I recently found this channel where the guy does really compelling reviews and explanations of books.
https://www.youtube.com/@QuinnsIdeas
I admit I'm a little ashamed how much I'm enjoying it because part of me is saying "Why are you listening to some dude talk about books instead of reading the books?" But I'm old and kinda lazy and lost interest in character development arcs and relationships and just want to know about the cool high-concept sci-fi ideas and storylines. This guy does a great job of giving me all the sci-fi I'm jonesing for in a short, and visually interesting format.
I heard so much about the Three Body Problem series but just don't have the time to invest in book series' the way I used to. But I found his channel and in about 4 20-30m videos got a really good impression of the series' ideas and stories and just really enjoyed watching. Dude has a great voice for this too and is just a great ambassador of nerddom in general.
If you've fallen behind in your reading and don't expect to have time to catch up- you should check this guys channel out.
I think people are being unnecessarily harsh in response to your comment. I get what you mean - it must be frustrating to writers to see their work reduced to a few key points that remove it from the greater context.
I don't think you're being snobby in saying that.
On the other hand, I don't think summaries are a bad thing. On the whole it'll encourage more people to give the book a try. Anyone that's put off by the summary probably wouldn't have read the book in the first place, and at least it gives them some basic background.
@OmegaMouse @GunnarRunnar
"Red, White & Royal Blue" by Casey McQuiston is a romantic novel. Find out how two friends were forced to fake a friendship for political reasons, but their feelings deepened into a secret romance that challenges their lives and the world's perception. https://bit.ly/445UfVI