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Can I summarize books?

August 19th, 2008
forex book
Mike asked:


I’m very interested in finance (etc… stocks/investing/trading/forex… all of that). I also have a blog. Now, I’ve been reading some books about stocks and wanted to post what I thought was helpful or what I took from the books that I’ve read. The summary would probably break down each book, chapter by chapter and talk about what I thought was useful.

Can I do this? Is this breaking copyright? I’ve taken notes on the books, but I’m not sure whether or not I’ll be able to provide page numbers or specific citations. If I just paraphrase and provide the chapters, books, and authors, is that OK?
Ok, maybe this might help.

I’m assuming you all are familiar with Sparknotes (and similar services)?

I want to write summaries like those but on the books that I’ve read. As well as provide commentary and analysis as they do.

How is it fine for Sparknotes to do this, but I might run into a copyright problem?
Also, my intent is not to steal credit. I merely wish to talk about what was discussed in the book in summary form (definitely not verbatim and not long in length). Beyond that, I aim to comment and critique what was said and whether I agree or disagree…whether it has worked for me. Whether I suggest the book. etc.

WOHLGEMUTH

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Books Authors , ,

  1. Persiphone_Hellecat
    August 20th, 2008 at 20:30 | #1

    I would say that yes, there might be some copyright infringement there. However there is nothing that says you cannot review books on your blog. Pax - C

  2. Sara B
    August 21st, 2008 at 17:17 | #2

    For the author and cite the info you are not taking credit for the informaiton is mia.

  3. God_Lives_Underwater
    August 24th, 2008 at 19:11 | #3

    The source there is limit to freelance your views of writers market so and financially and review books if.

  4. mchlbrink
    August 28th, 2008 at 01:02 | #4

    For easier layman understanding then the writings would be only your opinion of statements you did not say this is only my opinionmichaelmchlbrink.

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