TBR - Bookshelf icon
TBR - Bookshelf: Comprehensive Review of the iOS Book Tracking Application

by TBR - Bookshelf, LLC

TBR - Bookshelf provides iOS users with unlimited book tracking across three categories: to-be-read, currently reading, and completed. The app features rating systems, reading logs, and public database browsing for discovering new titles.

Detailed Review

TBR - Bookshelf positions itself as a comprehensive reading management solution for iOS users seeking to organize their literary pursuits. The application addresses the common problem of forgotten book recommendations by providing a structured system for tracking reading progress across multiple categories without imposing book limits, distinguishing itself from basic note-taking alternatives. The core functionality revolves around three primary tracking categories: to-be-read lists, currently reading progress, and completed books. Users can search an integrated public database to add titles, though some limitations exist regarding lesser-known publications. The rating system allows for quick evaluations of completed works, while the logging feature enables readers to record memorable passages or reactions. Database browsing includes filters for point-of-view perspectives, literary tropes, and reread potential, providing substantial discovery tools for finding new material. User experience demonstrates thoughtful design with intuitive categorization and visual organization of reading progress. The interface presents bookshelves metaphorically, creating familiar mental models for bibliophiles. Real-world usage patterns show readers typically maintaining active lists across all three categories simultaneously, with the ability to quickly transition books between states as reading progresses. The absence of limits encourages comprehensive tracking without artificial constraints on reading volume. User feedback trends indicate strong satisfaction with the core concept, though technical issues and database limitations emerge as consistent themes. Reviewer Lilgamerinspace (July 29, 2025) praises the motivational aspects while questioning how to add missing books to the database. Silvaangel (May 29, 2025) reports application crashes during rating processes, suggesting stability concerns in certain workflows. Multiple reviewers express enthusiasm for the visual organization and tracking capabilities previously managed through basic notes applications. The application demonstrates significant strengths in organizational structure and motivational tracking, particularly for readers transitioning from manual methods. Limitations surface in database completeness and occasional stability issues during rating operations. Ideal use cases involve readers maintaining substantial reading lists who benefit from structured tracking but may need supplemental methods for obscure publications not yet in the database. The paid upgrade option provides additional features that enhance the visual retrospective aspect of reading history.

Key Features

  • Unlimited book tracking across three categories (TBR, reading, completed) without restrictions on library size, enabling comprehensive reading management
  • Integrated public database with searchable metadata including point-of-view, tropes, and reread potential, facilitating book discovery and informed selection
  • Quick-rating system with logging capabilities for recording reactions and memorable passages, creating personalized reading journals
  • Visual bookshelf interface that displays reading progress through intuitive categorization, providing clear organizational structure
  • Cross-category management allowing seamless transition of books between states as reading progresses, maintaining continuous tracking

Why Users Love It

Unlimited book tracking
Comprehensive organizational system

Perfect for: Avid readers seeking structured book tracking and discovery tools

Screenshots

TBR - Bookshelf screenshot 1TBR - Bookshelf screenshot 2TBR - Bookshelf screenshot 3TBR - Bookshelf screenshot 4TBR - Bookshelf screenshot 5TBR - Bookshelf screenshot 6

Ranking History

Track TBR - Bookshelf's performance in Magazines & Newspapers over the last 30 days

Top 5
Top 10
Top 15
Below 15

Current Rank

#44

+3 from last week

Best Rank

#39

All-time high

Average Rank

#45

30-day average

User Reviews

Kelseyed
Jul 4, 2025

It’s so straightforward and makes a perfect visualization of the books I’ve read this year. My favorite bookshelf app (and I’ve tried tons). I upgraded to the paid version and so enjoy having such an easy, appealing way to look back at the books I read. All that being said, I am BEGGING for the half stars not to round up when sorting by rating on the bookshelf. A 2.5 star book should NOT move to the front of the 3s 😭 It messes up my bookshelf big time because it looks like I liked some books much more than I did and others much less, so then I have to start to rate them differently than I actually want to in order to get them to appear the order I actually want them to, and even then, I don’t like a 3.5 star book being BEHIND some of the 3s if I rate it a 3, but I can’t rate it 3.5 because then it will be in front of some of the 4s. Best bookshelf app It’s so straightforward and makes a perfect visualization of the books I’ve read this year. My favorite bookshelf app (and I’ve tried tons). I upgraded to the paid version and so enjoy having such an easy, appealing way to look back at the books I read. All that being said, I am BEGGING for the half stars not to round up when sorting by rating on the bookshelf. A 2.5 star book should NOT move to the front of the 3s 😭 It messes up my bookshelf big time because it looks like I liked some books much more than I did and others much less, so then I have to start to rate them differently than I actually want to in order to get them to appear the order I actually want them to, and even then, I don’t like a 3.5 star book being BEHIND some of the 3s if I rate it a 3, but I can’t rate it 3.5 because then it will be in front of some of the 4s.

Bowie ⁂
Jun 28, 2025

I've been using my notes app to keep track of all the books I read 😭. I never knew there was an book tracking app until now. I heard about it on Pinterest and thought I'd give it a try exactly what I've been looking for! I've been using my notes app to keep track of all the books I read 😭. I never knew there was an book tracking app until now. I heard about it on Pinterest and thought I'd give it a try

Gotfe
Jul 30, 2025

Hey, I like the app, its a great set up and huge motivation for me to finish the books I start. How can I add books to the TBR database? Sometimes I search for books and seems like they don’t exist in the system so I am unable to add them to my TBR or read list. Can I add a book that is not in the database? Hey, I like the app, its a great set up and huge motivation for me to finish the books I start. How can I add books to the TBR database? Sometimes I search for books and seems like they don’t exist in the system so I am unable to add them to my TBR or read list.

Lyd_for_ur_drink
Jun 21, 2025

This is my favorite app for anything book related. I love the layout and how easy it is to use and how it keeps track of what genres you love. I recommend this to everyone! Favorite App This is my favorite app for anything book related. I love the layout and how easy it is to use and how it keeps track of what genres you love. I recommend this to everyone!

Jazzminn125
Sep 18, 2025

It works really good and it easy to use, but not every book is in there TBR It works really good and it easy to use, but not every book is in there

App Details

Developer

TBR - Bookshelf, LLC

Platform

ios

Rating

4.5

Last Updated

10/7/2025