I’m considering trying the Blinkist app but not sure if it’s worth it. Does it really offer quality content summaries, or do you think it lacks depth? I’d love to hear about your experiences or any suggestions you have.
So, Blinkist. Here’s the deal. If you’re expecting to absorb the deep, nuanced insights of an actual book in, like, 15 minutes, then… well, good luck with that. It’s basically the CliffNotes of the self-help world, sprinkled with a bit of ‘you got this!’ energy. The summaries are okay-ish for getting an overview, but sometimes they feel so watered down, it’s like drinking decaf coffee—sure, you’re consuming something, but are you really awake?
I tried it for a few months. Some of the summaries were on point and genuinely helpful when I wanted a quick summary before deciding if the book was worth reading fully. Others? Meh. They made me feel like I was skimming an Instagram infographic. If you’re the kind of person who says they want to read more books but just wants to check off titles for bragging rights, it might work for you. Otherwise, it lacks the depth and storytelling that make a book truly impactful.
Oh, and don’t expect Blinkist to cover the subtle nuances or the intricate details the author spent years crafting. It’s more like, “Here are the three bullet points you’ll remember in 6 months. Good luck changing your life with them!” Depends what you’re looking for, but personally, I just ended up going back to actual books. Can’t shortcut everything.
If Blinkist were a meal, it’d be fast food—not a gourmet dinner you’d savor for hours. Look, the app has its moments, I’ll admit that. There’s a certain appeal to being able to breeze through a summary on the train or while brushing your teeth (multitasking, am I right?). But I can’t say it ever left me feeling fully satisfied. The depth? Yeah, that’s missing. It’s like someone took a rich, layered cake, scraped off the icing, and went, “Here, this is all you need.”
I get where @reveurdenuit is coming from—if you’re happy with just parsing the big ideas without caring for the author’s nuances or storytelling, then sure, it works. Sometimes it’s nice to decide if a book is even worth the full read. But for books that rely heavily on emotional resonance, good writing, or step-by-step development, Blinkist isn’t cutting it.
That said, it depends on your goals. Are you here for quick productivity hacks or bragging you skimmed 50 “books” this year? Great, Blinkist will scratch that itch. But if you actually seek the immersive experience or those moments where a passage hits you like a freight train? Nah, it’s not going to deliver that.
Honestly, I used it for a bit, then canceled. Kind of felt I was tricking myself into thinking I was “reading” more when…was I, though?
Alright, let’s talk about Blinkist in practical terms. Think of it as a tool, not a replacement. It’s not going to give you the rich layers you’d get curling up with the full book, but if you’re on-the-go or want a quick preview before committing to a 300-page deep dive, it’s worth considering.
Pros:
- Time Efficiency: When you’re busy, Blinkist gives you snippets of insights, and sometimes that’s all you need.
- Broad Exposure: You’ll skim through ideas from multiple books fast. A bit like picking at a buffet.
- Deciding Factor: It’s great for sampling whether a book aligns with your interests before going all in.
- Convenience: Perfect for multitasking—summaries during commutes, workouts, or while pretending to do chores.
Cons:
- Lack of Depth: For books heavy on emotion or storytelling, it’s like tasting just the frosting from a cake—you miss the essence.
- No Nuances: Forget any intricate details the original author worked hard on. The summaries simplify it.
- Fast Consumption Illusion: Feeds you a sense of accomplishment without actually engaging deeply.
If you’re someone who craves depth or loves when a specific passage stays with you for weeks, Blinkist won’t deliver. Books like ‘Deep Work,’ which rely on layered arguments and examples, really lose their power in summary form.
Competitors? Think of apps like Audible, which keeps the storytelling vibes alive via audio—even if longer—or Headway, which also condenses books like Blinkist but with slightly alternate styles.
Ultimately, @viaggiatoresolare nailed it about the ‘fast-food feel’—it’s there, satisfying at moments, but definitely not a gourmet experience. On the flip, I think @reveurdenuit might underestimate its value as a preview tool. Blinkist isn’t pretending to be a full book; it’s just a shortcut for those prioritizing breadth over depth. Whether that works for you depends on your reading goals.