The Best Book Summary Apps [2023]

Are you tired of having a bunch of books to read but no time to get through them all? Do you wish you could quickly get the gist of a book without having to go through all the pages? Well, good news, there are apps that can summarize books for you!

Our team at Book Summary Review™ has done the research and compiled a list of the best book summary apps for you to use. In this article, we will cover what each app does, how it works, its pros and cons, and what sets it apart from the other apps.

Our Top Picks

Before diving into the individual book summary apps, let's take a look at our top three picks:

1. Blinkist: This app has been around for a while and has a vast library of book summaries across various categories. It also offers audio versions of the summaries, making it an excellent option for people on-the-go.
2. Shortform: This relatively new app has already made a name for itself with its high-quality summaries that are deeper and more comprehensive than others. The app is subscription-based, but they do offer a free trial if you want to give it a try before committing.
3. getAbstract: This app is perfect for those in the business world and focuses on summarizing non-fiction books related to management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. They also offer summaries of academic articles and reports.

All three of these apps are excellent options, but let's dive deeper into what each app has to offer.

Blinkist

Blinkist is one of the most well-known book summary apps out there, and for a good reason. The app has an extensive library of summaries in various categories, including business, health, and personal development.

How it works

Once you sign up for the app, you can browse and search for the book summaries you're interested in. You can also save the summaries to your library to read later. Each summary is broken down into manageable sections, so you can easily digest the information.

Pros

• Large library of book summaries
• Audio versions of the summaries available
• Offers personalized reading recommendations

Cons

• The summaries may not be as in-depth as some readers would like
• Some users have reported technical glitches with the app

Shortform

Shortform is a newer app that has quickly become a fan favorite for its high-quality summaries of non-fiction books. What sets this app apart is that their summaries are more comprehensive than other apps', with detailed analysis and commentary.

How it works

You can sign up for Shortform's subscription service to gain access to their summaries. Once you've chosen a book, you can read the summary, take quizzes to check your understanding, and participate in a discussion community.

Pros

• More comprehensive and detailed summaries
• Offers quizzes and a discussion community for additional learning
• Can trial for free

Cons

• The app is subscription-based, so you have to pay for access to the summaries
• The app only summarizes non-fiction books

getAbstract

getAbstract is an app specifically designed for business professionals, with a focus on summarizing non-fiction books related to management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. They also offer summaries of academic articles and reports, making it a great resource for students.

How it works

After signing up for the app, you can browse their library of summaries, which are organized by category. Each summary is broken down into key takeaways, making it easy to get a quick overview of the book.

Pros

• Specializes in summaries related to leadership and entrepreneurship
• Offers summaries of academic articles and reports
• Easy to use with a great interface

Cons

• Limited library, mostly on business books and topics
• Not as in-depth as other app summaries

Other Book Summary Apps to Consider

These apps didn't make it into our top three picks, but they're still worth checking out:

• StoryShots: Offers 15-minute summaries of popular non-fiction and self-help books
• Headway: Focuses on personal development and self-improvement books with bite-sized summaries
• QuickRead: Provides an extensive library of summaries across multiple categories
• Instaread: Offers both audio and text summaries with a library of over 1000 books
• Sumizeit: A newer app offering comprehensive non-fiction summaries with a pay-as-you-go model

Is There a Website That Summarizes Books?

Yes, there are websites that summarize books. SparkNotes and CliffsNotes are well-known examples of book summary websites, usually focussing on literary classics and school textbooks.

Where Can I Find Free Book Summaries?

Several websites offer free book summaries. Some of the most popular sites include:

• SparkNotes: Offers summaries and analysis of literary classics and school books
• Blinkist's Daily Look: Provides one free summary a day from its extensive library
• Shmoop: Provides summaries and analysis of literature, poetry, and history
• WikiSummaries: Offers user-generated summaries for a wide range of books
• CliffsNotes: Provides summaries and study guides targeted towards exam preparations

Which is Better: Blinkist or Shortform?

It depends on your preferences. If you prefer an extensive library of summaries across various genres, then Blinkist is the better option. However, if you're looking for a more in-depth and rigorous summary, then Shortform is the way to go. Both apps are great, but it ultimately comes down to the type of summary you want.

Quick Tips and Facts

• Book summary apps are helpful for people who want to get the general idea of a book before diving into it
• While book summaries are beneficial, they are no substitute for the real thing. If you have the time, reading the full book is always recommended.
• Some apps offer both audio and text summaries, making it easy to consume information on-the-go
• When choosing an app, consider the app's library, quality of summaries, and price
• Apps like Blinkist and Shortform offer personalized recommendations, making it easier to find summaries tailored to your interests and needs

In summary, there are several book summary apps and websites available to the public. Each comes with its pros and cons, so it's important to choose one that aligns with your preferences and reading habits. If you're someone who's always on-the-go, an audio version of a summary might be the way to go. Alternatively, if you prefer a more comprehensive analysis of the book, then an app like Shortform is worth considering. Whatever app you choose, remember that book summaries are no substitute for the real thing. If you have the time, reading the full book is always recommended.