Read Fast & Smart with Book Summaries
Does it ever feel like there’s never enough time to read all the books on your list? Whether you're a curious reader exploring new ideas, a professional sharpening your skills, an entrepreneur seeking leadership insights, or a student needing quick knowledge boosts, book summaries can be a game-changer.
Book summaries distill key insights from bestselling non-fiction into quick, digestible reads (or listens). And the best part? They’re free—and you can access them with your Burlington Public Library card and through platforms like YouTube, podcasts, and blogs.
Free With Your BPL Card
Start with Burlington Public Library for expert-curated, high-quality content at no cost. Your library card provides free access to LinkedIn Learning, which includes some Blinkist book summaries, and Hoopla digital collection.
Blinkist on LinkedIn Learning
Blinkist is a book-summary platform that specializes in concise, engaging summaries, called Blinks, of bestsellers covering popular topics like business, self-improvement, and psychology, in both print and audio formats. Read or listen on the go—perfect for busy schedules!
Want to explore what’s hot right now? Here are some trending non-fiction genres and popular Blinkist summaries to explore through LinkedIn Learning.
To access these summaries, we recommend that you first sign in to LinkedIn Learning through the RESOURCES page on BPL's website. Once signed in, type the book title in the main search menu and select the item that includes (Blinkist Summary) in the title. To find all the book summaries, type “blinkist summary” in the LinkedIn Learning search field.
Business & Leadership
Build a business mindset with insights from top leaders.
- A Year with Peter Drucker: Learn timeless leadership insights from Peter Drucker’s essential wisdom.
- The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss: Work smarter, not harder.
- Start with Why by Simon Sinek: A clear "why" inspires action and drives success.
Personal Growth & Productivity
Master your mindset and habits with these game-changing reads.
- Atomic Habits by James Clear: Small changes, big impact.
- How to Talk to Anyone by Leil Lowndes: From social awkwardness to effortless conversations.
- Deep Work by Cal Newport: The secret to high-level focus.
Creativity & Innovation
Want to kickstart your creativity? These books break down smart financial habits.
- Superhuman Innovation by Chris Duffey: Competitive advantage with AI.
- Creative Confidence by Tom & David Kelly: Innovate in work and life with proven strategies.
- Blue Ocean Shift by W. Chan Kim & Renee Mauborgne: Beyond competing to creating opportunity.
Health & Well-Being
Build a healthy mind and a healthy body!
- Good Vibes, Good Life by Vex King: Attract good things with positive affirmations.
- Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Dr. Kristin Neff: Action plan to limit self-criticism for resilience and well-being.
- What to Do When You’re New by Keith Rollag: Navigate new situations without anxiety.
Hoopla
Access Hoopla anytime with your BPL card to listen to audiobook summaries on personal growth, business, and health. Type “book summary & analysis” in the Hoopla search field to find summaries of some bestselling fiction titles.
Here are a few bestseller book summaries you can find on Hoopla:
- The Vanishing Half: Brit Bennett’s novel explores identity, race, and the complexities of family secrets.
- The Women: Kristin Hannah's novel about friendship and women's resilience.
- One Hundred Years of Solitude: Gabriel García Márquez's masterpiece, acclaimed for its magical realism and deep exploration of family, love, and history.
- Lady in Waiting: Anne Glenconner’s memoir offers a fascinating glimpse into royal life, friendship, and personal resilience.
- The Love Hypothesis: Ali Hazelwood’s romance novel blends humour, science, and chemistry into a heartfelt story of love and self-discovery.
Find More Book Summaries
Check out these free online resources recommended by our librarians.
Apps
Blinkist: You can download the Blinkist app for one curated free “Blink of the Day,” offering key insights from top books and limited podcast insights. Available free from Apple and Android app stores, a paid subscription unlocks unlimited book summaries, expert insights, and even full-length audiobooks.
Podcasts
Give these podcasts a try:
- The Next Big Idea Club: Insights from bestselling authors.
- The Knowledge Project: Deep dives into big ideas.
- 20 Minute Books: Quick summaries of popular books across various topics.
- BookBite: 15-minute summaries of classics and business books.
- Wizdom Summaries: Audio summaries of thousands of nonfiction titles.
YouTube Channels
Quick, engaging book breakdowns:
- Productivity Game: Actionable takeaways from top books.
- FightMediocrity: Illustrated summaries of must-read books.
- Better Than Yesterday: Thought-provoking non-fiction insights.
- Four Minute Books: Animated summaries highlighting key lessons.
- Animated Book Summaries: Whiteboard-style videos on self-help and personal growth.
- 1 Min 1 Book: Short, one-minute takeaways from various books.
Start exploring today!
