paulilaaso/lue

Terminal eBook Reader with Audiobook-Quality Text-to-Speech — Supports EPUB, PDF, DOCX, HTML, RTF, TXT, and MD.

What it solves

Lue is a terminal-based eBook and document reader that integrates text-to-speech (TTS) to allow users to read and listen to documents simultaneously. It solves the problem of fragmented reading workflows by providing a synchronized experience where text is highlighted and scrolled automatically as it is read aloud.

How it works

The application supports a wide range of formats (EPUB, PDF, TXT, DOCX, HTML, RTF, and Markdown) and uses a modular TTS system. By default, it utilizes Edge TTS for online speech, but it also supports Kokoro TTS for local, offline playback. The system synchronizes the audio playback with word-level highlighting and auto-scrolling within the terminal interface.

Who it’s for

It is designed for users who prefer terminal-based tools, people who want to combine reading with listening for better focus, and those who need an offline-capable document reader with TTS integration.

Highlights

  • Multi-Format Support: Reads EPUB, PDF, TXT, DOCX, HTML, RTF, and Markdown.
  • Modular TTS: Supports both cloud-based (Edge) and local (Kokoro) text-to-speech engines.
  • Synchronized Experience: Features word-level highlighting and auto-scrolling synced to the speech.
  • Customizable Interface: Offers multiple UI modes (Minimal, Medium, Full, and Speed Reading), Vim-style keyboard bindings, and various color themes.
  • Smart Persistence: Automatically saves and restores reading progress across sessions.

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