20 Best Book Blurbs (Jan 2023 Update)

Was purchased as a present. It was in perfect condition, arrived in the time frame stated and received with enthusiasm. I, however haven’t read it!Mary S.

I purchased this to replace a very old kindle that was being lugged around for many years. I have experience from kindle first generation to kindle fire first generations (as well as 3rd gen), to kindle with keyboards and the first paperwhite model. I must say, this is by far the best for reading i have handled. This uses the fantastic e-ink still on a gently backlit screen, easy to read in the dark or sunlight, any setting. It is light and connects quickly to the internet and my library, loads books fast and flipping through books is quick. I habe a case that works with it and when it's closed it puts it to sleep, and when opens it awakens. Battery life is very good, one charge lasts over 30 days of use for me at least thus far, never really let it get all the way dead. Overall, this is a reasonable value and if it lasts as long as my previous versions, and they don't make it software obsolete, i will be a very happy buyer.averageguy

I bought this recently as I grew tired of reading on my iPhone and iPad. The former is too small and the latter too big and both are too heavy. This Kindle is Goldilocks of screens, exactly right. The digital ink actually makes for a reading experience that is both closer to paper than LCD screens and also better as well. Also, in direct light I usually turn off the back light to conserve power as it really isn't needed. This would be ideal for reading poolside on a bright day. The only downside is that the screen has a slight but perceptible delay to it, sort of like computers from the late '90s. It's not bad, really, but just not as instantaneous as an iPhone or iPad. Still, for the purpose of reading books, I believe it is outstanding. Highly recommended.TheRaVen

Oh I’m literally obsessed. I was shocked. I was super anti-kindle it for YEARS because I’m not a screen reader, I like turning pages, I like a physical book collection, yada yada. BUT — I’m not even kidding, I cannot put this thing down. I read 4 books in 7 days because of how much I truly enjoy it & how easy it makes reading. It’s not super “technologically advanced” like an iPad/iPhone & can sometimes be a little slow to get back to your library or shop the kindle store, but honestly I have 0 issues with it & it’s easy to learn how to use. Part of me also wishes the book covers could have some color BUT I think that would mess with the overall “true to paper” style so I don’t mind the black & white. The screen is not your average computer/tablet screen. It’s soft, perfectly lit, & is such a comfortable read. You can set the text to multiple fonts/sizes, change the brightness & warmness, and the charge holds for weeks. I’m now actually searching for the physical books I have ON the kindle because I’d rather read them there. If you’re on the fence, I doubt you’ll be disappointed. It is slightly more expensive but waiting for a promotion/sale made it definitely doable for me!Violet

Excellent overview of systemic racism. Should be a "go-to" reference for all who seek to understand global and US racial dynamics.kalp2671

Isabel Wilkerson has nailed it, AGAIN!. This books helps to put many social structures, and their natures in a broader perspective. She peels back layers of values, beliefs, rituals, and memories that have been mis-qualified throughout America's history. She offers the readers an opportunity to "…dig into the precincts of our soul and examine the suburbs of our hearts…(Dr. Cornell West)" to identify oneself in the America we have. She gives alternative views of American history that have held mystery and irrationality. This is a good read for high schoolers and older. Millennials, especially non-black and brown ones, would be served VERY well if they had the insight from this book. Perry, Virginia1gr8sensei

Isabel Wilkerson uses her very readable writing style to attempt to compare Nazi Germany, and India's religious social structure to America's deliberate and destructive "Caste" system, created by white Americans for their benefit. As with so many black authors, the first 160 pages are all about pre-1950 history and slavery, as if this is somehow justification for behavior today of ANY people. Unfortunately, the notion that Blacks in America are oppressed by White people doesn't really make sense. Rather than being discriminated against, American Blacks enjoy special rights, privileges, and advantages that are unavailable to White Americans. These advantages extend into every aspect of Americas public life and can be traced to legislation passed back in the 1960s. A system of racial privileges for blacks was forced on universities, employers, and the population. Less qualified blacks were given preference over more qualified whites in university admissions, employment and promotion. Freezes are used against white admissions, employment, and promotion until racial balance is achieved. Rather than being institutionally oppressed, American Blacks have been accorded a whole array of institutional advantages over Whites. This represents a truly remarkable state of affairs because it stands as the only known instance in history whereby a racial majority in power has voluntarily agreed to relinquish its standing and allow discrimination against themselves in favor of a racial minority in the name of trying to create a more equal and harmonious society – which is a good thing. It is unfortunate that amidst all this opportunity, in the year 2020, some people still feel the need to find fault and complain that their lives are somehow not within their control, all while writing books that are quickly accepted and published, generating hundreds of thousands of dollars in supplemental income for their hard work and dedication.cirrus91

Beautiful book, I bought it for my 5 years old and she loved it. Beloved children feel identified with the pictures and the story.KaryVala

Let me first say I usually don't write reviews about anything, but this deserves it. First off, it's an easy read and understanding everything that is going on so you could get thru the series fairly quick, and that is the hard part because you want to finish it as soon as possible, but want it to continue. Hardin and Tessa's relationship is one of the hardest I have ever read, but it is raw and passionate love, and it is the worse kind of love, but that is what love is about, sometimes. I have never cried in my life as much as I have over a book, not even when Dobby dies in Harry Potter. I even threw the books a few times, cursed at it, curled up under my husband's arms because the emotions in their story is so raw.I hated Hardin, loved Hardin, hated Tessa, and loved her again. This book is not for people who take things series , as it does have a lot of emotional abuse in it. At the end of everything no one should go through the process that this couple goes through, but again some people actually do.That is what makes series so great, it could actually happen. And to think it started with a One Direction. I will honestly reread the whole series again, and I don't do that.Nessa

In this twisted and trying tale, an ambitious, college-bound girl, Tessa Young, has found herself entangled with a wild boy that she would have never have given the time of day. Her main goal was to focus on school, her too-good-to-be true boyfriend, Noah, and to start her career in English, but all of that changes after. After she meets Hardin. He is a bad boy with a traumatic past he has completely captured Tessa's attention. In the first book of the After series we find Tessa trying to find out how she fits into her new college life while also figuring out if she is falling for Hardin Scott. My favorite trope is that of enemies to lovers and this book fulfills that fantasy!Mack

Personally, I had watched the first three movies before reading the series. The first book was very sexual and detailed. However, I found myself obsessed. I have completed the book two times before ever finishing the series of books. The books are in my opinion way better than the books. However, watching them first allowed me to imagine Tessa Hardin as the characters presented in the movies. My mother has tried to read the series but found no interest. She prefers the movies and is a book junkie. With all that being said I would say give the book a shot. 👍🏼savannah.p

A incredibly powerful memoir about how a young daughter of a large isolationist, religious family that views government hospitals and schools with great suspicion grows up and through a series of decisions becomes a Harvard and Cambridge educated scholar. This story provides the space to contemplate some difficult but highly relevant topics such as self identity vs family ties, ones childhood memories vs memories of others you grew up with, loving ones family even when one's been ostracized. While some of the childhood stories are dark in nature and even frightening at times, it's also really funny at many points. Overall, just an incredibly powerful story that touches on self identity, self preservation, growing past very difficult childhood challenges, learning to deal with dysfunctional families, and ultimately about being true to ones self.jbtwarehouse

Difficult to read. Impossible to put down. A powerful, powerful book that you shouldn’t miss. I can’t just leave it at that because Tara Westover’s story deserves more than those few words. I don’t often read memoirs, but when I do I want them to be told by extraordinary people who have a meaningful story to tell and that would be faint praise for this book. It sounds odd to say how beautifully written this is because we are not spared of the ugly details of what this family was about, but yet it is beautifully written. I had to remind myself at times that I wasn’t reading a gritty novel, that Tara and her family were real as I got more than just a glimpse of a life that was hard for me to even imagine.prem.p

I have mixed feelings about this book. It was a difficult read, and for numerous reasons, the first being Tara's childhood. It's very difficult to imagine her life when I have no reference point, having had a "normal" childhood. She has no reference point to compare to her traumatic childhood, thus bringing her to spontaneously go back to her childhood home periodically, with the hope that things would change for the better. Her quest for knowledge outweighed her fears of failure, although failure was always a component in her mind. Her strength overcame her weaknesses, which is an amazing attainment! I must commend her for her continued drive to survive her past, and become a hero for others to admire and respect. Take the time to read this eye-opening memoir!Nancee

It's 2019 (at the time of this review) and I just started reading this again. When I was growing up I'd read my favorite series over and over, but now that I'm grown I haven't read a series twice because there is just to many amazing books out there. I don't know what is is about this series that I love so much, and I'm not usually a fan of dystopia. Maybe it's that Katniss is not a perfect Mary Sue, like in many books of this type. She's relatable and for a lot of the series she has PTSD so it's not like she's always the amazing leader. All she wants is for her family to survive, she didn't even want to start a rebellion. It just happened and she was thrust in the middle of it and made the leader. I also normally don't care for love triangles, but with Gale and Peeta you can see how that would happen. On the one hand you have Gale who she grew up with and has grown to love. On the other hand you have Peeta who just went through the Hunger Games together. They were brought together in tragedy and they needed each other to survive. I read all 3 books in one weekend. I watched each movie as it came out. But for the first time (weirdly) I am watching the movies back to back and it's reminded me how much I love the series.tiffany.r

I really enjoyed this movie so I thought I would give this book a try. Sometimes the book is totally different than the movie. This book has differences, but it’s totally worth reading. I really appreciate the way it was written and it captures your attention right from the start. Highly recommended.tilena.t

If you've seen the movies then it's definitely worth reading the books. All the chapters are all from the perspective of Katniss so you get a greater understanding of what's going through her head during certain events. The main character is incredibly well written. She is a hero but also has a lot of flaws and makes mistakes which makes her seem more real and relatable. The books also expand upon the world so you can get more of a feel of the hardships each district goes through and it also gives a lot more development on the secondary and background characters as well. I wouldn't recommend it for young children due to the graphic nature of it but definitely would to teenagers and adults alike. It's a great book series for both parents & teens to read together as it gives plenty of opportunity for talking points such as how to deal with trauma, loss of freedom, whats right and wrong and all the grey areas in between. It's definitely a books series I would enjoy and have no problem with reading again.just another number

Very pleased with my purchase…not so much the delivery…almost ruined Christmas for my grandson. Took almost 2 month to receive.Debbie

I have used books from this series for several years in my program's Resource Center, and the kids just love them. Very compelling reading that always involves a young person as a primary character. Ideal for kids who need a little push to read more, but also are great for kids who love to read. Just bought the entire set for a grandson!Jane R.

This is one of the greatest epic novel series by one of the most imaginative and complex authors of our time. Ordered the complete set as I have lent out each of my individual books to others interested in the series. Now you can also get the entire collection, including the newest 8th book that fits mid-way through the series. Just commit and buy all of them, as you'll want to re-read these books time and again to appreciate the depth of the story-line and the immersive experience. #ka-tet #stephenking #sweepstakes #rolandofgileadAdamTriathlete

Love Stephen King and I am super happy I purchased this set. I am still in book one but it is very entertaining and keeps you wanting to read more and more! The storyline is superb and I hear it gets better and better with each book!!!simplykesha2

One of the best book series I've read. This collection includes the original 7 plus the newer 8th book that fits halfway through the series. And for those who are OCD, you won't have mismatched sizes/artwork of books if you get each book separately. Can't wait to re-read the series. If you're on the fence, just get it as you won't be disappointed.Adam

I'm not sure why no one has reviewed these books. I love the twilight series, although I can't say which one is my favorite. The characters are rated as followed: Bella-4, Edward-5, jacob-9 The story is set in a small town where Bella goes to live with her dad so that her mom and step dad can travel. While she is in forks she meets a mysterious family and one particular boy named Edward that she is mesmerized by. Everything is going great as long as she keeps their secret until people start getting attacked… James aka bad guy is a,axing because he's actualLy been hunting one of edwards family members for a while now. All in all this is actually a great story for all vampire readers.Bella

Twilight is the story of Edward and Bella's romance. Forget any vampire romance you have read before, Twilight is so unique it is almost like it's in its own genre. The book is marketed at Young Adult readers but it has the ability to cross age barriers and will satisfy both teenagers and adults alike. The story is told in first person from the perspective of Bella, so the reader only ever know what she knows, making Edward and his family a mystery that is slowly unravelled through out the book. Even by the end of the book I was still thirsting for more of the Cullen family back story – hopefully their characters might be developed further in future books. Bella herself is a well written and realistic character, shy and lacking in confidence, her sarcastic inner voice narrates the story for the reader. Twilight is simply and yet beautifully written. The descriptions of Forks leave you feeling like you can almost smell the damp air and hear the rain falling on the roof. The romance between Edward and Bella is both touching and compelling. There is a melancholic feel to their impossible love, yet at the same time they both are unwilling to give up hope that their relationship is not doomed. The book reaches a fever pitch of excitement as the romance between Bella and Edward turns into a frantic race to stay alive. I have heard Twilight described as "a vampire story for people who don't like vampire stories” and I think I would agree with that. This book really has something for everyone. Young adult readers, vampire fans or romance readers will all find Twilight to be an appealing story. For a Young Adult novel the book is quite long but don't let that put you off reading it because each page is to be savoured. Believe me, this is one book that you won't want to end.selina

Twilight is the epic love story of Edward and Bella. Forget any vampire romance you have read before, Twilight is unique. It's insta-love, yes, and I have a big problem with insta-love, but it works. I insta-loved this story, too. Bella is sarcastic, lacking in confidence, and annoying at times, but I like her and can't help rooting for her, while Edward is absolutely devastating!!! The romance between them is touching and compelling. They both are unwilling to give up hope that their relationship is not doomed. Maybe Twilight is not for everyone. Bella is quite annoying. Edward is too perfect. Jacob is sadly adorable. BUT this book is my very first love! A gripping story line with a love triangle between two completely different beings. Jacob, Jacob, Jacob, oh how I adore you too… This was one of the most enjoyable, most romantic books I've read in a long time. DEFINITELY A MUST READ! I will love this story forever.BookishKelly

Nicholas sparks is one of my favorites. I haven't read this yet, but I know it will be good. Online ordering was fast and efficient with pick up in store. #sweepstakesKayla

Excellent book! I highly recommend. I went to BAM after checking out online and it was so incredibly easy and I saved 15%. I will definitely keep doing this for my books.Stephanie

Great story; one of Stephen King's best. The book is small, easy to hold and the print is big enough to keep your eyes comfortable. You might have nightmares afterwards though. A beautiful package!junkietroll5865

I read this book for the first time a few years ago! It took me 2 weeks to finish it but I could not put it down! Plus every time I would read the book, I had the worst nightmares of my life! Nightmares not from the book! The way he writes this book is incredible !Jerrica

It says third impression on the publication details page – do not the first print run Im afraid. It might be better to correct that claim.legrandmushroom

I did like it. It doesn’t compare to the love hypothesis but I did enjoy it. Definitely a lot spicier in the love scenes. Is it my ultimate favorite? No but it was a good read.Mimi

Can I give is 0 stars? Love Hypothesis is the ONLY reason this book has any sort of HYPE. This book and characters are terrible. Its like the book has an agenda made by the author… MC is absolutely unlikable, feminist liberal with a nasty attitude and woe is me personality. Which absolutely insults and overshadows actual women in the real world, whose profession hold much respect for their intelligence in the fields this MC is. THIS BOOK IS GARBAGE. Just skip it. This author may be a ONE HIT WONDER. Like many Pandemic writers. Fingers crossed we get another enjoyable book like Love Hypothesis. I ended up returning this, couldn’t even finish a few chapters in.Literary Sassy Lassy

I didn't love this one nearly as much as her first book, The Love Hypothesis, but it was still a cute and enjoyable read. The end was a bit dramatic (and somehow also predictable?) for me, though.HabbinJabbins

Overall I really enjoy this e-reader. The physical buttons are very nice to still have. I love physical books, but you seriously can't beat being able to carry around a few chick lit novels with you on vacation. I ordered a very cute case with a stand from another retailer and now I'm rockin'. I went with this version because of the physical buttons. No accidental turning like I did with my paperwhite. This is definitely a luxury not a necessity but it's nice to have. Negatives: Expensive for what it is (honestly). Lack of USB -C charging port. Hopefully the next version they update!BrightMe0w

I've had the Oasis for a little over a year now. It definetly does what the paperwhite does, but better regarding the screen and eye strain. It does seem like the battery doesn't last quite as long, but I can't really give any definitive numbers – it just feels a little shorter. The form factor is going to be a love it or hate it situation – I personally like it. My only wish for this device is that it could fit into my pocket a little easier like my old paperwhite did. Is the price worth it? It depends. A Honda Civic will get you to the grocery store all the same as a Corvette – the 'luxury' features of the device are nice, but in no way needed, so it's really up to you and your finances.Praise

Coming from the last Oasis, I was quite bummed when I bought one for my girlfriend and she had the warm-light feature which is standard on this latest model. It is a night and day difference for night reading! In fact, I traded in my old one and got a new model for myself just so I didn't have to lie in bed jealous. I've always liked the way this one felt in your hands – with the ergonomic side grip and buttons. It's just practical, and makes reading more enjoyable. I recommend the Kindle Oasis to any avid reader!bpanter

I really enjoy the Nook. I purchased the original nook without the backlight when it first came out and loved it. I since then have bought the newer versions for my cousin and sister as gifts. If you want more of a tablet then go with an iPad or the tablet version of the Nook but if you want the convenience of carrying multiple books around in one device and be able to read wherever you go I’d get this. Good price point, light weight, and the face that it doesn’t have a backlight like most other devices allows you to read in places like the beach or the pool without the awful glare where you can’t see anything. This particular model has a glow light though for if you do need light. Would recommend.dcrouser.c

Easiest way to buy and read book with just the tip of your finger. I really love that the light dims because I am a migraine sufferer and sharp light can trigger my migraines. This book also stay charged for a long time I stately have to plug it in. I have been a reader my whole like and the fact that I do not have to hold a light or have a light on to disturb my partner makes my life so much easier. Barnes and nobles is doing it right 3jacqueline.p

The GlowLight Nook's six-inch, 800 x 600 E Ink Pearl display is old hat for ebook readers the new Kindles use it, last year's Nook uses it, and a host of other devices use it. The GlowLight Nook has a screen protector on top of the display, though, which makes text appear slightly softer and lower-contrast than on last year's model. I didn't notice until I held the GlowLight Nook next to last year's Nook and a Kindle, and even though all three use the same display technology the GlowLight Nook's text didn't look quite as sharp. It's a fine screen, but it's nothing remarkable anymore, and I'm starting to wish for a slightly higher-res display that renders text a little more sharply. The big change here is the GlowLight it makes the Nook's name a serious mouthful, but it's a wonderful addition to the device. There's a new item in the main menu for toggling and adjusting the light, or you can press and hold the "n" button for about three seconds to turn it on or off. Barnes & Noble doesn't want to explain how the light works, but it's basically a set of eight LED lights at the top of the device, slotted in between bezel and display. The lights shine down onto the Nook's display, and Barnes & Noble works its patent-pending magic to spread the light uniformly over the whole screen. I wouldn't describe the light as uniform, though. It's really bright at the top, right next to the LEDs, then there's a dark stripe right below. It evens out considerably by the time it's illuminating any text, but it's still inconsistent enough to make certain lines of text look slighty darker or lighter than others. None of it really impedes the reading experience, but it's not as nice-looking as a cool, even glow would be. Still, all things considered, the light works really well. Rather than a backlit screen that seems to glare out at you, the Nook's screen really does glow a bluish white, which is both easier on your eyes and just generally a nice effect. The light's intensity is customizable, and will go from just-barely-on to blind-you-immediately levels of brightness. Reading in bed, I was able to use the Nook with the light only slightly above the minimum level, and still read comfortably. Barnes & Noble touts that the light is much less disturbing to your partner in bed, and that it'll pretty much save your marriage forever; given that I could turn up the GlowLight and use the Nook as a flashlight, I don't know how much I buy that. Still, it's far less obtrusive than using a lamp or an iPad, and that's good for you and whoever's in bed next to you.msiosi