Related
Here's the B&N eReader app that was on my NRG ROM but gave a 'comng soon' splash but updated OTA to the attached new version that is live and working
A bunch of pics and info on the app ar located here: http://www.mobilitydigest.com/barnes-nobles-ereader-is-liveand-sweet/
Awesome, thank you kindly!
Excuse my ignorance about the B&N eReader but can you import ebooks you already own into this reader or will it only except publications from the B&N website?
I am not seeing any option to import existing ebooks, such as the ones I have for eReader. B&N owns eReader, if I remember correctly. Wonder if the two apps will "merge" at some point, or I'm guessing they may want people like me to switch over to the new reader.
this is awesome ... thanks David
I've been waiting for this for a long time. You're my hero! Thanks!
Yer looks ok, downloaded the free books, but I can't view my .epub books I already have, seems pointless application unless I can read my existing epubs, perhaps I am doing something wrong again...
THUDUK said:
Yer looks ok, downloaded the free books, but I can't view my .epub books I already have, seems pointless application unless I can read my existing epubs, perhaps I am doing something wrong again...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suspect they have to be in the folder that the app uses. I haven't dug around yet to find just where the program is storing my books.
After the first five minutes, my initial impressions:
- Visually very appealing
- Instant access to your B&N library (proud nook owner here, so I have a lot of e-books from B&N).
- Doesn't sync yet with the nook (but neither does the BlackBerry or iPhone version)
- You can read e-newspapers from the app (I don't think you can do that yet with the other versions, but maybe they've been updated)
If you buy e-books from B&N this is definitely a must-have app. Otherwise there are more flexible options out there.
I tried importing a book from my peanut press folder on my sd card to the proper one on main memory (where Dracula was downloaded), and it didn't recognize it. I love the fact that the bonehead who made the cab put the BN folder on the root of the device, instead of in program files.
Farmer Ted said:
I tried importing a book from my peanut press folder on my sd card to the proper one on main memory (where Dracula was downloaded), and it didn't recognize it. I love the fact that the bonehead who made the cab put the BN folder on the root of the device, instead of in program files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's in Program Files on mine. But I'm not happy about the boneheaded move to put the Books folder within the program folder in main memory. It might be preferable to install the app to a storage card instead of main memory. Unless someone can find a way to get the program to look for books on the storage card.
Version 1.0.0.27 is now on B&N's website
images.barnesandnoble.com/PResources/download/WinMo/BNeReader_1.0.0.27.CAB
It's in Program Files on mine. But I'm not happy about the boneheaded move to put the Books folder within the program folder in main memory. It might be preferable to install the app to a storage card instead of main memory. Unless someone can find a way to get the program to look for books on the storage card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. At minimum I want my books on the storage card, even better if the whole program is there too.
If you buy e-books from B&N this is definitely a must-have app. Otherwise there are more flexible options out there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm still deciding which reader to go with. Which one do you like better?
Riverplace said:
I agree. At minimum I want my books on the storage card, even better if the whole program is there too.
I'm still deciding which reader to go with. Which one do you like better?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After installation I was able to cut and paste the whole installation directory to my Storage Card, update the shortcut and the app worked just fine.
Riverplace said:
I'm still deciding which reader to go with. Which one do you like better?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mobipocket is still my personal favorite.
+1 for Mobireader
It would be nice if they'd update the application to better fit the HD2 (non D-Pad phones)
Download a sample from B&N, anyone will do or the sample of your book you already have..
Then go to your book folder, copy across your, EPUB file already converted from any other form in Calibre etc...then rename it with the exact same long 13 digit number as the one you downloaded...
then ok the image and title are wrong but the book is all correct inside...
Anyone get any further than this
THUDUK said:
Download a sample from B&N, anyone will do or the sample of your book you already have..
Then go to your book folder, copy across your, EPUB file already converted from any other form in Calibre etc...then rename it with the exact same long 13 digit number as the one you downloaded...
then ok the image and title are wrong but the book is all correct inside...
Anyone get any further than this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good tip, infact if you download a sample of the book you have already then everything looks and works fine , the thumbnail has a small sample sticker on it though but that ain't a problem
Rumball: I was able to move it to my storage card as you suggested - thanks.
Mobipocket works ok for me but I have the HD2 and it's hard to turn the pages. I'm still shopping around, I'm taking a closer look at the calibre conversion program.
All,
This app was developed to sync with your B&N ebook library only, ie not to read epub's that you might have already downloaded to your phone or from other sources. If you have a book from B&N then it should be in your ebook library in which case it can be synced and downloaded. That's not to say you can't trick it into reading other downloaded books per other comments.
Also note it's been developed specifically and only for the HD2... mileage will vary if tried on another phones.
Richard
If you buy e-books from B&N this is definitely a must-have app. Otherwise there are more flexible options out there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what would those options be? i have many .pdf's .cbr's i've collected rom around the net. could you guide me in the right direction to one of the better ebook readers for many files types.
thanks
So I am ready to finally take the plunge into eBooks with this tablet. I found that Google's bookstore is a lot cheaper than HTC's partnership with Kobo however I feel HTCs Reader is pretty slick and has Scribe integration. So, I have purchased a book through Google and then downloaded the epub file which imported into HTC's Reader app. Maybe I am too picky here but the cover graphic is way off to the point that you can't tell what book it is by the cover art. Does anybody know of anyway to alter it? I can't seem to find the thumbnails.
Maybe if you edit the epub in Calibre (free ebook library and converter), you could set the cover to resizeable?
I had the same problem but figured out how by going through repeatedly painful trial and error.
Below is what 'I THINK', well at least it works for me.
Import ebub and check cover page
1) You can import your own epub ebooks, by transferring the ebooks to your internal storage folder "Digital Editions" - create one if it is not there.
2) Once transferred, you either need to restart your Flyer, or run your File Explorer (I am using ES) and go to \Digital Editions\ create a dummy file and remove it right after that => this will trigger the Reader to rescan and import the new entries.
3) For the self-imported ebooks, I THINK the Reader captures the first page of the ebook as the cover thumbnail. Make sure the first page has the cover image, and the image stretches the full page in the reader (full page NOT full screen, i.e. you will still see the page layout, just make sure within the page the image does not have spaces).
4) Depend of the epub source, the cover image may not be stretched to full page. If that's the case, you need to edit the epub.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Edit the epub
1) epub is zipped html. In your pc, rename the .epub to .zip, and extract it using winzip and etc.
2) Find the cover page html, open it with Notepad.
3) It could be that the cover page is not the right size, or that the image is not make full page, or that there is text/ space/ line on the cover page.
4) If it is the problem with the image size, the easiest way is to stretch the image - <img src="your_cover.jpg" style="height:100%; width:100%; text-align:center;"/>
5) If there is extra text/ space/ line on the cover page, remove them.
6) Once done, zip everything back , and rename the .zip to .epub.
7) Transfer back to \Digital Editions\.
8) Clear Reader cache
9) Trigger Reader import books.
sorry for the snoop question....
but how do I "trigger" the reader to import book, seems like there is no menu for it in my flyer sense reader.....
did not make sense at all though....
To trigger the Reader to rescan/ import from the "\Digital Editions\" directory, you either need to 1) restart your Flyer, OR 2) make some changes to the directory --> run your File Explorer (I am using ES) and go to \Digital Editions\ create a dummy file and remove it right after that.
Hi all!
This may have been asked before (actually I'm pretty sure, but combing through the last 5 pages of threads I'm having a hard time finding it), but my question is this: I've got a lot of ebooks in epub format (gotten from.... other places that I won't discuss here lol) that I am wanting to get loaded onto my Galaxy Tab 10.1 (16gb wi-fi only) that I just got last week. I have been looking into several programs that say that they will transfer from my desktop to the tablet (Calibre and Adobe Digital Editions in particular both state that they will work with the Tab). And both say I have to have an ebook reader app on the Tab.
I say all that to ask this: 1.) will both Adobe Digital Editions and Calibre do what they say well (or if someone has a better preference please let me know!) or do I need to look at using a different program to transfer my ebooks; 2.) will the default Google Books app work to read those epub formatted books or do I need to get a different ebook reader app (and which one should I get)?
Sorry for the horribly long post! Just wanted to state my question with the most background info that I could! Thanks a ton guys! You're the best forum in the world!
I use calibre to convert my eboooks to .mobi format to use with the kindle app on my tab. It works great, is open source and it will match the meta data of the cover art to the mobi file so the covet art actually shows up on my tab. A few pdf files i coverted did not turn out so good (spacing errors and such) but other than that i thimk it is a good program.
FillTheVoid said:
I use calibre to convert my eboooks to .mobi format to use with the kindle app on my tab. It works great, is open source and it will match the meta data of the cover art to the mobi file so the covet art actually shows up on my tab. A few pdf files i coverted did not turn out so good (spacing errors and such) but other than that i thimk it is a good program.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok well what's the difference between .mobi and .epub formats? I haven't really found a good definitive answer to that (even on trusty wikipedia). Is one really better than another?
Honestly I really dont know. I do know that it is the format the kindle app uses and that is what I needed. Sorry I cant be more help with that.
Haha! Thanks for the info though. Really appreciate it!
I've tried several but find that Manotano Reader works best for me. Handles ADE DRMed files no problem. Just copy the files to a folder and Import them into MR.
Not inexpensive but so much of a time saver that I don't mind. I Copy the files to a Dropbox folder on my PC. DL them from the DropBox Folder to eBook folder on My ST. Import and done.
Jay Evans said:
I've tried several but find that Manotano Reader works best for me. Handles ADE DRMed files no problem. Just copy the files to a folder and Import them into MR.
Not inexpensive but so much of a time saver that I don't mind. I Copy the files to a Dropbox folder on my PC. DL them from the DropBox Folder to eBook folder on My ST. Import and done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok! I'll have to give that one a shot. Depending on the price that is haha! Thanks for the helpful info!
eBook reader is already included
The Galaxy Tab 10.1 already includes an ebook reader. It was a part of the Touchwiz update. It can read the epub and PDF formats. It is compatible with the Adobe DRM if you are borrowing books from your library or buying other copy protected books, so you can give it your Adobe ID username and password, and it should be able to read them.
It is simply named "ebook" in the apps screen.
for transferring the books,
turn off the USB debugging under settings->Applications->Development
plug you tablet into your computer
browse to your tablet under your computer.
find the ebook folder on the tablet, put your ebook files in the ebook import folder
the path from my computer was "Computer\GT-P7510\Tablet\ebook\import"
After the files are copied, open the ebook app,
go to the menu and choose import to let the ebook reader app see the new books.
Barnes and Noble's Nook app supports .epub. Just drop your files into sdcard>Nook>MyDocuments and you're good to go. Not sure about DRM though.
For pdf's, I use ezPDF Reader. It's not free, but it's got some pretty nice features.
I use Aldiko, handles ePub and PDF which are my 2 main formats. I use Samba Filesharing for Android to create a network share, dump the files in and then use Aldiko's import folder feature to get them into it's library.
brandonyoung said:
The Galaxy Tab 10.1 already includes an ebook reader. It was a part of the Touchwiz update. It can read the epub and PDF formats. It is compatible with the Adobe DRM if you are borrowing books from your library or buying other copy protected books, so you can give it your Adobe ID username and password, and it should be able to read them.
It is simply named "ebook" in the apps screen.
for transferring the books,
turn off the USB debugging under settings->Applications->Development
plug you tablet into your computer
browse to your tablet under your computer.
find the ebook folder on the tablet, put your ebook files in the ebook import folder
the path from my computer was "Computer\GT-P7510\Tablet\ebook\import"
After the files are copied, open the ebook app,
go to the menu and choose import to let the ebook reader app see the new books.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's actually a pretty simple seeming way to transfer ebooks (all of mine are in epub (and for sure I'm not worried about DRM)) from my computer to the Tab. However, here's my sticky part. I HATE the look of the TouchWiz UI update. Loved the plain Jane Honeycomb that came with it (don't get me wrong, I think it added some very good features and needed updates), but the skin just makes it look silly to me. So my plan is to root and install a custom ROM of vanillia Ice Creme Sandwich when it comes out. That's why I'm looking for a third party (or Google) ebook reader.
I second the Nook App from B&N. Had a Nook color for about a year though and got used to the way the software works. Gave Nook to my wife and got the GT10.1. Just copy your epubs into the folder via varelawarfare's instructions and they'll turn up in your library. Haven't used the Kindle app much, but I prefer Nook over Aldiko, Google Books and the Samsung reader (but may just be because I'm used to it). I also use Overdrive reader as it is pretty good at seamlessly downloading DRM-ebooks (library for instance).
On my 8.9 the nook app seemed to be very sluggish, does it happen to everyone? I ended up using the book app that came with the tablet, its actually pretty good but some books it doesn't override the fonts thus doing weird stuff like keeping text black when I choose a dark background.
So it's really looking like the top picks for most people are either the Nook or Kindle readers or Akidio and Calibre for loading them onto the Tab? These are some great responses and suggestions from everyone! Super appreciative!
cardsharp234 said:
So it's really looking like the top picks for most people are either the Nook or Kindle readers or Akidio and Calibre for loading them onto the Tab? These are some great responses and suggestions from everyone! Super appreciative!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My take on this, since I spent a LOT of time looking for a good book / epub reader:
- Kindle: Need to convert to .MOBI format, no page-flip transitions
- eBook: Maximum number of files supported is 200, but does a good job otherwise
- Moon Reader+: Excellent reader, quirky but highly configurable, however cuts off last line of text for each page for some .epubs
- Aldiko Premium: Chokes when trying to load shelf, otherwise fine
- Mantano Reader: Very polished interface, developers listen to user feedback, handles PDF apart from .epub, no page-flip transitions
- EZ PDF Reader: Excellent for PDFs, but no .epub support
Bottom-line: I use Mantano
/would go for Moon Reader+ if Mantano were not available...
I tried several and Moonread it's my fav (never used Mantano, I'll check it out) since it offers alot of options and it allows to scroll smoothly between pages.
For loading books I use Calibre with "connect/share start content server" so it can be used wireless as a web store directly from the ereader or from the browser.
What I hate about all these ereaders is that none use the same folder for storing the epub files, some use /book, other /ebook or /ebooks
I'm using Aldiko for Epub and EZ PDF Reader for PDF. EZ PDF Reader is the only tool on Android with acceptable PDF quality (tried them all including Mantano, small text is unreadable).
Revils said:
For loading books I use Calibre with "connect/share start content server" so it can be used wireless as a web store directly from the ereader or from the browser.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So (if I'm reading this right) I can basically wirelessly update what new content I have on my computer to my Tab via wireless home network??? That beats having to use that freaking short cord that comes with my Tab. Heck... Thought just hit me. If I can remotely access my computer, wonder if (though that remote access and assuming of course that I'm in a wireless area) I could update my Tab content even when I'm away from the computer..... Interesting concept to me right there.
cardsharp234 said:
So (if I'm reading this right) I can basically wirelessly update what new content I have on my computer to my Tab via wireless home network??? That beats having to use that freaking short cord that comes with my Tab. Heck... Thought just hit me. If I can remotely access my computer, wonder if (though that remote access and assuming of course that I'm in a wireless area) I could update my Tab content even when I'm away from the computer..... Interesting concept to me right there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup! check on Calibre menu "preference-sharing over the net".
If your computer can be reached over internet it can be done everywhere otherwise just when you are connected on the same wireless router
Revils said:
Yup! check on Calibre menu "preference-sharing over the net".
If your computer can be reached over internet it can be done everywhere otherwise just when you are connected on the same wireless router
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's freaking amazing that Calibre can do that! ...God bless that/those developer(s)!
I'm guessing I'm out of luck here, but anyone know if there's any chance that the Nook Tablet will somehow be able to read cbr files, prior to rooting?
There are numerous apps in the google app store that read cbrs, but I'm not sure barnes and noble will offer any. And if not- does that mean we're totally out of luck until someone roots the nook tablet?
Thanks in advance for any info anyone may have.
I don't know if this will help much, but I just recently found out that Calibre can convert CBR/CBZ to epub. The Nook Tablet will be able to read that with no problem. I have no idea how that would affect the comic (quality or size) or if we would be able to do simple things like zooming in to read it easier though. That's how I was planning on reading my comics for a while, at least until there is a root available.
CBZ files actually work
If you just drag over CBZ files they actually work on the Nook Tablet natively. CBR and CBZ files are just archives. CBZ files are Zip files, and CBR files are RAR files. To get a CBR working change the file extension to RAR, unrar it, zip the folder, and change the .zip to .cbz. Then just drag your new cbz over to the folders on your nook tablet and it should render the comic!
Huh okay, I'll try dragging some CBZs onto the nook and if that works, maybe I'll convert some more CBZs.
But man I sure hope this thing gets rooted soon. I'd love to be able to use the fancy features of actual dedicated comic viewers.
Anyhow, thanks for the info, I appreciate it.
I had no idea the nook read cbz's natively but I tested this and it works great.
I did it before reading this thread so my process was a tad different but this should work too.
Just connect the NT to your pc and move all the cbz's you want to any of the folders (i put mine in Magazines). After disconnecting, you can just go to your library and you'll see them all in the Magazines tab.
until there's a root out I guess I can use this thing as a comic book reader. Most books look great, some you have to zoom a bit in to read clearly, depends on the scans.
Look at the thread I was able to install astro right here in general then just sideload your favorite comic app
Follow these steps:
-go to http://comptonsoft.com/test/ in Nook Browser
-click "TGPS_launcher"
-open Notifications and select the Download
-select "Package Installer"
-Check "Unknown Sources"
-Now Download and Open the Following APKs just like you did above except now it'll let you install them
File Expert:http://db.tt/aYsJwQrd
Perfect Viewer:http://db.tt/aYsJwQrd
PDF-Plugin for PF:http://db.tt/jyf4DLbx
Now just open Nook Search and type in "Perfect Viewer" or "File Expert" to open the Apps. Copy your CBZs to your Nook like Normal and then just open Perfect Viewer to read them.
You can also install Amazon Appstore this way and install GO Launcher for more easy access to these Apps. For more info read the other Thread that is talking about this trick.
____________________________________________________
Sent from NookColor CM7 uSD using Tapatalk
I use the method above, works perfect for viewing comics. Perfect Viewer is my choice, when you open the app just navigate to where you keep your cbzs and open them. Swipe to the left to go to the next page and to return to the file manager instead of pressing the home button (which returns me to the nook homescreen) just double tap the page your reading quickly and it should bring you back to the file manager
Drewmungus said:
Look at the thread I was able to install astro right here in general then just sideload your favorite comic app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah i noticed that a couple hours ago, thanks. i will play around with some comic viewers later tonight. i've never actually had a tablet before (except the vegan tab, but the screen sucked too much to view comics on)
japzone said:
Follow these steps:
-go to http://comptonsoft.com/test/ in Nook Browser
-click "TGPS_launcher"
-open Notifications and select the Download
-select "Package Installer"
-Check "Unknown Sources"
-Now Download and Open the Following APKs just like you did above except now it'll let you install them
File Expert:http://db.tt/aYsJwQrd
Perfect Viewer:http://db.tt/aYsJwQrd
PDF-Plugin for PF:http://db.tt/jyf4DLbx
Now just open Nook Search and type in "Perfect Viewer" or "File Expert" to open the Apps. Copy your CBZs to your Nook like Normal and then just open Perfect Viewer to read them.
You can also install Amazon Appstore this way and install GO Launcher for more easy access to these Apps. For more info read the other Thread that is talking about this trick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep, got that. but since nook reads cbz's natively that is way way way way more work than necessary. especially since the native reader is decent and is connected to the shell of the OS.
postulio said:
yep, got that. but since nook reads cbz's natively that is way way way way more work than necessary. especially since the native reader is decent and is connected to the shell of the OS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I personally find that Perfect Viewer has a better experience when it comes to Comics and Manga because of some specialized features. I really like all the hidden controls that you can customize because it makes for more of a seamless experience.
____________________________________________________
Sent from NookColor CM7 uSD using Tapatalk
japzone said:
I personally find that Perfect Viewer has a better experience when it comes to Comics and Manga because of some specialized features.
Agreed 1000%.
Apps like Perfect Viewer were created specifically for reading comics and offer fairly specific features to enhance the reading experience. Whereas the Nook's native method of viewing comics is just a your basic image viewer. It does the job, but in the most generic, serviceable way. The bells and whistles of the actual comic viewing apps tend to make reading comics on android devices much more enjoyable.
That's my take on it anyhow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok ok ok i'll give perfect viewer a go...
any other ones worth trying?
Android Comic Viewer is fairly decent.
And Comic Reader Mobi is excellent, though a tad pricey. Last time I checked it was 14.99 or so, which is probably more than it should be. But it's a very well made app. It allows you increase the size of very specific parts of the page (like just the dialogue bubbles) rather than just zooming into the entire page. I find that far less distracting.
But honestly, Perfect Viewer will probably suit your needs, well... perfectly.
I'm using Comixology's app on my NT. I just did a backup of the apps from my Evo 3D using Astro, copied the files from my SD to my desktop PC and then copied the files over to the NT. Using a file system app, I just double clicked on Comixology and it installed without an issue. Works great!!
ComicRack Will Convert CBR to CBZ
I just converted all of my comics to CBZ as I wanted to be able to read them (sideloaded) when using the B&N OS. ComicRack converts the file types pretty painlessly. The B&N stock app reads them pretty well so if you're not set on keeping the format, using ComicRack is very easy (and free).
My favorite is ComicRack. It has a free edition, so all you need to do is sideload your comic files and tell the reader where to find them.
Sent from my CM7 Nook Tablet using Tapatalk 8)
Hi. Actually I just found out that all you need to do is: zip the complete set of comic pages into ONE zip file then just change the suffix from .zip to .cbz and voilà! Your cbz file is now readable on the Nook. Cbr won't work though.
Wolfen143 said:
. Cbr won't work though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's because CBRs are RAR archives. RAR is a proprietary format so using it in products requires licensing it and using proprietary libraries or plugins.
Android however supports ZIP natively and no licenses are needed.
Anyone know how to convert cbz files so that they can be read using some type of reader on the nook tablet? I downloaded a couple of Dr Seuss ebooks but I dont think the tablet will recognize them unless I convert them? I am trying to set this tablet up for my daughter for Christmas!
It's just zip archive with different format name. You can use Perfect Viewer to open them.
The stock reader reads .cbz files. (cbz=comic book zip file. A cbr is a comic book .rar file. Conversion is as simple as changing the extension to rar or zip, uncompressing, then recomposing in the opposite format.)
You can sideload plenty of apps that will read .cbz files. (I like ComicRack Free).
You can also use the stock library/reader. To use it, put your files on your SD card, say in a folder called Books or Comics.
In the NT's stock library, click on My Stuff/My Shelves. Create a new shelf, name it. Click edit, and you should see a list of all files on your NT that can be added to a shelf. Find the .cbz file(s) and check it, then save.
Now you should have a shelf showing your .cbz files in the stock library. When you click to open, the files will either open in the stock reader, or if you've installed third party reader apps, should give you a choice- you can set a preferred app as default.
Worked great!
Now, how do I narrate a book so that she can listen to me read the book when I am not around? I can do that right?
Also, is there any way of this tablet playing ebooks that are already narrated???
There are several Dr Seuss books that are apps on the market (take your pick, they're on the stock, Amazon, and Google markets) that are like narrated e-books, though these are apk files, not epub files.
randyreed1971 said:
Also, is there any way of this tablet playing ebooks that are already narrated???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The entire sample book "The Elephant's Child" should be on your stock library shelf under Books. This type of ebook allows you to play back the story with prerecorded narration, or record your own. There should be many others for sale in the Nook Shop.
I don't think you can narrate your own books. I think you can only do that with ones you purchase from B&N. They prefer you spend money on their products, even if you already own a perfectly good version of the exact same product.
But I could be wrong about this.
succulent said:
It's just zip archive with different format name. You can use Perfect Viewer to open them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a great program, and if you have a rooted NT (or sideload it) you should try it for picture books and comics.
I'm uncertain whether the Read & Play feature can be used on non-BN bought books, but I wouldn't be surprised if it couldn't. The books need to be formatted a certain way, afaik? You can try moving the book to your /data/books folder, where it will be seen by the NT's ebook library application and seeing if Read & Record works on it. In any case the BN Read & Record feature works well and is pretty cute, and it's a good reason to buy kid's books from their store for sure.
Pretty sure you can play books that are *already* narrated some other way (although I too have only seen them packaged as .apks/programs already ready to go).
You can use this open source comic viewer - Jomic.
It has a convert function to convert CBZ files to PDF.