Are Cliff Notes Right For You?

picture from http://lordoftheflies.org/img/CLIFF.JPG

Well, it really does matter your perspective on the subject. I am normally against Cliff Notes because I do not believe they are trustworthy, and can mislead you into thinking parts of the books that are on the test are not. Now, if one has read the book, and would like to use the Cliff Notes to spruce up their knowledge on the book, take a practice test, or have a plot explained, then good! I hope if helps you study, but most of the time, they are a waste of money, time, and will not even cover anything valuable on the real tests. I know that people understand the purpose for these notes, but most feel that they can avoid reading a book by reading these brief synopsis-like manuals. Books need to be read to attain all the minor and major points of the story. That is why certain teachers will ask you questions that start out with those magic words: "What is/are the significance......" Using those words, a teacher/professor will be able to use any single turning point in a story that they feel is valuable to the work. I myself have been put on the spot, and forced to think about what I have read due to these types of questions. Perhaps these books hold significance if they are used correctly, but it seems that most people see them as a substitute to real books.
I feel that the only way to tell if Cliff Notes are right for you is to read them. I may be against them, but if someone feels they can get an entire book from them, then do as you please, but it is always a good idea to use one with the other. So if you choose not to read the book, it is always a great idea to have the book alongside you. Another way of getting the jist of a story is to read essays written on the book, which can even be more helpful to reading the book. Another trick I have learned is skimming essays, and the book. Page layouts can also be found online for certain books. Although reading the book may be even easier than going through all this trouble, you are going to be doing some reading, not matter what you do. Watching the movie in place for a book is by far the most insolent thing to do, and may cost you a year in school. Do realize that movies cover less than 1/3 of a story, sometimes a little more, or a little less, but do realize directors will go outside of a plot if it is vital for the film. Never use a movie in place of a book.
So what is my take on Cliff Notes? Use them alongside the book if you have trouble remembering certain things, if you want a study guide, or if you feel you need one for security on a big test, NEVER SUBSTITUTE ONE FOR THE ACTUAL BOOK. Thank you for reading.