MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - Ereader that lets you read book synopsis/info (like a back cover)?

allanahk · 03-09-2022, 03:30 PM

Had a look through my previous posts out of curiosity and remembered this thread... I thought I would give an update.

Kindle still doesn't allow for easily viewing a synopsis in the library, so over the years I've resorted to the following:

1. Add a metadata jacket via calibre to the front of the book. Not ideal since it requires opening the book, which takes time and marks the book as 1% read.

2. Generating a mobi catalog via calibre for all books in my library. Generating in mobi format marks it as a "periodical" which makes it easy to find on my kindle (filter by periodical), easy to navigate through sections sorted by author/genre/title/recently added, doesn't have the % read in the library list, and contains all useful info on my books. This is generally how I used to navigate my library on the kindle when looking for something specific.

3. Using the calibre sync app on my iPhone linked to my calibre library stored in dropbox. I've tried a few other apps like calibre companion but they're more suited to connecting to a calibre server rather than a cloud service like dropbox (and they're kinda ugly...). I don't have a PC that's on 24/7 so I don't bother with a server. I really like calibre sync as it's easy to navigate, saves my library offline once it's synced with dropvox, and I can view/sort by all the info in my calibre library - particularly custom column info (I have quite a few custom columns - I really enjoy organising my library to a ridiculous degree). At the moment this is the method I prefer for browsing my books, and once I choose a book to read I find it on my kindle and go from there.

Honestly, I don't know if the restrictive kindle ecosystem is worth the effort, and if my current kindle voyage ever dies then I will strongly consider getting one of the new kobos instead. The lack of warm lighting and waterproofing has already made me consider upgrading, but the screen quality of the voyage is just too good and I don't like upgrading for no reason. Also, kindles are much cheaper where I live. Anyway, for now I'm content to browse my calibre library via calibre sync on my phone and use the kindle solely as a reader rather than a library browser.

03-09-2022, 03:30 PM	#111
allanahk Connoisseur Posts: 71 Karma: 2202292 Join Date: Nov 2018 Device: Kobo Libra 2	Had a look through my previous posts out of curiosity and remembered this thread... I thought I would give an update. Kindle still doesn't allow for easily viewing a synopsis in the library, so over the years I've resorted to the following: 1. Add a metadata jacket via calibre to the front of the book. Not ideal since it requires opening the book, which takes time and marks the book as 1% read. 2. Generating a mobi catalog via calibre for all books in my library. Generating in mobi format marks it as a "periodical" which makes it easy to find on my kindle (filter by periodical), easy to navigate through sections sorted by author/genre/title/recently added, doesn't have the % read in the library list, and contains all useful info on my books. This is generally how I used to navigate my library on the kindle when looking for something specific. 3. Using the calibre sync app on my iPhone linked to my calibre library stored in dropbox. I've tried a few other apps like calibre companion but they're more suited to connecting to a calibre server rather than a cloud service like dropbox (and they're kinda ugly...). I don't have a PC that's on 24/7 so I don't bother with a server. I really like calibre sync as it's easy to navigate, saves my library offline once it's synced with dropvox, and I can view/sort by all the info in my calibre library - particularly custom column info (I have quite a few custom columns - I really enjoy organising my library to a ridiculous degree). At the moment this is the method I prefer for browsing my books, and once I choose a book to read I find it on my kindle and go from there. Honestly, I don't know if the restrictive kindle ecosystem is worth the effort, and if my current kindle voyage ever dies then I will strongly consider getting one of the new kobos instead. The lack of warm lighting and waterproofing has already made me consider upgrading, but the screen quality of the voyage is just too good and I don't like upgrading for no reason. Also, kindles are much cheaper where I live. Anyway, for now I'm content to browse my calibre library via calibre sync on my phone and use the kindle solely as a reader rather than a library browser.