Copycat~Copyright

My fellow Bloggers & Writers. Please advise me as I am baffled.

What exactly is meant by "Copyright"? My trusty Dictionary defines Copyright as following: "exclusive legal right to print, publish, perform, film, or record material. protected by copyright." I by no means, ever, ever mean to copy something that I should not. I always give credit to who what & where. BUT, I don't always ask for permission.

That is where the gray area is for me.

My little Blog is by far not extraordinary. I have a very small following. I have very few comments. I am green with envy at some of my Blogger friends with their many followers and dozens of comments. I can't even imagine, having people interested in me and what I have to say. For the most part, I write to express my feelings. To feel "normal" and to share things I find that are helpful, frightful, and or interesting.

Sometimes I write about a product. A book. Or an article. Sometimes I add a photo of what I am reading and give my review. Is that wrong? Am I infringing on copyright laws?

This evening I started to photocopy the cover of a current book I am enjoying and caught the "copyright" information ...."this book may not be reproduced in whole or part, in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage & retrieval system now known or hereafter invented, without written permission from the publisher."

I really don't mean to sound silly, but, does that mean I can't write my reviews, have photos of books, and such? I am confused!

Please advise your opinion of what is the proper Blog etiquette! Your knowledge on this is much appreciated.
I really don't want to be a Copycat
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