# Parallel Books

> Read books in two languages simultaneously for language learning. (iPhone/iPad app by High Tea IT Limited.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/parallel-books/id1045596664 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [High Tea IT Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1045596663)
- Category: Books, Education
- Price: Free
- Age rating: 12+
- Requires: iOS 15.6 · 2 MB
- Languages: English, French, German, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, Spanish
- Released: 2015-12-08
- Data updated: 2026-08-28
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/parallel-books/id1045596664/reviews.md

## What is Parallel Books?

Become fluent in a new language. Read a book in your new tongue while having a parallel copy in your native language handy for reference. Now thanks to Parallel Books, this technique is available on iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. Translations will automatically stay in sync, leaving you free to be immersed in the words on the page. Reading a book in two different languages at the same time has never been easier! 

- Designed for people learning a new language.
- Displays a book simultaneously in two different languages.
- Translations stay in sync as you read.
- Stretchy, “chewing gum" overlay visually connects parallel content.
- Chewing gum overlay can be hidden.
- Translations can be displayed in two columns on the screen, or each translation can fill an entire screen.
- Continuously scrolls or pages through content without needing to change mode.
- Tapping on a paragraph shows the translation of that paragraph.
- Double tapping hides tool bars, giving more space.
- Multicolored highlights and searchable notes can be added.
- Includes day and night themes.
- Currently books are available in English, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Italian, Dutch, Swedish, Esperanto, Korean, Chinese, Arabic plus more.
- Some books include multiple translations in the same language; ideal for literature and translation students.
- Parallel Books is in development for other platforms.
- New books are being added all the time.
- All books are currently FREE.

## Key features

- Dual language display
- Synchronized translations
- Adjustable display modes
- Searchable notes
- Day/night themes
- Highlighting

## Recent user reviews (10 of 30)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/parallel-books/id1045596664/reviews.md

### 1/5 — App not functional- no library

*2025-08-16, version 1.36*

This app seems to have been abandoned— there is no content to download. Based on other reviews it seems it’s been at least a year since this app hasn’t been usable. So why is the app still available for download? Why didn’t the developers remove the app from the store or at least do the simple courtesy leaving a note on their website that they are temporarily or permanently shut down?

### 1/5 — App is not working

*2025-01-06, version 1.36*

The library isn’t open, it said check your internet connection, but my connection is good.

### 1/5 — Not functional

*2024-10-08, version 1.36*

The bookstore doesn’t load, so it’s impossible to add books. This issue has persisted for the last 6 months…

### 1/5 — açılmıyor

*2024-07-29, version 1.36*

ana sayfada takılıp kalıyor. böyle uygulama yapıp destek vermeyen geliştiriciler store dan atılmalı. app store da yavaş yavaş play store çöplüğüne benzemeye başladı

### 1/5 — Does not work

*2024-07-10, version 1.36*

iOS 17.4.1

### 1/5 — Does Not Work. At all

*2024-04-06, version 1.36*

I downloaded the app. You start with an empty library. You are supposed to hit the plus sign to go to the store and add books. The store never loads. I’ve not downloaded a single book because it won’t load. I’ve reached out to the app. I’ll update the review with more info as it comes.

### 1/5 — Bookstore never loads

*2023-12-03, version 1.35*

Their bookstore never loads. This is taking up space on the AppStore. Deleting the app today.

### 2/5 — It used to work

*2023-11-14, version 1.35*

I cannot get to the Bookstore. When I try, the store never loads.

### 1/5 — What a pity

*2023-10-14, version 1.35*

This appears to be abandonware, completely inoperable, which is a shame because it seemed promising. Why is it still in the App Store?

### 1/5 — Appears to be broken

*2023-10-04, version 1.35*

I’m guessing they’ve given up on it

## Frequently asked questions about Parallel Books

### What does Parallel Books do?

Parallel Books allows you to read books simultaneously in two different languages. It displays a book in your target language alongside a parallel copy in your native language, keeping the translations synchronized as you read. This facilitates language immersion and comprehension.

### How does the translation synchronization work?

The app automatically keeps the translations in sync as you scroll or page through the content. This means that as you read a sentence or paragraph in one language, its corresponding translation appears in the other language without manual intervention.

### Is Parallel Books free to use?

Yes, all books currently available on Parallel Books are free. The app itself is also free to download and use, with no cost associated with accessing the reading features or the provided book library.

### What languages are supported?

The app supports a wide range of languages including English, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Italian, Dutch, Swedish, Esperanto, Korean, Chinese, and Arabic, with more languages being added. Some books offer multiple translations within the same language.

### Can I add my own notes or highlights?

Yes, you can add multicolored highlights and searchable notes to the text as you read. This feature helps you mark important passages, vocabulary, or grammar points for later review and study.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.37 — 2026-03-22

Bug fixes

### 1.36 — 2023-12-14

bug fixes
iOS 13 compatibility

### 1.35 — 2019-11-15

Dark Mode
Bug Fixes

### 1.33 — 2018-08-28

Bug fixes. Recommended for all users.

### 1.32 — 2018-04-05

Streamlined facebook features

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## Related topics

[bilingual books](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/bilingual-books)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-28.*