iPhone

Book Spin

Can’t decide what to read next? Import your to-read list, filter by genre or format, then spin.

What it does

Spin a random book

Pick from your whole library, or narrow it first by genre and format — physical, digital, or audio.
Bring in your TBR

Share a Goodreads library export (CSV). Only titles on your to-read shelf are added; duplicates are skipped.
Scan a barcode

Point the camera at an ISBN, or type it in. Book Spin looks up the title, cover, and details for you.
Accept and start reading

Accept a pick to open it on Goodreads and remove it from your local to-read pile.

The Goodreads app cannot export your library. Do this in Safari, then send the file to Book Spin.

1

Open Safari

Don’t use the Goodreads app. If you only see the mobile site, request a desktop website.
2

Export your library

Sign in at goodreads.com, then go to My Books → Import and export → Export Library. Wait until the CSV is ready, then download it.
3

Share it to Book Spin

From Files, Downloads, or the share sheet, send the .csv to Book Spin. You can also choose the file from the import screen in the app.

Book Spin is not affiliated with Goodreads or Amazon.

Answers to common questions. If you still need help, get in touch below.

Why didn’t my whole Goodreads library import?: Book Spin only imports titles on the to-read shelf. Books you’ve already read, or marked currently reading, are skipped. Duplicates of titles already in the app are skipped too.
The CSV won’t import.: Use the official Goodreads library export, not a spreadsheet you made yourself. The file needs the usual Goodreads columns (including Title, and Book Id or Exclusive Shelf). Export from Safari as described above — the Goodreads iOS app has no export.
Barcode lookup failed.: Check that you’re scanning the ISBN barcode (not a shop’s price barcode). You need a network connection for the lookup. You can also type the ISBN. If the camera is off, allow access in Settings → Book Spin, or type the number instead.
What does Accept do?: It removes the book from Book Spin and opens the matching page on Goodreads in your browser, so you can mark it currently reading there. Your Goodreads account is unchanged until you do that yourself.
Where is my library stored?: On your iPhone. Book Spin has no account and does not upload your list. Deleting a book, or deleting the app, removes that data from the device. See the privacy policy.
How do I add books without Goodreads?: In the Library tab, scan a barcode or tap Add to enter a title by hand. You can set formats and genres so they show up when you spin.

For bugs, import problems, or other questions, email tony@tonyo.tech and mention Book Spin in the subject.