What Is the Website That Summarizes Books Called? [2023]

Have you ever read an entire book and struggled to remember the key takeaways and important details? Or maybe you want to read a book, but you're short on time and looking for a quick summary. Fortunately, there are websites that exist solely to provide summaries of popular books. In this article, our team at Book Summary Review™ will give you a comprehensive guide to the best book summary websites, the types of summaries available, and why you should read book summaries.

Why Read Book Summaries?

Before diving into the different websites that offer book summaries, it's important to understand the value of reading summaries. Here are some reasons why you should consider reading book summaries:

• Save time: Summaries provide you with the key takeaways of a book in a shorter amount of time than it takes to read the entire book.

• Gain knowledge: Summaries allow you to gain important knowledge from a book without having to read the entire book.

• Refresh your memory: If you've read a book in the past and want to refresh your memory, a summary can help you remember the key points.

• Multiple perspectives: Some book summaries are written by experts in the field, which can provide multiple perspectives on a book.

Best Websites for Book Summaries

There are several websites that provide book summaries, each with its own unique features and benefits.

1. Blinkist

Blinkist provides summaries of popular non-fiction books in various categories such as business, personal development, and psychology. The summaries, called "Blinks", are available in audio and text formats and are professionally written and narrated. While Blinkist is a paid service, it offers a free trial that allows you to explore the app before committing to a subscription.

2. SparkNotes

SparkNotes, founded in 1999, provides free summaries of classic literature, poetry, and Shakespeare. Additionally, SparkNotes offers study guides, literary analysis, and quizzes. While SparkNotes is a popular resource for high school and college students, it can also be helpful for anyone looking for a quick summary of a classic literary work.

3. Five Books

Five Books provides book recommendations and interviews with experts in various fields. While it doesn't provide traditional summaries of books, the website offers a unique approach to book summaries by featuring interviews with subject matter experts who recommend five of the best books in their field.

4. CliffNotes

CliffNotes, founded in 1958, provides free summaries and study guides of classic literature, poetry, and Shakespeare. Like SparkNotes, CliffNotes is a popular resource for high school and college students, but it can be helpful for anyone looking for a quick summary of a classic literary work.

5. Instaread

Instaread provides summaries and analysis of popular non-fiction books in categories such as business, personal development, and health. The summaries are available in text and audio format and are professionally written and narrated. While Instaread is a paid service, it offers a free trial that allows you to explore the app before committing to a subscription.

Types of Summaries Available

The following are the types of summaries available on book summary websites:

1. Comprehensive summaries – These summaries cover the entire book and provide an overview of all the major points. They're great for people who want to understand the book in its entirety.

2. Chapter summaries – These summaries break the book down into individual chapters and provide an overview of the main points covered in each chapter. They're helpful for people who want to focus on specific sections of the book.

3. Key takeaways – These summaries provide the most important points or lessons from the book. They're great for people who want a quick summary of the book's main ideas.

4. Analysis – Some summaries include analysis and commentary on the book. These summaries are helpful for people who want to understand the book from multiple perspectives.

FAQ

What is the summary page of a book called?

The summary page of a book is typically called the "synopsis" or "blurb". It's a brief summary of the book's plot or contents that's meant to entice readers to read the book.

What replaced cliff notes?

While there are several book summary websites available today, SparkNotes is the website that has gained popularity as a replacement for CliffNotes.

What websites have chapter summaries?

Several book summary websites, including SparkNotes and CliffNotes, provide chapter summaries in addition to full book summaries.

Quick Tips and Facts

• The average American reads 12 books per year, but only 27% of adults in the U.S. read for fun.

• Reading a book summary is not the same as reading the book, but it can provide value in helping you remember the key ideas or decide if the book is worth reading in full.

• While some book summary websites are free, others require payment or a subscription.

• Book summaries can be helpful for people who struggle with reading or have a learning disability.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a quick summary of a book or want to refresh your memory of a book's key points, book summary websites can be a valuable resource. Websites such as Blinkist, SparkNotes, Five Books, CliffNotes, and Instaread all offer unique features and benefits. While reading summaries is not the same as reading the book in full, it can provide value in helping you gain knowledge, save time, and refresh your memory.