Summer is finally winding down and it’s time for many students to get back into school and continue with their studies. For those who aren’t fans of literature, this means that dreaded reading assignments are on their way, with quizzes, tests, and book reports around every corner.
Sites like SparkNotes and CliffsNotes are often hailed as lifesavers for those reading-intensive classes, providing quick, easy-to-read study guides and summaries of books that students may not have even bothered to read at all. Still, these websites aren’t just for lazy bums, as they do make for great tools with understanding and analyzing the text.
If they don’t cover the book you’re reading, all hope is not lost. Check out these seven great alternatives to SparkNotes & CliffsNotes.
PinkMonkey
With over 460 free study guides, book notes, and chapter summaries, PinkMonkey is a great resource for students.
Along with detailed summaries, which include informative notes for further explanation, other helpful features like key literary elements, overall analyses, and study questions are offered.
Shmoop
Shmoop is one of the best sites on the Web for learning about not only literature, but also other school topics like U.S. history, poetry, civics, biography, and even current bestsellers. The website provides a brief “in a nutshell” introduction to books as well as in-depth summaries. Other features include exploring the story’s themes, quotes, characters, and literary devices, along with plot analysis and study questions.
According to Shmoop, most of its writers are Ph.D. holders candidates from top universities, so it’s all top-notch content.
JiffyNotes
If you find the book you’re reading on JiffyNotes, it’s worth looking into. While the website’s design isn’t that great, it’s the content that counts.
The site’s study guides focus on literary analysis and include chapter summaries and other unique pages like “Points to Ponder” and “Did You Know?”
GradeSaver
GradeSaver is another great place for students in need of help. A well-written summary and analysis is provided for the book’s chapters, with other helpful additions like a glossary of terms, character list, and major themes.
You can even test yourself about the literature. GradeSaver features quizzes to assess your knowledge of the book and hopefully prepare you for the real deal in class.
BookRags
BookRags has a sizable collection of free literature summaries and study guides. Along with chapter summaries, the site covers author/context, plot summary, major characters, objects/places, and quotes. Important topics about the book are also tracked and analyzed throughout the summaries.
Keep in mind that all of this is free and you don’t have to pay for BookRags’ premium service.
Bookwolf
Like JiffyNotes, Bookwolf’s design isn’t very appealing, but again, content prevails. The website goes straight to the point, offering full chapter summaries and interpretations of popular books, avoiding additional features that are common elsewhere.
Bookwolf’s literature notes are still worthwhile if you find the title you’re looking for.
WikiSummaries
At just over 300 summaries, WikiSummaries boasts a collection of mostly classic books and novels.
As a wiki, the site isn’t the biggest and greatest, but does offer good content, relying on its community for contributions and continued expansion.
Remember, don’t plagiarize! You’ll get caught. Here are some plagiarism checkers to help you out. Students should also be sure to check out these handy online learning tools and the 10+ Web tools to save your butt in school.
Do you use these websites for your assignments? What are some of your favorites and have they helped you? Let us know in the comments.
Image Credit: austinevan
