Joosr, an app designed to help users “read” a book in 20 minutes, has recently launched. While the concept might initially seem alarming to some, a closer look reveals its potential benefits. This article explores what a Joosr guide is, its purpose, and whether it constitutes true reading.
The app provides access to over 100 nonfiction books in a highly condensed format via subscription. These include self-help bestsellers such as Hal Elrod’s The Miracle Morning and complex scientific texts like A Brief History of Time. For self-help books, Joosr guides allow readers to extract key tips without navigating extensive case studies. For dense science books, the condensed version might be the only way to grasp the core concepts.
To understand the value proposition of quick book summaries, consider the alternative Blinkist, a similar service that offers over 1,000 books summarized into 15-minute reads. While these summaries inevitably leave out details, they can provide a foundation for understanding complex topics.
For instance, A Brief History of Time in a summarized format retains core concepts like the Big Bang and black holes, but omits intricacies like string theory. However, it still conveys that particles behave as waves and that time is relative, demonstrating the potential for learning even in a condensed format.
Summarizing novels presents a different challenge, as fiction relies heavily on narrative voice and style. Nevertheless, efforts have been made to make fiction more accessible. Reader’s Digest has been publishing condensed editions of popular books since 1950, and James Patterson has launched BookShots, a series of shorter romances and thrillers.
The crucial question remains: is this “reading”? The Paris Review questioned whether this type of reading is equivalent to sustained reading, and whether one leads to the other.
For many, the choice isn’t between classic literature and contemporary fiction, but between reading something and not reading at all. According to Joosr’s research, a significant portion of the population feels they don’t read as much as they would like. Quick reads provide an accessible and affordable alternative, particularly for those with limited time or resources. In a world where literacy rates are a concern, dismissing accessible forms of reading can be counterproductive.
Audiobooks offer another example of how people engage with books in different ways. While some might argue that listening isn’t the same as reading, audiobooks can be a lifeline for those with disabilities or those who are simply too busy to sit down with a physical book.
It’s time to move beyond the notion that traditional, lengthy reading is the only valid way to absorb information. Many authors could benefit from being more concise. The appeal of a Joosr guide lies in its ability to distill information efficiently, providing a valuable entry point to knowledge for a broad audience. Ultimately, the goal is to encourage engagement with ideas, regardless of the format.
