Books Reviews

Books are one of the few product categories where the "best" choice is entirely personal — but that doesn't mean you have to buy blind. Here's how to make smarter book purchases.

Format matters as much as content. Hardback, paperback, Kindle, and audiobook all suit different situations. If you read in bed or commute by train, a Kindle is often more practical. If you like annotating or re-reading, physical books are hard to beat. Audiobooks work brilliantly for non-fiction and long commutes. Don't just buy the format that's on offer — buy the one you'll actually use.

Use the "Look Inside" feature. Amazon's Look Inside feature lets you read the opening pages of most books. This is invaluable — especially for non-fiction, where the writing style and structure tell you a lot about whether it's the right book for you. A book about a subject you're interested in but written in a style you hate is money poorly spent.

For non-fiction, check the publication date. In fast-moving fields — technology, business, health — a book from five years ago can be significantly out of date. Publication date matters. Also check whether there's a newer edition available.

Read a range of reviews, not just the star rating. A book that polarises readers is often more interesting than one with a uniform four stars. Look for thoughtful critical reviews that explain what the book does and doesn't do well, rather than just whether the reviewer personally enjoyed it.

Series order matters. Before buying any book that's part of a series, confirm the correct reading order. Amazon doesn't always make this obvious, and starting mid-series can significantly diminish the experience.