Can e-books purchased from major retailers be shared?

E-books purchased from major retailers like Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and Google Play Books may have limited sharing options, primarily depending on the platform's policies and features. Here's a brief overview of sharing options available on some major e-book platforms:

1. **Amazon Kindle**: Amazon offers a feature called "Kindle Family Library," which allows users to share eligible e-books, audiobooks, apps, and other digital content with other family members linked to the same Amazon account. However, not all Kindle e-books are eligible for sharing, and there are limitations on the number of devices that can access the shared content simultaneously.

2. **Apple Books**: Apple Books does not offer built-in family sharing features like Amazon Kindle. However, users can share purchased e-books with other family members by signing in with the same Apple ID and using the "Family Sharing" feature available on iOS and macOS devices.

3. **Barnes & Noble Nook**: Barnes & Noble Nook does not have a built-in family sharing feature similar to Kindle Family Library. However, users can lend eligible Nook e-books to other users for up to 14 days through the "LendMe" feature, which is available for select titles.

4. **Google Play Books**: Google Play Books allows users to share eligible e-books, audiobooks, and other digital content with family members through the "Family Library" feature. Family Library allows up to six family members to share purchased content, including e-books, across devices linked to the same Google account.

5. **Kobo**: Kobo does not offer built-in family sharing features like Amazon Kindle or Google Play Books. However, users can lend eligible Kobo e-books to other users for up to 14 days through the "Kobo Reading Life" feature, which is available for select titles.

While major e-book retailers may offer some sharing options, it's essential to review the specific features and limitations of each platform to understand how sharing works and what restrictions may apply. Additionally, not all e-books may be eligible for sharing due to DRM restrictions or publisher policies.