New Yorker runs a 5000-word article, by Anthony Lane, on BLINKIST.
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2024/05/27/can-you-read-a-book-in-a-quarter-of-an-hour
Chat GPT provides a 150-word summary.
Anthony Lane's article in New Yorker opens by humorously explores the myriad reasons people avoid reading books, from disinterest to distractions like TV and smartphones. It highlights how apps like Blinkist, which condense books into brief summaries called Blinks, cater to those craving the essence of reading without the time commitment. Blinkist's appeal lies in its ability to quickly provide key insights from thousands of books, particularly nonfiction, enabling users to feel knowledgeable with minimal effort.
Despite criticisms that this strips books of their depth, the article notes the utility of such summaries for busy modern readers. Blinkist’s creation and growth are chronicled, emphasizing its Berlin origins and its adaptation to the digital age's demands. The piece concludes by pondering whether such condensed reading aids enrich understanding or diminish the true value of literature.
