, and will not rub off and fade.”

The price of the case at the time of updating this post is $11.99.

Slow down and read a book iPhone cover

Isn’t it the highest time to relax and forget about daily problems? This cozy artwork comes with handwritten typography that says: “Keep calm, slow down, and dive into a good book”.

The case is a friendly reminder that your iPhone can be a handy book reader, and you can start reading any time you want, no other device needed.

The cover is available for numerous iPhone models, including the latest ones. The two-part construction prevents from mild shock accidents.

The price for every iPhone model is the same, and the regular level is set at $17.99.

Vintage composition book green VNTG

Are you a fan of the classic composition notebook design?

This vintage-style artwork resembles the front of an iconic vintage notebook, with a letterpress label featuring strokes of red ink, and a unique marbled paper remastered to support seamless product placement.

The artwork is available in green, as well as a few other colors, and on several products, including iPhone covers.

The case protects the device from mild drops, and allows easy access to all ports.

I see a book coffee great day positive iPhone case

This vintage artwork is inspired by 17th and 18th century book title pages design.

The quote was coined in 2026 by Piotr Kowalczyk, and says: “I see a book, I see a coffee, I see a great day ahead.”

Other case covers from Vintage Book Quotes series are also available on Amazon, Zazzle, Redbubble, and Society 6.

The case features a standard design, with a two-layer structure for enhanced shock protection. Available for several iPhone models.

iPhone cover with library due-date pattern

This iPhone cover features an iconic design of a library due-date card, stamped with various return dates.

It’s a perfect present for a librarian or nerdy book lover or reader. Great for nerds who love reading or who love to use their library card to check out books!

The product image shows the case for iPhone 11, but the cover is available for several generations, including the 14th.

The price is set at $17.99, and you can’t expect it to dramatically go down during popular shopping seasons.

Nature coffee and books iPhone cover

Here is something for bookworms who love going to a remote cabin or a campsite, and spend all the time on binge-reading, while enjoying their coffee and a great view of snowy mountains.

This vintage artwork shows an engraved mountain landscape on a pale green background. The text goes: “All I need is nature, coffee, and books. Another great day ahead!” The design has just been released, so it hasn’t earned any reviews yet.

Just like all iPhone cases that are available on Amazon via Merch channel, this one is available for several generations, and costs $17.99.


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12 best metal accessories and home decor for book lovers https://ebookfriendly.com/best-metal-accessories-home-decor-book-lovers/ https://ebookfriendly.com/best-metal-accessories-home-decor-book-lovers/#respond Mon, 04 Sep 2023 05:53:39 +0000 https://ebookfriendly.com/?p=157557 The list first appeared on Reader Updated.

Explore some of the best home decor items for book lovers that are handmade from metal: steel, brass, copper, bolts, or industrial pipes.

If you’re a book lover looking to spruce up your home with literary-inspired decor, you’ve come to the right place.

Here, I’ll explore some of the best home decor items for book lovers. What do they have in common? They are handmade from metal: steel, brass, copper, bolts, or industrial pipes.

Steel is a durable and versatile material that can add a modern and stylish touch to your home. It’s easy to clean and maintain, making it a great choice for decor that will last for years to come.

Make sure to take a look at the best home decor items that are shaped like books.

Best metal accessories for book lovers

Abstract sculpture of a person reading a book

Unique coffee table or bookshelf sculpture made of bronze. Suitable as a bookend. ⇢ Amazon

Vintage aluminum man with a book

An aluminum figurine showing a man reading a book, handmade in the vintage style of the 1980s. ⇢ Etsy

Steampunk-style sitting robot bookshelf lamp

A vintage decorative lamp created from industrial water pipes to resemble a thinking robot, with its head being a round lamp. A perfect accessory for a home library. ⇢ Amazon

Handcrafted statue of a person reading a book

An elegant, stylish medium-size home decor made of metal, paper, and twigs gathered from the mountains and. A perfect living room decoration. ⇢ Etsy

Bookshelf figurines made of cast iron

These small decorative sculptures show a girl and boy reading books. You can buy the girl separately. ⇢ Amazon

Industrial reading figurine

A loft-style metal sculpture handmade out of scrap metal, nuts, and bolts. Approximately 7 inches high. ⇢ Etsy

Modern abstract statue with a reading girl

A dual color metal ring with a girl reading a book. The product description doesn’t include anything about metal, while it says the sculpture is lightweight. It may suggest the product is actually not metal. ⇢ Amazon

Reading Lord Ganesha handmade sculpture 

A 5.5-inch high small home decor figurine showing Lord Ganesha reading. Handmade in India from quality brass. ⇢ Amazon

Industrial metal man reading a book or newspaper

A loft-style, small decorative figurine handcrafted in the Netherlands from steel bolts, copper plates, and stone. Approximately 3.1-inch high. ⇢ Etsy

Contemporary, handcrafted bookish figurine for a ledge

A 10-inch tall, contemporary bronze decorative sculpture showing a woman reading a book. To be placed on a ledge of a bookshelf or coffee table. ⇢ Amazon

Relaxed, steampunk man reading a book

A cool, industrial lamp showing a man reading an actual book. Handmade from small steel pipes and plastic. A great little decorative element for a bookshelf or bedside table. ⇢ Etsy

Stylish metal ring with a reading man

An elegant, handcrafted cast iron sculpture portraying an avid reader. Contemporary in feel, it fits any spot at a bookworm’s home. ⇢ Amazon

Wishlist: metal glass holder in the shape of a person reading a book 

Highly popular some ten years ago, this awesome metal glass holder and coaster is currently not available anywhere online. I hope one day it will reappear 😍

Top metal home decor metal accessories for booklovers

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9 recommended Kindle books for World Book Day 2023 https://ebookfriendly.com/kindle-ebooks-world-book-day-2023/ https://ebookfriendly.com/kindle-ebooks-world-book-day-2023/#respond Sun, 23 Apr 2023 08:42:46 +0000 https://ebookfriendly.com/?p=157484 Books by authors from 9 countries are available for World Book Day 2023 at reduced prices. You can grab one of these titles for free.

UNESCO’s World Book and Copyright Day is an international celebration of books, authors, and reading. It is held annually on April 23, the anniversary of the deaths of William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes.

Since 2018, Amazon celebrates the World Book Day by organizing the “Read the World” giveaway. 10 books written by authors from around the world were offered as free downloads for at least a week.

In a press release announcing the Read the World 2022 selection, Amazon shared information that more than 5.5 million Kindle books were downloaded by over 1.2 million unique readers from 190 countries.

It turns out that Amazon’s World Book Day giveaways are no more. This year, Amazon offers 9 Kindle books, but you are eligible for a free download of only one title from the list.

If you are interested in getting more than one book, you will have to pay for the remaining positions in your shopping basket. The good news is that all the recommended books are offered at prices that are reduced for World Book Day 2023 to $4.99.

Technically, the promotion works through applying to your account a credit worth $4.99 (the value of each book on a list). So, if you pick up just one book from the World Book Day 2023 selection, you will get a refund that equals its price. 

The Read the World 2023 offer lasts until April 30th, 2023. I have listed all the titles below, with short blurbs. Which book are you the most interested in?

9 recommended books for World Book Day 2023

The Last Rose of Shanghai

Weina Dai Randel

China

Aiyi Shao is a young heiress and the owner of a formerly popular and glamorous Shanghai nightclub. Ernest Reismann is a penniless Jewish refugee who she hires to play piano, causing a sensation and making her club the hottest spot in the city.

They soon realize they share a passion for jazz and each other, but they are from different worlds, and she is engaged to another man. War and turmoil threaten their love as they must make choices between love and survival. 

The Last Rose of Shanghai is an epic story of love and redemption, set in the vibrant and dangerous atmosphere of Shanghai during an era of political upheaval.

All the Lies They Did Not Tell

Pablo Trincia 

Italy

In 1997, a six-year-old boy from the Bassa region of Italy was questioned by authorities and relayed stories of abuse and satanic rituals. 

As the child’s story progressed, more and more people were implicated in his shocking revelations. Fifteen more children were transferred out of the region and their parents were accused of participating in the satanic sect. 

Allegations of kidnapping, torture, sacrifice, and murder escalated as the Satanic Panic of the 1990s spread. 

Investigative journalist Pablo Trincia returned to the scene of the crime to uncover the truth behind the stories, and his findings are as terrifying as the lies.

Say Her Name

Dreda Say Mitchell, Ryan Carter 

United Kingdom

Eva, a biracial woman adopted 20 years ago, is suspended from work and dealing with the death of her adoptive parents, Cherry and Carlton “Sugar” McNeil. She joins a DNA database in the hopes of uncovering her identity and is thrilled to get a positive match.

However, she soon finds out that someone is trying to stop her from discovering the truth. She’s drawn into a dark side of society where black women disappear without a trace.

Once, someone wanted a better life for her, but now that she’s torn down the facade of her life, has she come too far to be saved again?

Small Deaths

Small Deaths - Rijula Das

Rijula Das

India

Lalee and Tilu Shau live in Calcutta’s notorious red-light district, both wishing for a better life. Tilu is in love with Lalee and wants to marry her to liberate her from her street life.

When a fellow sex worker and young mother is brutally murdered, Lalee is offered the chance to take her place as a high-end escort, but it soon turns dangerous.

Tilu is drawn into a rescue mission, and they must go on life-altering journeys to escape a savage fate. 

Small Deaths is a modern noir that reveals the resilience and obstacles of outcasts trying to find dignity, love, and survival.

War and Me

War and Me - Faleeha Hassan

Faleeha Hassan

Iraq

Faleeha Hassan’s memoir is a deeply personal account of her life growing up in Najaf, Iraq, and the enduring effects of loss and fear she experienced.

Despite the violence of war, she found the courage to travel alone to the front lines, searching for her father and brother. After moving to the US, she chose to focus on education for her and her children, rather than the war that had been such a part of her life for so long.

Through her story, readers gain an intimate perspective on the loving bonds of family, and how we can find courage and hope even in the most desperate of situations.

Such a Beautiful Thing to Behold

Such a Beautiful Thing to Behold - Umar Turaki

Umar Turaki

Nigeria

In Umar Turaki’s gripping novel, a mysterious plague known as the Grey has taken hold of the small village of Pilam, leaving the world to quarantine it without mercy.

With victims sapped of strength and color in their eyes, Dunka, the eldest son of a family afflicted by the Grey, takes it upon himself to leave the village in search of a cure. 

Along the way, Dunka meets up with his siblings, now an unlikely family of six, as they bravely face the chaos of violence, hunger, and death.

Ultimately, this novel is a story of survival, love, and the human spirit’s capacity for hope and wonder in the face of adversity.

Broken Summer

Broken Summer - J.M. Lee

J.M. Lee

South Korea

Lee Hanjo is a celebrated artist at the peak of his career but on his 43rd birthday, his devoted wife has disappeared. 

She has published a novel about a similar artist with a questionable morality which is based on Hanjo’s past. He must reflect on a summer from his youth when a deadly lie irreversibly determined the fate of two families. 

J. M. Lee’s novel explores hidden truths, denials and their consequences as those who remain must face the deceptions of the past and experience the vindication and suffering that comes with revenge.

West Side Love Story

West Side Love Story - Priscilla Oliveras

Priscilla Oliveras

Mexico

Two familias in Texas, the Capuletas and the Monteros, have been embroiled in a decades-long feud. Mariana Capuleta and Angelo Montero, two young star-crossed lovers, are determined to end the rivalry between their familias. 

To do so, they must compete in the Battle of the Mariachi Bands, despite their forbidden attraction to each other. As the stakes of their competition increase, so does their secret affair. 

But with betrayals, rivalries, and broken ties, they must make sacrifices and weigh the consequences of their actions. Mariana and Angelo must fight to bring peace between their familias and make beautiful music together.

Piece by Piece

Piece by Piece - David Aguilar

David Aguilar, Ferran Aguilar

Andorra

David Aguilar was born with one arm missing, but he refused to let this define him. At just nine years old, he built a prosthetic arm out of LEGO bricks, and he hasn’t stopped creating since.

His inventions, inspired by his passion for building, could help others and make a difference in the world. In this memoir, David shares his story of triumph and success, with humor and heart. 

He talks about his family and friends, the heartbreak and loss he experienced, and how he continues to dream big and build a better world, piece by piece.

Kindle ebooks World Book Day 2023

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