Tomes Cut for Time: Digital condensed books gain popularity in China

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A good book and a cup of coffee go well together. But would you want an espresso version of a book? Many in China are finding this new option right to their taste. Wu Haojun has the story.

Mrs. Wang works for an insurance company, and has to read a lot of management books in her spare time. But those are usually heavy, and the content, dry. Fortunately, there's now an alternative.

MRS. WANG QINGDAO RESIDENT "The book called 'Kill inefficiency' is quite thick. If I read it when I am off work, I need more than a week to finish it. But now, with the espresso book, I can finish it pretty quickly."

So-called "espresso" books are shortened versions of your favorite titles. An original volume 120-thousand words long can be condensed to about 10-thousand words. Depending on how fast you can read, you can be done with an espresso version in less than half an hour. These versions are now available through smartphone apps. Wang is not the only fan of the format, which is being embraced by college students.

QINGDAO UNIVERSITY STUDENT "Some of the books do not have any storyline. It is kind of boring when reading it. Condensed books can sum up the key points. It can save time and help readers understand."

QINGDAO UNIVERSITY STUDENT "It straightens up and clarifies the book's logic flow, so it helps readers to better understand the book while reading it."

E-books are already popular in China. This new trend is pushing the format's boundaries. But experts say what readers gain in time saved and effort spared comes at a cost.

FANG ZHENSAN, ASSOCIATE PROF. COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS, QINGDAO UNIVERSITY "A condensed book cannot capture the essence of the entire original copy. For example, in classic Chinese literature, A Dream of the Red Mansions, some of the scenes cannot be included in the summarized version. It will be a huge loss for the readers."

Experts stress taking the espresso short cut can't come at the expense of reading the original. Most of the books with espresso versions are about time management, inspiration, or sales. Classical literature isn't included. Efficiency is important, but don't lose sight of the forest for the leaves. Wu Haojun, CGTN.