Jelu
Self-HostedOpen-source self-hosted book tracker and reading list manager
Overview
Jelu is an open-source self-hosted book tracker designed to help you manage your reading journey privately. Track progress, organize books into custom shelves (e.g., 'Currently Reading', 'Favorites'), write reviews, and add personal notes. Import existing collections from Goodreads or upload e-books (EPUB, PDF) directly. Deploy easily via Docker Compose—no complex setup beyond basic environment variable configuration to connect to PostgreSQL. Keep your reading data under your control without relying on third-party services.
Self-Hosting Resources
Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml.
⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.
version: '3'
services:
jelu:
image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
container_name: jelu
ports:
- "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
volumes:
- ./data:/app/data
restart: unless-stopped Key Features
- Track reading progress and book metadata
- Organize books into custom shelves/lists
- Import from Goodreads and upload e-books
- Write reviews and personal notes
- Docker-based deployment with PostgreSQL support
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is Jelu hard to install?
Jelu is relatively easy to install using Docker Compose. The official documentation provides clear steps: clone the repo, adjust environment variables (e.g., database credentials), and run the compose file. Basic familiarity with Docker is helpful but not mandatory for most users.
? Is Jelu a good alternative to Goodreads?
Yes—Jelu offers core book tracking features (progress, reviews, shelves) plus the benefit of self-hosted data privacy. It supports importing from Goodreads, making switching seamless. However, it lacks Goodreads' social features but is ideal for users prioritizing data control over community interactions.
? Is Jelu completely free?
Yes—Jelu is open-source under the MIT License, so it’s completely free to use. There are no premium tiers or hidden fees; all features are available for self-hosted instances.
Top Alternatives
People Also Ask about Jelu
Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Privacy-focused (self-hosted data control)
- ⊕ Free and open-source (MIT license)
- ⊕ Seamless Goodreads import functionality
- ⊕ Customizable reading organization options
Cons
- ⊖ Web-only interface (no native mobile app)
- ⊖ Requires basic Docker knowledge for setup
- ⊖ Lacks social features like friend following or community reviews