As a devoted reader, I’m a frequent user of the Kindle app—sometimes on my actual Kindle and more often on devices like my phone or iPad. Yet, the app annoys me. It could be so much better! Here’s my Kindle wishlist.

Options to organize the library

I would so love to organize or filter my library. I’m itching to arrange by date purchased, by a rating (see below), by how far along I am in the book, by author, or by genre. Part of the joy of a library is to arrange the books. (Heck, in real life people even organize books by color!) Adding the ability to organize, would transform an overwhelming library to a satisfying one.

Remove returned library books and samples

A major frustration surfaced once I began using the Libby app. That’s the wonderful, very user-friendly app my library uses for patrons to borrow ebooks (so happy this replaced the original Overdrive ebook system). One of Libby’s defining features is the ability to send the book to Amazon, to easily read it on the Kindle app on any device. The problem is that when the borrowed book is returned to the library, its cover remains on the Kindle bookshelf. If I can no longer read it on Kindle, why is it still on my bookshelf?

Similarly, I find it irritating that samples of books, Amazon’s system for allowing a partial download (10%) of a book, remain on the bookshelf. Yes, they’re labeled Sample, but they needlessly clutter up the bookshelf. Even if there were the ability to manually delete, I’d be very happy.

Rate books in my library

Okay, so I know that Amazon owns Goodreads and Goodreads has a thorough rating and review system. But that lives separately. I would love to be able to add my own simple ratings to my Kindle library, which would be helpful in organizing. Bonus: If this were tied to Amazon’s actual review system, it would encourage me to review the books I’ve read.

Select a cover of choice for the sleeping Kindle device

When I replaced my Kindle Fire with a regular Kindle last year, I was shocked to see that the sleep mode of the device shows an ad for a book. I get it: Amazon wants to sell books. But I bought the device, and I find it irritating that Amazon can place an ad for its own benefit that sits in my view whenever the device is not on. I’d very much appreciate being able to select the cover. At minimum, a logical and automated choice could be the cover of the book I last opened. Note: As I was writing this, I was delighted to learn that Amazon appears to be rolling out this option to some devices. Fingers crossed that I’ll receive this on my humble Kindle. Seems like a no-brainer.

There’s no doubt the Kindle device and app have totally changed the reading landscape. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be better. I don’t have a ton of faith in Amazon’s interest in upgrading the Kindle app. Clearly, it’s low on the list of priorities for the company overall. Still, adding these new features would go a long way towards making readers like me bigger fans of Amazon.