Google Books is such a mixed bag when it comes to reading full books, and I’ve spent way too much time navigating it. Some titles are completely available, especially older works in the public domain—think classics like 'Pride and Prejudice' or 'Moby Dick.' You can dive right in without restrictions. But for newer books, it’s a different story. Publishers often limit previews to snippets or a few chapters to encourage purchases. I’ve found myself hooked by a sample only to hit a paywall, which is frustrating but makes sense from a business perspective.
There’s also the 'Full View' feature, which is a lifesaver for research. Academic texts or out-of-print books sometimes have this option, but it’s hit or miss. I once needed a rare botany reference for a project, and Google Books had the whole thing digitized! For casual reading, though, your best bet is checking if the book’s marked as 'Free ebook'—those are golden. It’s not a replacement for a library or Kindle Unlimited, but it’s a handy tool if you know how to use it.