Embodiments relate to systems and methods providing a flip-though format for viewing notification of messages and related items on devices, for example personal mobile devices such as smart phones. According to an embodiment, an unread item most recently received is shown in full screen on the mobile device. While the user is viewing this item, the device will automatically retrieve and load into a cache memory, the next most recently received item. When the user is done viewing the item most recently received, the user can swipe a finger across the touch screen to trigger a page flipping animation and display of the next most recently received item. Embodiments avoid the user having to click back and forth between a list of notifications/links and corresponding notification items.